Pre-Smart Dummies Starts Now!

Note: All future blog posts will be at my new website: https://www.daniduck.com/blog/ 
If you aren't currently getting emails from my new website please re-register your
email there. You should not get double emails with this list!

To sign up for Smart Dummies go here:
https://www.daniduck.com/register-for-smart-dummies-2019/ and be sure to sign
up for emails!

This year Smart Dummies is going to be a bit different. I’m going to work to make
this more of a community event! I’m hoping we can help each other to make stronger
dummies. Not only that but I want as many people as possible to actually finish their
dummies this year!

What’s leaving Smart Dummies 2019?

Besides being on this new web address Smart Dummies will not be having guest and
likely not prizes this year. I will be removing the calendar from the Smart Dummies
booklet.

I’ve had to think hard about this, because I don’t have time to run it like I have in
previous years. However I’m hoping what we lose will be regained in new parts of
the event.

What’s Staying the Same?

We’ll still be having critique groups, badges, and the Smart Dummies digital workbook
will be back soon! Weekly posts will let you know what we are doing all week long!

What’s New?

I’m hoping to get a few more people helping out with Process Posts (see below). These
posts will be hosted on other blogs with links from my blog. I’m hoping to have (or find)
answers to all of your Dummy Creation Questions! There will be more action on the
Facebook Group (BTW everyone is welcome to post non-promotional material there).
There is the possibility of a twitter/video chats. And maybe a few surprises. I will be
adjusting the calendar in the Smart Dummies booklet to reflect the different subjects we
are covering.

Process Posts

The post below is something I’ve already posted on Facebook. I’m looking for help
with process posts. Do you have any of these posts already on your blog? Great, just let
me know, send me a link and photo from your post and I’ll share it during Smart Dummies! 

Looking for people who have a technique or process they’d like to share. Your post
about this does not have to be on my blog (but it can be). It can be something from an
old post of yours. Here are some of the subjects I’m looking for, but it doesn’t have to be
limited to these:

• Turning Public Domain Stories into Picture Books
• Marking up a Script for Illustration
• Researching Images
• Doodling
• Character Design
• Character Emotions
• Thumbnails
• Loose Page Drafts
• Preparing Substrates (traditional artists)
• Any Posts About Technique
• Anything Else to do with Art or Dummies

Challenge Yourself in 2018

Here are different writing and art events you can use to challenge yourself this year!
Challenges are Writers (W), Artists (A.), or both (B.) Start planning out your year now.

Did I miss any great challenges? Let me know in the comments below! I believe all these challenges are still running.

January

W. Storystorm by Tara Lazar starts (previously PiBoIdMo). Get 30 book ideas in 30 days. Sign up late December - early January).

A. #kidlitart on Twitter starts it's PB Dummy Challenge. Challenge lasts 6 months. Last year they mixed things up and did the Build a Portfolio Challenge instead (#BAPC) and also did an Kidlitart Art Challenge (#kidlitart28). Join #kidart on Twitter Thursday nights at 9pm EST for more information!

B. Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12 sign up starts and runs through February. Finish 12 picture books in 12 months. Lots of great webinars, prizes and support. Gold members can submit their work directly to editors and agents.

February

A. Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 starts. Normally this challenge runs in January. This year it runs February 1st - March 2nd. 

March

W. Chapter Book Challenge (ChaBooCha) runs this month. Hosted by Becky Fyfe. Finish your chapter book in 30 days.

W. Janice Hardy's Revise Your Novel in 30 Days  Get your novel edited in 30 days.

B. Reading for Research Month (ReFoReMo) Sign up starts February 15th. Read books to improve your own writing!

W. 50 Precious Words Runs March 2nd - 6th. Hosted by Vivian Kirkfield. Write a 50 word story with a beginning, middle and end.

April

W. Angie Karchers Rhyme Revolution For the month of April Angie posts a different writing challenge every day. Challenges must be completed daily and posts commented on to win prizes.

May

W. National Picture Book Writing Week: Write seven picture book manuscripts in one week. Hosted by Paula Yoo.

June

A. Daisy Yellow Index Card A Day Challenge. In this two month challenge your create one piece of
artwork every day for 61 days.

July

A. World Watercolor Month  Create 31 Watercolor Paintings in 31 Days. Hosted by the World Watercolor Group founded by Charlie O'Shields.

August

I couldn't find a challenge that's still running for this month!

September

A. Smart Dummies starts! Create a Picture Book Dummy in 30 days. Sign up in August 15th through the first week of September. Hosted by yours truly (Dani Duck).

A. Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 catch this one if you missed it in February!

