#GrowYourWriting

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 #growyourwriting skills. Watch this page throughout the year for updates. I’ll be posting ideas and resources available to achieve each badge!

I have created several badges for this challenge. Each month you can earn as many badges as you like! Please feel free to copy/paste them on your blog or social media. You can also shout out your achievements in the comments below and/or on Twitter using the #growyourwriting hashtag, and I will cheer on your progress! I will also share a monthly Twitter post where we can encourage one another!

I’m excited to introduce my Grow Your Writing Creator Interview series this month! I’m so happy to introduce them to you! Our featured creators have fabulous books, children’s music releases, writing tips, and giveaways galore! Keep an eye on this space! 

GROW YOUR WRITING RESOURCES:

PODCASTS

Spark your creativity with podcasts!

VIDEOS

KidLiterati with Author, Katelyn Aronson

Picture book University with Author, Pam Calvert

At Home Author

WRITING TIPS AND RESOURCES

Writing tips, tools and resources from Writers’ Rumpus

Picture Book First Lines series with Sara Kruger

Free Online Webinars from Top Shelf Picture Books with Rosie J. Pova

INSPIRATION FROM CREATORS

Find connection with critique partners inspired by Author and Songwriter, Tara Trudel

#GrowYourWriting by studying picture book first lines with by PB and MG Writer, Sara Kruger

Find out more about kid lit magazine writing and submission opportunities from Carrie Karnes-Fannin

Reading Mentor texts for inspiration with Laura Smetana

KID LIT WRITING CONTESTS

Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny, Halloweensie, and Holiday Writing Contests

Kid Lit Kids’ Choice Writing Contest

Vivian’s Kirkkfield’s 50 Precious Words

Spring Fling Kid Lit

KidLitVibes with the Frenzies!

Fall Writing Frenzy

Birthday Birthday Writing Contest

BADGES CHRISTINE HAS EARNED SO FAR IN 2023:

January 2023 Christine earned:

I watched two 12×12 webinars, Julie F. Hedlund’s Layered picture book course, At Home Author’s Book Marketing and revision videos

February 2023 Christine earned:

I wrote five minutes a day! I count all creative writing for this. Creating blog posts or newsletters, revisions, new drafts, words here and there in my notebook. It all helps me move forward and grow my writing!

March 2023 Christine earned:

I enter the 50 Precious Words writing contest and my entry earned 12th place!

April 2023 Christine earned:

This month I completely rewrote one of my older picture book heart stories! I changed the POV and I’m loving the new version so far!