Monthly Opportunity: PBParty Critique Train
Affordable Services: CritiqueMatch.com
While watching an agent webinar the other day, she plugged the Critique Match web site as a good place to send synopses, drafts, and query letters for affordable feedback from vetted reviewers. I plan to give this a shot with my new MG verse novel.
Creating Community: Mighty KidLit
I was a little late to this party, but my experiences with Mighty KidLit have been productive this year. In particular, the Mighty KidLit Showcase offers writers at any level a chance to share snippets of work with esteemed editors and agents.
Cheer Abounds: SeasonsofKidLit.com
An Oh-So–Helpful KidLit Calendar
Fall Writing Fun
I thoroughly enjoyed coming up with a 200-word, image-inspired spooktacular story for this annual event, and it also forced me to get my web site in better shape. The support from other entrants has bee inspiring, as well. That’s a win, win, win–even if I don’t! (ETA: I earned and honorable mention.)
Hone those NF Skills: #SunWriteFun
This one took me out of my comfort zone a little, but the challenge was worth it as I considered how to present facts in an engaging, lyrical fashion. Topic: marmots! They’re amazing (and cute).
Author Susanna Leonard Hill Brings It … Again!
What a fun way to generate new, fun drafts centered on a quirky mishmash of ideas. I chose “Harold” (MC) and “lie/fib” to get going on a story I’ve long been thinking about called THE SPELLING KNEE. I’m excited to see where this one goes! As of this morning, it’s off to my awesome critique group. (5/9/23)
#KidLitVibes, So Fun!
So the premise is great. A writer spins the “wheel of feels” and must draft a short (under 125 words) PB that captures that emotion. My spin ended on … CALM! Of course, heart racing, I pounded out a draft. But I’m happy with FIRST (AND LAST) GOAT YOGA CLASS and look forward to expanding it after the contest.
Rising Stars Picture Book Mentorship
As I become more familiar with the Twitterverse in which so many picture book creators converse and celebrate each other’s achievements, I repeatedly see references to #PBRisingStars, a program started by two published authors with the goal of helping others hone their craft via close collaboration with a more experienced author. While the competition will for a spot will be fierce, I shall give it a go. https://www.pbrisingstars.com/
50 Precious Words
Canva! Where has this been all my life? This morning I saw so many Twitter posts by writers sharing their #50PreciousWords entries with lovely backgrounds. I had to give it a go myself. Below is my first Canva image, along with my 2023 submission to the contest hosted by children’s author Vivian Kirkfield.
Kid Judges? That’s Daunting
Thanks to author Kailei Pew, we aspiring #kidlit authors have the rare opportunity to put our work in front of child reviewers. What a fun challenge this has been. My entry is a bit out of my comfort zone and features the ever-lovable quokka and its boop-worthy nose. I look forward to seeing the results in March!
A 2023 Endeavor
I’ve heard of it. I’ve thought about it. Then I’ve pushed it to the back of my mind due to uncertainty. Not this year! This year I shall write (or polish) one kidlit draft each month for a year. Thanks to #storystorm, the ideas are rolling in: morel hunting, alpenglow, seed swaps, and possibly something witty about spaghetti squash? I’m excited to see what this challenge yields!
kellyclasenwriter.com 
This is gorgeous! Thank you for the comment on my #storystorm blog post. Hope you win the Valentiny contest. I enjoyed reading this so very much!
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