October

A. Inktober starts (#inktober on Instagram and Twitter). Create 30 inked drawings in 30 days! Created by Jake Parker

November

W. National Novel Writing Month. Get your Novel written in 30 days!

December

A. December Watercolor Challenge Hosted by the World Watercolor Group founded by Charlie O'Shields.

Other Challenges

A. Doodle Day This is the challenge that never ends! Started in May 2013 this was meant to be a month long daily drawing challenge. Alison K. Hertz started this not knowing what it was. Now she'll continue hosting this forever just because!

A. Illustration Friday A weekly art challenge. No official sign up needed.

A. Draw This! A monthly challenge (due on the 20th of every month). Hosted by the SCBWI. Participants must be current SCBWI members to win.

B. Sub Six A challenge to submit 6 picture books in a year. Most people submit far more, so it's mostly a support group. Need permission from Alayne Kay Christian, Stacy Stenberg Jensen, or Debbie Bernstein LaCroix to join the Facebook group.

A. 52-Week Illustration Challenge by Nicky Johnston. Create 1 illustration a week for 52 weeks. Participants post their current week's illustrations in the facebook group.

W. Inky Girl's Daily Words Debbie Ridpath Ohi hosts. This is to help writers short on time come up with a regular regiment for writing. There are great badges you can put on your blog for writing as little as 100 or for 15 minutes a day. There is no formal sign up. 

A. Color Collective A weekly art challenge on Twitter based on color.

Want a reading or blogging challenge? Feed Your Fiction Addiction has a huge list of reading challenges as does Girloxox.com I'm sure several of the challenges repeat on these, so if you can't find what you are looking for on one the other likely has it!

Akemi Ito and Suzanne Del Rizzo Join Smart Dummies!

Akemi Ito is joining the Smart Dummies to give a wonderful step by step process post so you can see how she does her work.

Suzanne Del Rizzo will be joining us with an interview. I asked her all the hard questions. I forgot to ask her about ice cream, but that will have to wait until another time.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much as I should! My brain is leaking out my ears right now. Know I'm working on making this event spectacular. I should have a few good art posts up soon!

Meg Miller and Julie Hedlund Join Smart Dummies!

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that Meg Miller (head of ReviMo) and Julie Hedlund (head of the 12x12) have agreed to be guests for the Smart Dummies challenge! I will keep you up to date on new people who join this event.

If you would like to write a guest post for the pre or post event please contact me here: http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/p/contact-me.html I would like some small posts about art & design techniques, things about submitting (for the post event) and anything else relating to picture books or dummies.

Announcing Picture Book Dummy Month!

Officially Announcing Picture Book Dummy Month!

I know today is supposed to be my update day, but instead of telling you all the things I'm just announcing Picture Book Dummy Month. September 1-30th Illustrators can challenge themselves to work on a basic Picture Book Dummy. There will be guest posts and critique groups to help you out during the process. You do not have to create any final images to win. If you want to find out more click here: http://daniduckart.blogspot.ca/p/picture-book-dummy-month.html Do not be afraid to ask questions! I'll add them to the FAQ if necessary.

I will be doing a lot of work for this event. I have already put all interviews on hold for my blog. I am also temporarily removing my "Best Link List Ever". It's severely outdated, and I will have so much to add after this event is over. I'm still planning to post paper doll clothes until the event begins!


Also to all my friends in Canada:

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Creative Ink Festival

I am going to be at the Creative Ink Festival on April 25th! This is the first year for this festival. I know this is a bit late for an announcement like this, but I wanted to let everyone know. This festival is for Writers, Artists and Readers. This event is in Burnaby, BC so if you are in the area please come by! Tickets for this event are only $25 online and $30 at the door. It's very much set up like a conference, so there will be a lot to learn. 

I will be on two panels this year: "Growing up a Reader" at 4pm - 5pm and "How To Finish What You Start" 2pm - 3pm. If you are going to be in the area for this time, please let me know! We'll go get coffee, or lunch/dinner depending on the time! I'm really excited for this event. Next year I hope to be a presenter at this event. Register for this event here: http://www.sandrawickham.com/creativeinkfestival/register.htm If you can't make it to this event, then consider donating some money to help make next year's 3 day festival even better!

Mind Your Monsters Cover Reveal!

I have to admit that the time change this week has completely thrown me off. I'm at least an hour behind with everything ever since. Now I'm a whole day behind with this cover reveal. Sorry Catherine! This never happens. 

It's an fantastic cover! Beautiful pictures and something I'd love on my own book cover. If I saw this at a bookstore or library I'd definitely pick it up! Catherine Bailey wrote this wonderful book. The illustrations are by Oriol Vidal (such a cool name).

This is a note from Catherine: To celebrate (her cover reveal) I am giving away a signed copy (you know, when it comes out). To participate, please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/catherinebaileybooks. Then share this cover on Facebook, Twitter, or any social media, let me know in the comments on Facebook, and I'll make sure you're entered to win. The winner will also receive a monstrously cute goody bag to help pass the time until MIND YOUR MONSTERS stomps forth in August. The deadline to enter is 3/13/15 and the winner will be announced the next day.

