#GrowYourWriting Challenge 2024
Are you a kidlit writer who wants to sharpen your skills on a budget? Do you like badges? If so, you will enjoy this fun, low-pressure, self-paced, and FREE challenge to grow your writing skills. Please feel free to join us at any time during the year.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural year in 2023 and to all the Creators who joined our interview series! I can’t wait to introduce you to our featured 2024 creators. They have fantastic books, writing tips, and giveaways galore!
I’ve designed new badges for the 2024 Grow Your Writing Challenge, including a participant badge for pledging to grow your writing in 2024.
Fill out this pledge form, and I will add your name to the participant list on this page!
Each month, you can earn as many badges as you like! Please feel free to copy/paste them to share you progress on your blog or social media. You can also shout out your achievements in the comments on X (Twitter) using the #growyourwriting hashtag, and I will cheer on your progress! I will also share a monthly X (Twitter) check-in post where we can encourage one another and share our accomplishments.
Shine On!
Meet Your Co-Hosts:
Christine Alemshah | Alison McGauley | Becky Walker
GRAB YOUR 2024 PARTICIPANT BADGE HERE!!!
Sign the 2024 Pledge form here.
2024 #GrowYourWriting Challenge Participants
Christine Alemshah, Yoli Garcia, Lisa, Michelle Steinberg, Jessica Russo, Beth Volkmann
Angela Lucille Longo, Julie Hauswirth, Jany Campana, Angel Gantnier, Krista Legge, Marta Costello
Cheryl Simon, Janet Flora Corso, Kelly Clasen, Adriana Gutierrez, Jess Burbank
Amy King, Abby Gatenby, Steena Hernandez, Lori Clement, Maritere R. Bellas, Cynthia Mackey
Alison McGauley, Becky Walker, Hannah Roy LaGrone, Jess Freeman, Erin Ragan Kelly
Mariana Ríos Ramírez, Laura Petrisin, Lori Williams, Stephanie Henson, Jacqueline Lindsey
Sharon Korzelius, Thelia Hutchinson, Jackie K. Shea, Melissa Stiveson, Kelly Birdsong
Rachell Abalos, Brandy Bellittera, Bonnie Sauerbier, Stephanie, Carrie Karnes-Fannin, Elizabeth James
Lauren Simmons, Nicole Garnett, A.D. Kemp, Suzanne Elson, Angela Jelf, Suhasini Gupta
Kristen Kwisnek, Susan Burdorf, Jenna Johnson, Julianna Helt, April Berry, Cheryl Malandrinos
GROW YOUR WRITING RESOURCES AND BADGES
What activities have you participated in this month to grow your writing?
WRITING VIDEOS/WEBINARS BADGE
#PBPowerHour – Hosted monthly by Jamie Rodarte, Judy Campbell-Smith, Kamilla Milligan, Jennifer Treuting, Amanda Dowell, Tunisia Williams, and Abigail Mumford. A virtual and free action-packed hour of craft with new writing exercises available each month. Sign up at www.jamierodarte.com to get reminder emails + the zoom link.
KidLiterati with Author, Katelyn Aronson
Picture book University with Author, Pam Calvert
At Home Author YouTube Channel
The Kidlit Social webinar replays – presented by Children’s Book Insider
YOU ARE A WRITER SERIES – A series of free online workshops hosted by SCBWI and PEN AMERICA
12×12 Picture Book Challenge YouTube Channel
Bookends Literary Agency Youtube Channel
PB Jamz hosted by Author, Tonnye Fletcher – A video series spotlighting picture books with musical hooks!
WRITING CONTEST BADGE
Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny, Halloweensie, and Holiday Writing Contests
Vivian’s Kirkkfield’s 50 Precious Words
PBParty Annual Contest hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss
KidLit Kids Choice Contest by Kailei Pew – Stay tuned! New information for the 2024 coming soon!
KidLitVibes with the Frenzies!
Birthday Birthday Writing Contest
PERCOLATING WITH PODCASTS BADGE
Spark your creativity with podcasts!
Some of Christine’s favorite kidLit inspired podcasts:
NEW WRITING BADGE
Did you write a NEW PB draft, short story, blog post, journaling, a specific word count, chapters, poetry, etc? You fill in the blank and celebrate! All new writing counts!
