Grey McCallister

I’m a mother, disabled kid lit writer, kitchen witch, activist, and MFA graduate living in TX by way of AL.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

@PitchDis Where did Middle Grade and YA submissions land this year?

[#PitchDis @PitchDis]

Whether you've participated in #PitchDis before or this is your first time, here are some reminders!

[Tali Shammas @talishammas]

"A debut thriller that secured a massive seven-figure, two-book deal following a 14-way auction was pulled by [its agents] after readers and reviewers flagged telltale stylistic hallmarks of artificial intelligence."

The horrors persist.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

@rrreadsbooks I just completed my creative thesis for my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

This is a wonderful (and hopeful) read.

[Vicky Weber - Agent, Author, Educator @vickyweberbooks]

My last Substack opened up so many conversations that I figured I’d keep it going: https://t.co/k1VuLM77GH

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

@vickyweberbooks Thank you for the reminder. Between MFA work and the query trenches, some days it feels like I’m drowning. Today is one of those days.

[Vicky Weber - Agent, Author, Educator @vickyweberbooks]

A lot of success stories skip the part where someone almost quit for very reasonable reasons.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Day seven of observations as a writing recluse: Since losing my son, Lucci, I sometimes worry about characters when reading. I know it’s silly. But grief isn’t rational. So, now when triggered, I pray for those out wilding it in the world experiencing similar traumas. #amwriting

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Day Six of observations as a writing recluse: Winter is this recluse’s preferred season as it welcomes cozy clothes and cozy meals and cozy reads, all tucked safely inside a cozy home. #writing #writerslife

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Day Five of observations as a writing recluse: I suspect my future funeral will one day be described as an intimate affair. Perhaps, I will enlist actors to keep attendees and loved ones guessing. A jilted lover. A long lost twin. A theatre rival. #writing #writerslife

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Day Four of observations as a writing recluse: I respect how librarians often hoard each spoken word like prized jewels and suspect they would make excellent coven mates. #writers #WritingCommmunity #WritingLife

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

The writing recluse failed to post an observation yesterday as she was busy doing writing recluse stuff. Please accept this video of deer playing on the farm this morning instead.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Day Two of observations as a writing recluse: Apparently, when loved ones state “you should join a club” a silent book club is not what they have in mind. #Writers #WritingCommmunity #writerslife

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

In an attempt to engage with this platform more, I will offer one observation a day as a writing recluse.

Observation 1: British murder mysteries have taught me that should a crime happen nearby, my cat can, in fact, not provide an acceptable alibi. #writinglife

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

Winter residency was filled with amazing lectures and workshop intensives. Although, I fear the plethora of book recommendations may extend my reading list into 2028.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

The tension. The conflict. Culinary Class Wars is a k-drama, and nobody can convince me otherwise.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

I like to judge each day’s mental capacity by the ease in which I complete the NYT’s Connections. It looks like today might be a rough one.

[Gabino Iglesias @Gabino_Iglesias]

Monthly reminder: Many people have a book in them, but it takes a special kind of freak to leave the Land of Laziness, cross the Plains of Procrastination and Insecurity Mountain, find the Blade of No One Made You Do This, and use it to cut your chest open and yank that book out.

[Grey McCallister @GreyMcCallister]

@rrreadsbooks I agree. There was definitely a hefty dose of cringe writing in season five, but the afterworld scene with Mike and the gang was really beautiful.