Follow Catherine:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/catherinebaileybooks

Website: http://www.catherinebaileybooks.com/

Blog: http://crookedbook.blogspot.ca/

12 Reasons to Join the 12x12

Registration for the 12 x 12 Challenge is now open for everyone. What is the 12 x 12? It's for those of us who want to write 12 picture books in 12 months! This challenge is also open to illustrators as well, so no one gets left behind!

There are three levels to the 12 x 12. Each level up has stronger rewards. The following reasons are things that are good about the 12 x 12 no matter your level.

1)  If you stick with it, on January 1, 2016 you will have at least 12 fully polished manuscripts to submit.

2)  Best. Prizes. Ever.

3)  Hundreds and hundreds of writers and illustrators rooting for YOU to be published.

4)  Resources and information easily accessible to you.

5)  Private Forums and a Facebook group

6)  Wonderful leaders who are always ready to answer your questions. Yes, our fearless leader Julie Hedlund interacts often with the members of the group!

7)  Access to products, services and events only available to 12 x 12 members.

8)  Ability to join any number of fabulous critique groups.

9)  Have your burning picture book questions answered.

10)  Being able to add the 12x12 as a plus on your submissions

11)  Motivation and inspiration from members. Plus motivation and inspiration from Julie's blog

12) Access to webinars for just a bit more! (Free with Silver or above.)

These are things you get if you just opt into the bronze version. There are so many more things you can get with the higher levels. Look at the membership options here.

http://12x12challenge.com/

You have until February 28th to join!

If you are ready, at the end of 12 months you may consider Gold Level. This gives you the access to submit to 10 agents over the year and bypass the slush pile. Don't have the money? Apply for a scholarship in 2016!

I'm Dani Duck and this is my third year as a Gold Member for the 12 x 12. Sound like something you'd hear at an AA meeting? Maybe, but it's all good things from here. Join the 12 x 12 in 2015. You will thank me later.

ReViMo! Registration Closes Tomorrow!

I've been meaning to post this all week, but I keep forgetting. ReViMo! (Revise More Picture Books Week) starts tomorrow! If you have some picture book manuscripts to revise then you'll want to join this! You need to sign up tomorrow by 10pm CST! I'm sorry for not posting about this sooner. Please sign up, there are a lot of great prizes. Also you'll get your manuscripts in good repair! Join here or click on the picture: http://megmillerwrites.blogspot.ca/p/revimo-2015.html

May the Picture Book Idea Getting Commence!

My blogging this month has taken a turn for the worst. I need to turn this around, so I'm going to take some time and work out an action plan. I've already started by asking new people to be my interview guinea pigs. I've gotten a good response. I also want to try out some new things with my blog and start posting more artwork. I'll share what I have together Wednesday.

Enough about me. This post is about YOU and your children's book ideas. You don't have enough. No person could ever have enough! Whether you are an artist or illustrator you'll learn a lot by joining Picture Book Idea Month. Even if you write for older children I challenge you to take part in PiBoIdMo! I got over 30 ideas last year, and several of them will work better for older readers. It doesn't take much time every day. Don't think, just do. If you miss a day you can catch up. Join me and a kajillion other people.

No Excuses!

No Complaints!

No Backing Down!

VCON Fun

My display at a craft show last year.

Last October I had never heard of VCON. I had done a ton of artwork and some stuffies and tried to do some craft shows and swap meets. I sold almost nothing at any of these events. I was pretty discouraged when Rose Wilson came across my table (I believe I was set up at Herbert Spencer). It sounded like a good idea. I mean I pay for set up, set up my stuff and just leave everything for someone else to manage throughout the show. What's not to love? I quickly wrote down the web address and thanked her for her time. Unfortunately, I didn't write it down correctly and had a hard time finding it later. This lead to a mad rush to get my artwork done when I found the information in August.

My son had my phone and took a photo
 as I was rushing to hang my work!

I am so glad I did participate in this event. It was hard getting a large amount of artwork done in a month in a half. Of course I had a lot of the work done. A lot of the paper was laid out already and a lot of my work for this show was from old drawings. This is not to say that I didn't do a lot of work for the show, but I was glad I didn't have to do everything from scratch!

It wasn't enough that I set up my things at VCON, but I also wanted to enjoy the show. I was able to earn ticket for Saturday by doing some volunteer work. I also got a book as a reward for helping out!

Display at the front of the art gallery.