Writing tips, tools and resources from Writers’ Rumpus
Picture Book First Lines series with Sara Kruger
Creative Writing Conscious Style Guide – Author Karen Yin’s writing resource for mindful and inclusive depictions of marginalized groups.
Creating Picture Books: A resource by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Find out more about kid lit magazine writing and submission opportunities from Carrie Karnes-Fannin
Writing, Revision, and Submission tips with Author and Translator, Gabriella Aldeman
#HaikuSaturday hosted on X/Twitter by Susan Andrews
REVISION RETREAT BADGE
I firmly believe that writing magic happens during the revision process. Take a look at stories you’ve written or even just notes or lines here and there. Puzzle it out. Revising is a wonderful way to grow your writing!
6 Tips for Revising Picture Books
Revision 911 for Fiction: Picture Books
Favorite Picture Book Revision Tips
5 Tips to Self-Edit a Children’s Book with Author, Chelsea Tornetto
CULTIVATE CONNECTIONS BADGE
Getting involved in the kidlit community is a game changer for many. Of course, finding a place that resonates with you is key! Did you join a critique group? Find a kidlit community that resonates? Visit an in-person meet up or conference? Keep exploring until you find a place where you thrive!
Find connection with critique partners inspired by Author and Songwriter, Tara Trudel
MidWeekCritique – Online weekly critique giveaway on X/Twitter hosted by Lori Keating, Christine Alemshah, Elizabeth James, and April Berry.
PB Workshop Discord – An online community for picture book creators hosted by Nathan Christopher.
Mighty Kid Lit – An online kid lit community hosted by Michelle Ziemke
Storytime Sprint – Hosted by Ryann Jones and Andy Chitty. Online events where authors read their debut books. Afterward, if you review their book you are entered in a giveaway!
10 Ways to Find a Critique Group by Carrie Finison
#KidLitChat – hosted by Greg Pincus and Bonnie Adamson on Bluesky. Tuesdays at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific. Please feel free to message me if you need a bluesky invite code.
MENTOR TEXT READING TIME BADGE
Reading Mentor texts for inspiration with Laura Smetana
Why Kid Lit Writer’s should read children’s books.
BRAINSTORM BLITZ
Sometimes growing our writing happens with a good brainstorm session. Whether it’s scribbling on a napkin, taking down a voice memo in the car, creating a mind map, or digging our heels into research.
Tara Lazar’s Storystorm – Storystorm in January is a great way to start brainstorming ideas to use throughout the year. Guest Bloggers throughout the month provide guidance for creators to access and come back to for inspiration all year long.
Rachelle’s Resources for Writers – a treasure trove of resources for KidLit Creators. A perfect place to start if you’re feeling stuck, or have a specific questions such as “How do I find a critique group?” or “How do I get started with book marketing?”
JOIN MY MAILING LIST AND DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIES HERE
GROW YOUR WRITING MERCH SHOP
PAID LEARNING PATHS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN KIDLIT
Pro-Tip: Some paid opportunities will have FREE preview opportunities of which, I’ve listed those I’m aware of!
Storyteller Academy – Occasionally offers free weeks to preview content
SCBWI – yearly membership. Provides free digital resources and webinars for members.
PB Retreat by Ebony Lynn Mudd
12×12 Picture Book Challenge with host Julie Hedlund
Rosie J. Pova’s Workshops, Mentorships and Resources for KidLit Authors – Follow @RosiePOV on X/Twitter to sign up for FREE workshop/webinar opportunities throughout the year.
Classes for Picture Book Writers with Valerie Bolling – You can contact Valerie for more information.
KidLitHive by Justin Colon
Highlights Foundation Upcoming Workshops
SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Sub it Club – Join the club to learn more about the querying process and get your work out in the world.
100 Publishers accepting children’s books – No Agent Needed by from Bitsey Kemper
Mentorship Programs
Queer KidLit Mentorship Program
Print journals/magazines
Little Thoughts Press – A print lit magazine that publishes words and illustrations by adults and Childrens. Open submission periods occur several times throughout the year.
The Toy Press – A print journal that features stories, art & poems for children under 10.
Online Publications
The Dirigible Balloon – An Online Kidlit Poetry Bank. Submissions currently closed but open periodically. A great space for reading inspiration!
Online Pitch Parties