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Meet the #MidWeekCritique Team
#MidWeekCritique is a monthly initiative started by children’s writer Lori M. Keating to giveaway 3 – non-rhyming PB critiques of up to 700 words. It’s gone over wonderfully, and Lori felt called to build a team to reach more writers each month. This past month I joined the #MidWeekCritique team along with April Berry and Elizabeth James. Learn more about the group and its founder, Lori M. Keating. To enter the weekly contest, follow the #MidWeekCritique hashtag each week on Twitter and comment with your favorite GIF! Lori M. Keating How long have you been writing picture books? The very first picture book I wrote (and illustrated) was for a…
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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…
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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 & 2 revisions under my belt for 2021. 12×12 will be the extra boost needed to stay motivated this year! There’s still time to sign up if you’d like to join in on this fun picture book writing journey. Now-Feb. 28, 2021. What is this challenge all about?The premise is simple. Write 12 full picture books…
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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 year old yours truly. This book single-handedly stirred up the creative-writing bug in me for years to come! I did all the writing and illustrations. I even went through revisions with my editor (teacher). The story was about a young girl who built a time machine to visit the future, and all the mishaps…
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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 I headed out to the races. That is going on my bucket list for sure! After brunch, we made our way to the Cedros District. And we could not help but try on all the gorgeous hats! We can’t show up to the races without fabulous hats after all. Several wonderful picture books featuring hats…
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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 children’s section, specifically the picture book wall. I like to start by looking at the return cart. This way I can see what books fancy young readers. Today I picked five books from this cart to study. Ah … I just love devouring new picture books. It helps me improve my craft and reminds me…
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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 display. Today’s winner is in for a delightful treat. So without further adieu, I’d like to announce today’s giveaway recipient is … Romelle Broas Congratulations Romelle! Enjoy!
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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 following stories: Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd – A witty, modern day parody of a classic picture book. Start Saving, Henry by Nancy Carlson – A fun tale that illustrates the benefits of saving vs. spending. Dog Wants to Play by Christine McDonnell – Sparse with words, but fun and slightly rhyming. Follows dog on a search…
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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 brought our laptops and found comfy chairs to lounge in. We had a lovely ocean view. The sunscreeny smell throughout constantly reminded me that the beach was only yards away. We stayed for hours. I explored the children’s book section and found so many amazing picture books to read. Like these ones. All the new…
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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 to texts from today and see a difference — more room. So how can you achieve this in your own writing? Here’s a few things that have worked for me. 1) Reading at least 30-40+ classic & new picture books. I don’t just mean flip through the pages, get the general gist of the…