Unfortunately Peter worked the weekend and didn't get to come and have fun with David and I at VCON (other than to view the Art Show). As a family we did look around Friday night. There was a lot to look at that didn't require a membership. We got cookies in the gallery and some appetizers upstairs where they were doing the Book Launch Party. All the displays along the way were a lot of fun to look at. David got Hulk mask at one of the tables. He was more than pleased with this! 

Unexpectedly my Mother In Law took David Saturday (after a trip to the gallery) so I could have fun at VCON on my own. Of course I went right to the Writing Sessions here. I attended Perspectives on Self-Publishing and Hybrid PublishingBennett Coles • Linda Demeulemeester • Jane Ann McLachlan • Katrina Archer • Kristene Perron Afterward I went to get my badge printed. I didn't think there was another session at the time. I looked back through my phone and decided on: Doctor Your Story with Randy McCharles. I admit, I had a headache all day and it took me 15 minutes into the event to realize that this was about editing stories. I'm so glad I attended because I learned so much! 

I started feeling ill after attending just the two writing events so I missed a lot of events. I stayed home a couple of hours, and returned around 7 to see the art show and the costume contest.

Saturday evening we took pictures at the Police Box. David and I weren't quite coordinated enough to pull it off. The ones with Grandma were better, but I forgot to ask her permission to post them here!


My In-Laws met David and I at the show on Saturday night. My Father-In-Law missed the Gallery Friday, so we had fun going back through the art show. I discovered right away that one of my prints had sold. I think the lady that talked to me while setting up bought this print. So thank you so much for buying my work! I also found out that day that none of my work won any awards. Don't cry for me, though! The judges didn't think I fit into any of the categories, but wanted to give me something for all my work. Rose presented me with a lovely sketch book from them! I was so touched.

After this my In-Laws went home and I went with David to see the Costume Contest. We had a lot of fun watching everyone. David got a picture with the Transformer Ratchet, but I forgot to ask permission to post the photos here! We didn't get to stay to see the winners, but we did get to see most of the great costumes. Head over to their facebook page here to see the winners.



I took pictures of individual pictures of my artwork early in the event, but it wasn't until the end (Sunday) that I photoed the whole display. This was a mistake, because I had David with me and had to rush too much taking these photos. Don't worry though. I will be posting all of these on my blog in the coming weeks. I just haven't had time to get everything in order yet. I am really glad I attended this event.

Next year I will do a few things differently. I will try to get a lot of my hours in for the show in before hand. I'm also tempted to work on some sci-fi artwork for next year (and no I wont wait until the last couple of months). Next year's theme is Time Travel, so I'm stoked. I can't wait to attend.


I'm going to leave you with this image. This piece went at auction, so I no longer have the original. I hope the person who bought it loves it as much as I do. I still have prints so if you are interested please let me know. My etsy shop is down, but I hope to get it working again soon!

SCBWI Canada West Conference

I think I mentioned that I was going to the SCBWI Canada West conference on the 20th, but I've been so busy that I haven't been able to write anything about the event! I had a lovely time at the event and I got to spend time with many lovely Writers and Illustrators at this conference. I'm just going to share a summary of the conference. Note: I have permission from the pictured pictured below to post their photos here.

Lisa Cinar

My day started with a mad dash to grab art supplies (a task that proved almost impossible). This was my third time attending this conference. One thing that I never imagined was that the illustrator's workshop would actually be a workshop where we had to create. Crazy, right? The two years before the artist talked to us about their art. Lisa Cinar, being the Art Teacher that she is, made us do work. There was lots of coffee provided at this event, so there wasn't any worry there. I loved the presenters in previous years, but I fully enjoyed Lisa's workshop as well. I can't wait to see what we do next year!

After an empowering opening by Denise Jaden and the workshop with Lisa Cinar we went to lunch. I got to meet the lovely Mary Jo Wagner for the first time at this conference! She and I had lunch together (along with many other members of the group) We are both a part of the same SCBWI chapter, but since I haven't attended the writing meetings I hadn't met her yet. I also got to meet some other great new Illustration members as well!

Hazel Hutchins

After Lunch Hazel Hutchins gave a wonderful presentation about picture book energy. Now it's always a tough choice at these events. I had the choice of learning more about PB or MG books. It's not an easy choice. I knew I made the right decision when I attended Hazel's presentation. She was absolutely fantastic to speak with afterwards as well!

Lisa Cinar gave us all a brief picture book history lesson. That hour may have flown by quickly, but in the end my brain was about to explode! I can't believe I learned so much. One fun thing I learned is the length of picture books are the cause of the printing press publishers use. The reason picture books are 24, 32 and 48 (though generally 32) pages is because that's what's easiest for them to print!

We had a nice draw for picture books. I got a copy of "Then It Rained" Written by Crystal J. Stranaghan and Illustrated by Rosa Espadaler. I also got a nifty gift card from Indigo, so a-book-shopping I will be a-going!

