Nadia's Notables
May/June 2026 Newsletter
Dear Reader,
I’m realizing how precious time is and how long things really take. I’m a cancer survivor after all and as I say in my play “Wheel and Turn” (coming to Hamilton Fringe Festival 2026):
“After cancer, your life, I mean nothing looks the same again.
I learned that time is so precious.
It can all end tomorrow.”
And as bleak as that might sound, these words were as true for me at the age of 33 as they are 15 years later. With breaks and Pommodoro technique, I work with much more focus, but then, everything also takes longer than I expect. My ADHD can make time planning and allocation challenging, so I am constantly trying to manage my most precious resource effectively. I am reminded of a conversation I had a few years ago with a fellow author of colour. As published as we were, we both felt that time was running out, that the window of opportunity for us to write and publish books featuring diverse characters and stories was narrowing. The result: A constant and efficient writing practice!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been listening to audiobooks by Laura Vanderkam, a time specialist and author. It’s been transformative for me. (Read about it here.) I’ve been learning new ways to include the other things I love to do (read physical books, play the piano, interior design my home, exercise, attend arts events) alongside my work, and it has been transformative. The result: I wrote my first of two short novels (writer for hire projects) in a week, applied to calls for submission, daily workouts and more frequency at the gym, and more. (Read my post about it here.)
As I move through one of my busiest seasons—June, July, and August are full with report card deadlines, theatre production, IBBY World Congress prep, PBRS mentoring, teaching the creative writing, and completing book projects— I am so grateful that I get to do what I love to do while figuring out the best way to do it. I continue to learn and be challenged by the fine art of balancing my time, while making the time for what is most important. How do you balance your time?
Have a blessed day!
— Nadia
In this issue
- Writeous CentreStage Showcase
- Teaching the Joy of Picture Books at Summer School
- Picture Book Rising Stars
- New book news
Writeous CentreStage
“Theatre astounds me. It always has. And that exciting mix of feelings— the tears, the butterflies, the anticipation, the bated breath— was the same for me, I found out, whether I performed my play or watched actors perform the scenes I wrote. I know that I’m still fairly new at this.”
Check out my post about having my scenes staged at the Nia CentreStage Showcase.
Visit the link here for the full article.
Teaching the Joy of Picture Books at Summer School
I will be instructing the Writing for Children: Picture Books courseat the University of Toronto School for Continuing Studies (UTSCS) Summer School (July 6-10, 2026).
After a four year hiatus of releasing books and teaching public school, I will be returning to teach at UTSCS. During that time, I published four books (3 of which are picture books, book #11 is a 2026 Blue Spruce nominee), completed my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph, wrote a few stories, started a new role as an elementary school librarian, support diverse authors in their own writing, and toured a bit.
And now, I’m back… ready to share what I’ve learned in picture books.
I’ve been teaching online courses since spring 2020 and will be teaching it in person for the first time. Register for this in-person class at the link here:
https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/3529-summer-writing-school-picture-books
Picture Book Rising Stars
I am a 2026 PB RISING STARS Mentor. She is 1 of 40 selected mentors in the program’s final year. I am excited to work with her Mentee Anousha Vakani and runner up Chanda Agarwal. @nadialhohn_author @anoushavakani @chanda.storyteller
There were thousands of submissions to the PB RISING STARS program.
PB RISING STARS is run by volunteers.
Founded by US Kidlit authors Ebony Mudd and Kaillei Pew , “the PBRS Collective exists to help picture book creators grow their craft, careers, confidence, and community with intentional support that goes deeper than surface-level advice.”
“PB Rising Stars Collective is a long-term creative ecosystem for picture book authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators who are ready to grow their craft, careers, and community with real 1:1 support, real strategy, and real access.”
New book news
1ST BOOK REVIEW OF MY NEXT BOOK
I’m so thankful and thrilled to receive my first review for my next book, Stop AntiBlack Racism: 8 Ways to Act Now… and it’s glowing. It will be out in October 2026.
To read the entire review in the School Library Journal, please visit here https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/review/stop-antiblack-racism-8-ways-to-act-now-100011651
To find out more about Stop AntiBlack Racism, my twelfth book, please visit https://www.orcabook.com/Stop-AntiBlack-Racism?srsltid=AfmBOoqHIlcnPCfJ0AceMrxdT8WnpqMp_H1VbZD15J8WIkLpOKmouuy4 .
On April 24, I signed an agreement for my thirteenth and fourteenth books. 📚 Time to get to work. Stay tuned for details.
These will be my 3rd and 4th agented books. I’m so thankful to have an agent now to do all of the fine work of negotiations, so I don’t need to and can focus on other things.
What’s up next?
It's always insightful to read everything you write. I appreciate how vulnerable and honest you are as you overcome obstacles to achieve your goals, appreciate life, and teaching and mentoring journey; all the best this summer with your full plate!