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…
Tag: children’s books
12 x 12 in 2021 – Back after a long break!
It’s official! I’ve signed up for the 12 x 12 Challenge hosted by Julie Hedlund! My first time doing so since 2013. I had started participating the previous year, in fact here is my original badge from 2012. I can hardly believe it’s been that long! So far I have 1 full draft, 2 partials &…
My first picture book ever written
Yesterday I visited my Mom in Pinon Hills, CA. We ate delicious organic plums from her local co-op and celebrated her soon-to-be born baby bull terrier puppies. We also rummaged around in old boxes and shared old memories. That’s when we found the picture book that started it all “Kimberly’s Time Machine”, written by 10…
Hats, hats, and more hats…
Today I spent a relaxing Sunday in Del Mar, CA with my sister and her fiance. We had brunch at The beautiful Brigantine situated adjacent to the Del Mar Race Tracks. They are preparing for the first horse race of the season. I spent much of my youth in San Diego and not once have…
Library Days: Mission Viejo Library
The return of summer means the return of library days for me. I always find them to be bustling with excitement. On my way inside I observed this beautiful mosaic butterfly. The tiles reminded me of tiny replicas of the delicious books that awaited me inside. Of course, I always make a beeline for the…
Giveaway Winner for Away We Go by Chieu Urban
It was such a delight interviewing Chieu Urban last week. She is such an amazing and creative women. Can you believe she designed this diaper cake? The colors a vibrant, bright, and bold. A wonderful reflection of the colorful that awaits AWAY WE GO readers. I can just imagine mom-to-be’s face when she saw this…
An awesome place to read Children’s Books Online: We Give Books
I have recently discovered a wonderful resource for children’s books online called “We Give Books,” a relatively new digital initiative that allows anyone with internet access the ability to read a large, quality selection of children’s book titles. Check out there video below to find out more. So far I have read and loved the…
Library Days: Laguna Beach Library
Today, the hubby and I spent the day in Laguna Beach. A cozy breakfast at Heidelburg Cafe followed by a casual stroll and a breezy ride on the free shuttle. I took many deep breaths of salty, fresh-sea air. And then do you know where I wanted to go? The library, of course! We both…
Leaving Room
When writing picture book texts have you ever heard the following advice? ‘You must leave room for the illustrations.’ I know I have. As a largely intuitive person, I have soaked in the knowledge from classes, conferences, workshops, and reading slowly over time. I can compare my picture book texts from two years ago…
12 x 12 in 12
It’s official! I’ve signed up to for the 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge hosted by Julie Hedlund! What is this challenge all about?The premise is simple. Write 12 full picture books (with a beginning, middle, and end) in 2012. It’s ok if they’re not submission ready. The idea is just to put pen to page,…