Finally Hazel Hutchins wrapped up the the event with a very inspiring message for us all. She basically tied us all together and had us figure our way out. For me and Mary Jo, it proved an impossible task. The take home message from all of this is that no one can make books all on their own. The Writer's and Illustrators of all the books you've read have had (at least some of the following): publishers, agents, other writers, editors and schooling behind their success. Beyond this is family, friends, teachers, acquaintances, fans and anyone else who has helped a Writer or Illustrator become successful. Anyone who supports a Writer or Illustrator in any way is in part a cause of them becoming successful. Why right now you are helping me on my road to success by reading this blog. Bonus points to all those people who comment on any of my posts!

I want to give a special shout out to Ken Kilback and Helena Juhasz for their work with the SCBWI. Helena is the coordinator for the Canada West Illustrators and makes sure we meet up and keep creating. I'm glad we have her because she's very inspiring to us all!

Ken is the Regional advisor to all of Canada West. Ken does a lot of work to set up this event every year. He works very hard and I don't think any of us could give him enough thanks for all he does. Thank you so much Ken!

Cover Reveal - NINE BY NIGHT

A thanks to Jesi Lea Ryan who was so nice to share this cover reveal with us!

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Cover Reveal - NINE BY NIGHT

Another fabulous cover by Damonza! What do you think?

NINE BY NIGHT

About NINE BY NIGHT

"From vampires to empaths, to the grim reaper himself, this bundle will keep you on the edge of your seat. I dare you to try and put it down!" SHANNON MAYER - author of THE RYLEE ADAMSON NOVELS and THE NEVERMORE TRILOGY

Nine books. Nine bestselling authors. Nine heroines that take names—and chances—while confronting dark foes, whether by force of arms or magic, that threaten their entire world.

Over two-thousand pages of epic reading await! Let the adventures begin.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author, SM REINE, WITCH HUNT –– Shaman on the run. Isobel Stonecrow speaks with the dead...for the right price. She brings closure to the bereaved and heals broken hearts. But when she resurrects someone for the wrong client, she ends up on the OPA's most wanted list.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, CJ ELLISSON, DEATH’S SERVANT –– Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his werewolf alpha one too many times. He returns to Virginia to find work and meets a young waitress, Raine. As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle.

From bestselling author, LINDSAY BUROKER, TORRENT –– When Delia chose to major in archaeology, she imagined herself as the female Indiana Jones of the Southwest. She didn't imagine herself stumbling across decapitated bodies in old mine shafts or learning that monsters are real…

From bestselling author, ANTHEA SHARP, SPARK –– What if a high-tech game was a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie? Superstar gamer Spark Jaxley's life might look easy, but she's part of an elite few who guard a shocking secret; the Realm of Faerie exists, and its dark magic is desperate for a foothold in the mortal world.

From bestselling authors BOONE BRUX and CJ ELLISSON, DEATH TIMES TWO –– The V V Inn has a ghost problem. New grim reaper, Lisa Carron, accepts the job. She quickly learns the hotel is full of the dearly departed—and she’s working for vampires. Throw in Asa, a young vamp hot enough to melt the Arctic ice, and Lisa realizes she’s way out of her element.

From bestselling author, JC ANDRIJESKI, ROOK: ALLIE’S WAR EPISODES 1-4 –– Like most humans, Allie distanced herself from Seers, a race of human-like beings discovered on Earth. Yanked out of her life by the mysterious Revik, Allie finds out her blood may not be as “human” as she thought, the world is nothing like it appears to be...and she has more in common with Seers than she ever wanted to believe.

From bestselling author, ANNIE BELLET, JUSTICE CALLING –– Gamer. Nerd. Sorceress. Jade Crow lives a quiet life running her comic book and game store in Wylde, Idaho. After twenty-five years fleeing from a powerful sorcerer who wants to eat her heart and take her powers, quiet suits her just fine. Surrounded by friends who are even less human than she is, Jade figures she's finally safe. As long as she doesn't use her magic…

From bestselling author, JESI LEA RYAN, ARCADIA’S GIFT –– Teenager Arcadia (Cady) Day’s family tragedy unleashes a hidden power. After experiencing what can only be called a psychic episode, her home life crumbles. As her emotional control slips away, Cady begins to suspect that her first psychic episode was just the beginning…

From Urban Fantasy author, KARA LEGEND, WILD NIGHT ROAD –– One innocent hex sets off a chain reaction of trouble among the shifters of the Kinraven that threatens war between werewolves, seraphim and witches. Lilith Darke will do anything to be free of her seraphim master. All hell breaks loose when rival packs face off only to discover a new, deadly threat that will take all their magick to survive.

NINE BY NIGHT releases 8/03/2014 on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other e-book retailers.

