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12×12 Update

As many of you know, I am participating in Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 challenge for the second time around. Last year I completed my goal of writing 12 new picture book manuscripts in 2012. One of them — my June MS is currently being polished and is almost ready to be sent on submissions. Since it has been a topic on my mind this week, my Wordless Wednesday post is dedicated to that project.

So how am I doing with the challenge this year, so far?

Jan: Completed!

Feb: Nothing yet.

March: Nothing yet.

As you can see, I’m a little behind on the pb writing this year, but exciting things are happening for me on the writing front. After a nearly two month new idea drought, two finally came to me this week. One involves trains, the other involves aliens — which makes make smile immensely. I think being a picture book writer is one of the most delightful things on earth. I’m so happy to be following my passion and to have found a group of like-minded individuals who are doing the same.

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5 Things to do while playing The Waiting Game

I have to confess, I have become a little preoccupied with checking my e-mail and mailbox for the past few weeks…wishing and hoping to receive news about recent manuscript submissions. Of course, it can take many months to hear anything however, I’ve been told one of my stories is currently under consideration. (Squeal!) It is so hard to contain that shred of hope I have in my heart without getting carried away. I have desperately been trying to find other things to keep those pushy little — “today’s the day, go check the mail!” monsters at bay.

If you are playing the waiting game like me, here are five things you can try to get your mind off the waiting. Now if only there were a permanent solution…

1) Redesign your blog (I did this one this morning!)
Ok, ok — I have been told that redesigning your blog can be confusing to the reader. For me though, I think of it like revising a story. My blog didn’t quite have the look and feel I was going for. So I took a hard look at it, thought about my vision and revised. I am actually quite happy with the outcome. What do you think?

2) Do some yoga.
So I haven’t done this yet, but I intend to. Yoga calms me and reminds me to take deep breaths. It also helps to clear your mind and strengthen your body.

3) Network with other writers.
Have you ever visited Verla Kay’s Message Boards for Children’s Writers and Illustrators? I joined recently. It is a wonderful community of writers and illustrators. They share good news, bad news, and even no news! I also enjoy being able to relate and commiserate to people who know exactly how I feel and have been where I’ve been.

4)  Engage in an extracurricular activity or plan a vacation.
Love the beach or eating fondue? Maybe you paint or like dancing? I love to sing. Karaoke is like therapy for me and I have been wanting to visit British Columbia for quite some time…

5) Write something new or revise old writing projects.
Sometimes when you’re waiting for news it’s hard to focus on current works in progress. You can feel bogged down or blocked.  Maybe you can revitalize yourself by trying to write something new? Or take out something old and look at it again with “fresh eyes?” Sure, these stories will need some revision but it can be fun to reconnect to an old story.

Best of luck everyone!