#GrowYourWriting Challenge 2025
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 challenge to grow your writing skills. Please feel free to join us at any time during the year.
What can you expect from the Grow Your Writing Challenge
- EARN BADGES AT YOUR OWN PACE – with resources to inspire you listed below.
- MONTHLY CHECK-INS ON SOCIAL MEDIA – this year check-ins will take place on Bluesky and Instagram. Share your progress with other participants and cheer each other on!
- GUEST BLOGGER POSTS — this includes the Creator Interview Series, Badge Bloggers, and Grow Your Writing Participant Journeys.
I wish you a productive year as you grow your writing and find joy in the journey!
Shine On!
GRAB YOUR 2025 PARTICIPANT BADGES HERE!!!
Available in 2 sizes – square and 4:5 for Instagram
GROW YOUR WRITING RESOURCES AND BADGES GUIDE
Choose to focus on one or several badges each month! Check out the links below to get started! Please feel free to contact me if you have found an awesome free resource you’d like to share with other aspiring creators in the writing community!
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
Introduction to Peek & Critique for Kidlit Writers with Renée LaTulippe | Lyrical Language Lab
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
KidLitVibes with the Frenzies!
#KidLitChuckleChallenge hosted by Julie Hauswirth, April Berry, and Kris DeCaro
Birthday Birthday Writing Contest
PERCOLATING WITH PODCASTS BADGE
Spark your creativity with podcasts!
You, Me, & the Writing Journey Podcast | Danielle Render Turm
Nonfiction KidLit Craft Conversations
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!
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
Find connection with critique partners inspired by Author and Songwriter, Tara Trudel
#KidLitChat – hosted by Greg Pincus and Bonnie Adamson on BlueSky. Tuesdays at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific.
Recurring Community events on Bluesky curated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
MENTOR TEXT READING TIME BADGE
How do you know if your story will resonate with your intended audience? By reading as many mentor texts in the genre you wish to write! This is the fun part! Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of kidlit! Visit your local library or check out some of the resources below. I find this badge is super helpful to focus on in the months that new writing seems more challenging or if you need to take a break from your manuscripts.
Reading Mentor texts for inspiration with Laura Smetana
Why Kid Lit Writer’s should read children’s books.
BRAINSTORM BLITZ BADGE
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?”
PITCH PARTY BADGE
#SkyPitch – A pitch party for picture book authors on Bluesky.
#BluePit – A Storytelling Hype & Pitch Event coming January 13, 2025.
#PitchDis: online pitch event for unagented disabled authors on Bluesky
#SmallPitch: The big pitch event for small presses & authors on X/Twitter. Next event: January 27-28, 2025. Hosts: Millie Abecassis, @florchien &@morkalmarrh. Tweets by Millie.
#YouDeservepIt – “A hype & pitch event for writers that fosters community, connection, and most of all—empowerment.” On Twitter/X Thursday January 23, 2025 9:00am EST to 11:59pm EST, On Bluesky Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am EST to 11:59pm EST
#SEAsianPit An annual hype event for self-identifying Southeast Asian writers & illustrators.
#questpit A writers hype event held on X that welcomes industry participation. Events for 2025 will take place on: February 12th, May 7th, August 6th, and November 5th.
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!