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Chapter Book Challenge

I don't think it was that long ago that I posted about the Chapter Book Challenge or maybe it was just Rebecca Fyfe herself. In any case the Chapter Book Challenge is a challenge that happens in the month of March every year. Rebecca Fyfe runs the challenge on her blog: http://chapterbookchallenge.blogspot.ca/ and the idea is to write a first draft of a Chapter Book in the month of March. Unlike National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) the idea is to write a book for young readers. Any chapter book from early readers to YA counts in this contest.

I know, I know, I'm doing this post late. The contest started 4 days ago. I'm not sure about the eligibility of prizes if you sign up at this point, but I am double checking now and will update this post when I find out. You can still enter and win prizes! Even if you sign up next week you will be able to enter and win! I will have to say that it doesn't matter about the prizes. Yes, I will say it again THE PRIZES DON'T MATTER! Or they shouldn't in the long run. The prizes are in fact great for this contest (thank you to everyone who contributed), but the idea is to get your Chapter Book written. The prizes are a wonderful encouragement, but the goal is to write. Even if you don't enter to win any of the prizes you should do this event if you want to write a chapter book.

After you sign up once that's all you need to do to get all the blog posts in your email every year. The information that you find during this time will be invaluable to your writing career. Maybe you just want to take your time writing your chapter book, but want somewhere to go to get inspiration. You'll find it in droves thanks to Rebecca's blog.

Do you want to know the best thing that's come from the Chapter Book Challenge? The wonderful Facebook community that has grown from this event. There are so many great people in this community. They are all wonderful and nurturing. There are few environments where everyone seems to help out and work together. It is truly a wonderful group and I'm so happy to be a part of this community.

It should also be noted that this group comes out with several anthologies every year. These anthologies are getting more and more popular as more come out. My favorite (the first one where I submitted my writing) is the SuperHERo anthology. It's an anthology of short stories with strong female superhero role models. A portion of the proceeds from this book go to Because I am a Girl charity!

If you are going to write a chapter book the month of March is the best time to get started in my book. There is so much inspiration and support this month. I know it's a crazy amount of work, but it is so worth the effort. Just think: you'll get a manuscript you can submit to publishers (it may need a bit of editing, but still!) and with only a months work for the first draft! I hope you join me for the Chapter Book Challenge!

Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12

If you are a picture book writer or an illustrator you need to join Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12. It really doesn't matter what stage you are in your career. If you are just starting out, or if you are already published the 12 x 12 is right for you. If you want to sign up go here: http://www.juliehedlund.com/registration-for-2014/ Remember to sign up by Febuary 28, 2014 or you'll have to wait until 2015!

The 12 x 12 is like many writing events. You participate and you can win great prizes. The main purpose is not to win these prizes, but to get published. But hey, the prizes are pretty awesome, so if you do win it's all gravy.

There are different levels of participation for the 12 x 12. You can choose depending on your personal level. I'm going to give a bit different information that Julie gives on her site, but be sure to read through everything before you sign up

Bronze - This is your basic starter package. You get access to the main forums and the Facebook page for this. If you are just starting out writing or illustrating you should stick with this package. The information you gain here will be invaluable. You will still be able to get feedback on your work through critique groups, but you do not get to bypass the slush pile. If you are published or really busy and want to participate on a smaller level, then you should get Bronze membership.

Silver - This is the package you get if you have at least a few manuscripts you have written or a full portfolio and you want help with your writing/illustration career. You don't just get to watch the events with this level - you also get to participate in them. You get help on the forums with your manuscripts and pitches, and you can even offer services on the forums!

Gold - If you have manuscripts or illustrations you will be submitting for publication this year, then this level is for you. This is also for people who aren't quite there, but want to make the big push to get published. You will get special information and instructions on how to submit to the featured agent or editor every month. This is what you want to do if want to make sure your work gets seen. As long as you follow the rules you will give your manuscript or portfolio it's best chance of getting seen by people that matter!

Joining the 12 x 12 at any level will help you make more connections in the Picture Book Industry. I made a lot of friends and connections when I joined the 12 x 12 last year. If you participate you will end up meeting people. Memberships range from $45 - $145, but if you can't afford that you can get on a payment plan. Plus next year you will get a returning member's discount!

I'm not getting paid for this post. I wasn't even asked to post this. I just believe that there are two things that all picture book writers/illustrators should join: The SCBWI and Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12. I hope you will join me this year!

Tara Lazar - Writing Books for Kids (While Raising Them) & PiBoIdMo

I think it's only fair since I reviewed Meg Miller's blog and ReviMo (which is coming up in January.) I should also do Tara Lazar's blog and PiBoIdMo as well! Unfortunately I'm doing this a bit late because the registration for PiBoIdMo is over this year, however you can still go to Tara's blog, take the challenge without the prizes and learn a lot from this event.

