12 x 12 in 2012 Blog Party


 





It's December already, which means it's blog party time for our 12 x 12 in 2012-ers. I put together a mini video of my picture book writing challenges and accomplishments in 2012.  I just wanted to thank Julie Hedlund and everyone involved with her group for helping me learn more about the wonderful world of picture books. Click on the badge below to find out more about the challenge.

Badge by  Linda Silvestri



Before you check out the 30 second video below

 I"ll share my list of 12 writing tips I enjoyed learning or doing this year. 

1. Writers love helping other writers

2. To stop editing as I go and just write

3. To pick just one of my kids and write for them

4. Write in other types of styles. I practiced poetry this year - Yikes! It was fun though.

5. Practicing more dialogue writing

6. Passive is the enemy

7. I took a few timeouts and enjoyed reading adult books

8. I asked for help. Professionals, critiques, and online conferences.

9. Joined the SCBWI

10. Exclamation marks are the enemy!!!!!

11. To never forget my pen & paper when I'm out

12. I need to remember not to treat my writing like it's a job

 rather write about things that inspire me.

I know, these are easier said than done, but I will try to follow them and the many more tips of advice I've received throughout this year and previous ones. 

Happy holidays everyone, and thanks for visiting!

"Substitute "damn" for every time you're inclined to write 'very;' you editor will delete it and your writing will just be as it should."
- Mark Twain

The sleighs are packed and ready



Photo Credit by J.L.Young


     






Christmas is coming!!! I can't believe I've been such a slacker. I have put everything on hold, even my writing a bit. So yesterday, I did some small time shopping and even wrapped today. My daughter and I worked on these candy sleighs for her cousins.  It was a lot of fun and easy to do.

You just need:

• wrapping paper + tape
• a variety of candy including candy canes
• bows or make your just own

Photo Credit by J.L.Young

Click on the video above for a little Harry Connick Jr.

Also, December is the very last month in the 12 x 12 in 2012 picture book challenge hosted by Julie Hedlund.  So far I have completed 11 rough drafts manuscripts, one per month starting January.  I'm looking forward to next year's challenge, the 12 x 12 in 2013.  If anyone is interesting in finding out more about the challenge please click here.

Thanks for your visit!

We’re Halfway There! 12 x 12 Blog Party

     We are six manuscripts deep and we have six more to go - YIPPEE!!!!  Julie Hedlund, host of the 12 x 12 in 2012 threw us a blog party over at her blog to celebrate our accomplishment - click here to check it out

<---- I printed all my title pages to my six drafts from January to June.
     Since I seem at always feel like I should be more productive with my writing, I recommend doing this.

 It was as if my drafts were saying, "See, you've been busy."



Now on to celebrate...

Maybe you guys can help me decide what I should do this weekend?

A) Go to the greatest restaurant in the whole world....Applebee's?

Okay, may have exaggerated with the BEST
 in the whole world but I'd order this in a heartbeat!

B) Finally order Fifty Shades of Gray for my Nook?

C) Go out dancing?

No, not with John Travolta but who knows,
he might be cutting the rug at good 'ol Applebee's

D) All of the above???

Hmmm....decisions decisions!



Thanks for dropping by my blog today and a big THANK YOU

 to Julie Hedlund for hosting the 12 x 12 in 2012!!!

     

12 x 12 in 2012: Picture Book Writing Challenge

      I just signed up to participate in the 12 x 12 in 2012: Picture Book Writing Challenge at Julie Hedlund's blog, Write Up My Life.

    This means I'm going to have to write one picture book per month for each of the twelve months of 2012 but it doesn't have to be a submission ready piece. 

     If you want to join in on the fun too, there is still time to sign up. The deadline is JANUARY 29, 2012. Just click this link here to get started: http://writeupmylife.com/2011/11/30/12-x-12-in-2012-picture-book-writing-challenge/