Kicking Off a New Writing Year

With the beginning of January and a new calendar year, also comes the start of a new 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge year, the goal during which is twelve new picture book rough drafts in twelve months. This particular year is full of hope and progress for me as I've upgraded my membership from silver to gold. Looking forward to a year of motivation, inspiration, persistence, production and interaction.

Reading for Research Month

I am excited to be participating in ReFoReMo again this year.  What a wonderful month of inspiration and information.  Join in the fun and dive into the reading-writing connection with wonderful posts and mentor texts.  Registration is accepted through Monday, March 4.

Learn more at http://www.reforemo.com.

Storystorm Success

A storm of ideas it was through the month of January. I generated 31 ideas in 31 days, one of which has already been developed into my first rough draft of the year.  Thank you, Tara Lazar, for providing this opportunity to kick off the new year right!

Picture Book Summit 2017

Meet Dash...he is everywhere these days getting others excited about the upcoming Picture Book Summit 2017.  October 7, 2017, is rapidly approaching.  What a day it will be! Even if one is unable to attend live, replays are available for a period of time after to listen, or re-listen, to all information and presentations. It is an incredible experience and well worth every cent.

It is not too late to sign up. For more information on speakers and workshops or to register, go to http://picturebooksummit.com.

Tommy dePaola, Carole Boston Weatherford, Adam Rex, Julie Hedlund, Steve Swinburne, Laura Backes Bard, Brenda Bowen...need I say more?

Now, Dash away, Dash away, Dash away all and sign up!

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

For anyone in the Sioux Falls, SD, area on Saturday, February 25, Barnes & Noble is hosting a book fair which will support and raise funds for our Dakotas chapter of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.

Kids can enjoy story time, activities (including an illustration demonstration by Elise Parsley and caricature drawings by Chuck Bennis) and a Dr. Seuss celebration.  Adults can enjoy books, drinks and treats in the cafe as well as discounts on cheesecake purchases Saturday in the deli.

Use code #12054516 at checkout or mention the book fair promo to the cashier.

For anyone not in the Sioux Falls area tomorrow and interested in participating, shop online at www.bn.com from February 25, 2017 to March 2, 2017 and use code #12054516 in the space for "book fair id" at checkout.

Thanks in advance for supporting our SCBWI Dakotas chapter and happy shopping, reading, coffee drinking and treat eating!

Renewed Energy

Last weekend was our regional SCBWI Dakotas conference.  Terrific speakers, networking with other authors and illustrators from our region and hearing from others about their writing lives has brought renewed energy and focus to my own writing life.  I'm excited to embark on the edits necessary with my current WIPs as well as start the new stories rolling around in my brain begging to be written.

I have seen this wonderful quote before but saw it again recently post-conference.  It just re-affirmed why I do what I do.  As many of you know, many believe writing for kids is a piece of cake because it can't possibly be hard to write such short books for kids.  HA! As many of you also know, it is very hard to write tight, short books that kids will love to read over and over again and parents will agree to read to kids over and over again.  That is why reading quotes like Ms. L'Engle's is always so affirming.

I would love to hear your stories about those you've encountered who think writing for kids is something anyone can do and how you handle those sentiments when they do arise should you be willing to share.