Before I start talking about PiBoIdMo I want to first tell you about Tara's blog when she's not talking Picture Book Idea Month. One thing I like about Tara's blog is the way she has of inspiring writers. Every writer gets to the point where they hit a wall. Tara's blog has lots of little cures for this. She tells her readers about the hurdles she has face (and is still facing) and what she did to accomplish her goals. Even if her advice doesn't help solve your problem, it still is nice to know you aren't alone in the Picture Book world.

Besides being inspiring Tara also has wonderful interviews (with more inspiring people!) The people that Tara interviews are great influential (or soon to be influential people in the picture book world. There are also lots of great contests to enter on Tara's blog. One could say that winning all these contest would make it so you never have to buy another book again, but honestly who are we kidding. This just saves us money so we can spend it on more books!

My favorite thing about Tara's blog is probably the concept behind it. Writing for Kids (While Raising Them). This is the boat that I'm in now. If you don't have kids I have to tell you that it's incredibly hard to create picture books when you have young ones of your own (especially as a stay at home parent). I love that Tara's blog is there proving that parents can create great picture books. Honestly, I think in some weird way not having time (or sanity) gives us parents a little more focus when we do make time to write.

Now more about PiBoIdMo or Picture Book Idea Month! This is a wonderful idea for me. Last year I joined the 12 x 12. I joined with the idea that I was going to submit a bunch of picture book manuscripts to agents so I got gold level membership which I do not regret. What I do regret is the fact that I stopped coming up with new stories to write. I have been so busy and my idea pool has run dry. I just couldn't think of any way to reasonably generate new ideas. I've still been incredibly busy but I've found the time to generate a lot of ideas for picture books.

Tara is a great supporter of her fellow picture book creators. Even long after PiBoIdMo Tara shares the success stories of all the people who succeed as a direct result of participating in PiBoIdMo! The big example of this is the fact that she works so hard on PiBoIdMo. What she does with this has inspired so many people to be successful and I hope that she continues PiBoIdMo for many years to come!

Meg Miller's Painting of Me!

Meg Miller ran a contest a little while ago to advertise ReviMo or Revise More Picture Books Week!  http://megmillerwrites.blogspot.ca/p/revimo_16.html Well I was one of the winners of this contest. I could have won a Starbucks card or have myself cartooned by the talented Meg Miller. Guess which one I chose? Here is the wonderful painting she did of me! She did a wonderful job. Thank you so much again, Meg!

Titles and Titles

So this past week on the first day of PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) Tammi Sauer suggested that we start with the title of our picture books to get ideas. You can see the article here: http://taralazar.com/2013/11/01/piboidmo-day-1-tammi-sauer/

That's a great idea! Well the problem is that my mind starts in the worst possible places for this. As such I have composed a list of picture book titles that probably shouldn't be used by anyone ever (Now I'm thinking, "Challenge Accepted"). Many of these come from stuff my kid says or does. If you don't know why these books shouldn't be picture books then you're probably my kind of person! So here it is, coil in horror and hide your children.

Picture Book Titles That Probably Shouldn't Be Made Into Picture Books:

1. Big Baldy Balls or Big Bally Balls - Yes, my son says this quite often.

2. The Growth in the Fridge - The pictures for this would be too graphic for a Picture Book.

3. Look What I Found in the Loo - This book might be more popular in Europe.

4. Batman Made Me Fall Down - Obvious copyright issues.

5. Let's Scream and Chase the Cat - Animal cruelty issues.

6. Daddy's Sleeping: Time to Hop on Pop - Parent cruelty and possible copyright issues.

7. Up, Down, Pot-ty-ty - Dangerous at any age.

8. Sleep is for the Weak - A parent's worst nightmare.

9. A Fly Hurts - This title makes no sense. Like I said a hundred times: the fly isn't going to hurt you.

10. Mommy, Mommy, Mommy... Too true and annoying.

PiBoIdMo Blog Hop!

PiBoIdMo - Picture Book Idea Month 

This is my first year doing Picture Book Idea Month. The brain child of Tara Lazar. She was tired of the novelists having all the fun in NaNoWriMo If you want to join PiBoIdMo the sign up is here. Here you will create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days (no, no pressure at all! ha ha ha.) There are daily blog posts and awesome prizes to be won so why not?

I'm joining this because I'm a busy mom, and I'm having trouble with the 12x12 because I'm not focusing to come up with new ideas. I'm hoping this will help me focus. Next year I'm hoping to be brimming with stories to write! 

About the blog hop.
At the end of this post I'll take some writers. Each writer who is tagged just has to answer a few questions and then tags 3 other children's writers participating in PiBoIdMo.

