12x12 Update

As many of you know, I am participating in Julie Hedlund's 12x12 challenge for the second time around. Last year I completed my goal of writing 12 new picture book manuscripts in 2012. One of them -- my June MS is currently being polished and is almost ready to be sent on submissions. Since it has been a topic on my mind this week, my Wordless Wednesday post is dedicated to that project.






So how am I doing with the challenge this year, so far?

Jan: Completed!

Feb: Nothing yet.

March: Nothing yet.

As you can see, I'm a little behind on the pb writing this year, but exciting things are happening for me on the writing front. After a nearly two month new idea drought, two finally came to me this week. One involves trains, the other involves aliens -- which makes make smile immensely. I think being a picture book writer is one of the most delightful things on earth. I'm so happy to be following my passion and to have found a group of like-minded individuals who are doing the same.

I'm a 12x12 Winner!

12x12 Winner Badge

I'm a Winner! I can scarcely believe it.

As you can probably tell by my lack of blogging, writing has not been my main focus for the past few months. I was actually on track to finish the 12x12 challenge on time or even early, but then November came and went and... no draft. Then December ALMOST came and went, and I was down two drafts! Eek!

On Dec. 30th I sat in front of the blank screen, all these horrible voices in my head saying I couldn't do it, and I just jotted down an idea or two, and began writing.... and here I am!

I cannot begin to describe how helpful this challenge has been for me this year. Thank you, Julie Hedlund, for hosting! Each time I felt lost, or alone in my struggles, I remembered that there were many other writers out there in the same boat, and that brought me comfort. Now I have twelve drafts to be proud of!