12 Days for Writers: Day 3

Children’s author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year’s resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity – what DIDN’T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! Here is my list for 2021.

My writing successes in 2021! 

First and foremost… I’m showing up! Whether thinking of ideas while homeschooling my children or taking them to the park, or writing during my 3 am magic writing hour.

1- I rejoined Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 challenge for the first time since 2013!

2- I wrote 21 picture book drafts in 2021 and “won” the 12×12 challenge.

3- Pitch event success progression. The first pitch event I participated in in Feb. 2021 resulted in 1 like. I continued revising my projects and pitches throughout the year, and by the Sept. 2021 pitmad event, my pitches received over 20 likes!

4- I enrolled in Children’s Book Academy’s Illustration and Children’s Book Course in Spring 2021. I had an eye-opening experience learning more about the illustration process of picture book writing.

5- I became a Storyteller Academy Member and as a result, enjoyed fantastic content!

6- After years of digging deep and self-reflection I’ve opened up enough to allow stories highlighting my mixed-heritage and childhood experiences to shine through. I’m look forward to finding the joy in sharing more of my own stories.

7- I’ve been accepted for a  3 Month ONLINE Picture Book Mentorship: Creating a Body of Work for Publication with Rosie J. Pova. I’m over the moon excited! What an excellent way to ring in the new year in 2022!