I was tagged by Yvonne Mes a very talented illustrator and writer. She's living in Australia and has three cute little boys. I honestly can't remember if I met her first in the 12 x 12 or the Chapter Book Challenge group (probably the latter). She has wonderful illustrations on her site so check them out! Her blog is a great read and I'm sure I'll be reviewing it in the near future.

1.      What am I currently working on?

So much I don't even know where to start! I have a lot of craft shows coming up soon. I am using my illustrations in everything I sell. I'm going to be developing some ideas in PiBoIdMo, so that will give me a lot of things to write soon. I have my blog that I need to start dedicating more time to... and my fractured fairy tales have to suffer right now because I just don't have time to write them. I'm thinking about starting a web comic about "The Pattern Pals" soon and I have a picture book that I want to enter in this SCBWI contest where I'll be submitting the dummy and some finished artwork.

2.      How does it differ from other works in the genre?

I'll stick to "The Pattern Pals" for this question. The way I've developed this whole thing is kind of backwards. I had a blog in 2010 where I designed all these characters. Now I've gone back and made a coloring book out of them. I have original illustrations that I'll be selling of these and have done tons of greeting cards as well. This is all before having a book to base it on. I'm hoping to start the web comic in January and see where that goes. My husband will be helping me write it, and it will likely be for a younger audience than most web comics.

3.      Why do I write what I do?

No one in their right mind really knows! I just write whatever comes to my head. Same with drawing. Maybe it's the lack of sleep. Maybe it's the lack of time. Maybe, maybe it's just that I've got a screw loose ever since I had my son (blaming him even though the last straw was years ago). 

4.      What is the hardest part about writing?

When I actually have the time to work on something I usually choose illustration (and I really don't usually have much time). Sometimes I actually prefer to write, but I feel like my portfolio needs to be fixed up in certain places so I end up just doing art instead. Also it's much easier to paint than write (for me) when my toddler is screaming bloody murder/joyful murder.

I guess I was supposed to only do three people but I did four!

Stacy Jensen

Short bio:
I write {picture books and memoir}. I design {websites}. I eat {chocolate}. website: www.stacysjensen.com.

Ceilia Clark

Short bio: 
I am therefore I write. Hmmm okay I am lots of things besides being a writer. I am an illustrious illustrator who brags brilliantly. Okay then story teller, public speaker, parent, friend and confidante, props makers, teacher and erstwhile chef. I have works in progress, ideas galore and lots of flash fiction in places to read it. Me in a nutshell, if I could fit in one.
http://ceciliaaclark.blogspot.com.au/

Robyn Campbell

Short Bio: 

I'm a published short story writer, who also writes picture books and MG novels.
http://robyn-campbell.blogspot.ca/

Elaine Hillson

Photographer and writer focus on historical fiction and dark fantasy. Also an artist and student of feline behaviour.
http://tollykit.blogspot.ca/

Meg Miller

Meg Miller has a wonderful blog. She writes about herself as a writer, artist and also a mother of two. She has lively paintings which she posts often onto her blog. The neatest thing about Meg Miller's blog is that she will soon be hosting ReviMo! You can visit her blog here: http://megmillerwrites.blogspot.ca

I'm not sure how Meg gets anything done with two children in the house. I have one and sometimes it seems impossible (of course mines worse than 3 kids. Ha, ha, ha!) Her beautiful little boy was born in June. Even then Meg is already getting back to posting! It took me six months to blog again after David was born, and even then I did very few posts. Already Meg is going ahead and posting book reviews, updating resources and organizing ReviMo. This is just what she's doing on her blog! She's also a participant in the 12 x 12 and that is a lot of work in and of itself.

ReviMo or Revise More Picture Books Week is an event taking place in January 12 through the 18, 2014. 
This is a great event for me because I've been writing a lot of stories for the 12x12 but I've had no time to even think about revising them. So far 121 people have signed up, and there are a lot of great prizes including a picture book critique from Simone Kaplan and A Making Picture Book Magic Class with Susanna Leonard Hill! There are lots of other prizes that she has already, plus there are more to come! You can see the entire list (Seven huge prizes so far!), read more about ReviMo and sign up here: http://megmillerwrites.blogspot.ca/p/revimo_16.html I'm really excited to see what happens!

I love Meg's artwork. She's really busy right now, so she doesn't get time to do much. She will be working on a cartoon for me because I won a contest on her blog recently! I'm so excited and can't wait until she gets it done. Meg also does really nice posts about the writing life. I love the post she did about her own life for the blog hop! She also keeps people up to date about SCBWI events, resources, writing helps and writing challenges much like her own!

Definitely check out Meg's blog now. She has some great posts to come in the near future. Also you don't miss out on anything about ReviMo, because it will be an awesome event!