Feb 1, 2016

Reading, Writing, and Revising


So far it’s been very quiet on my blog in 2016, but that's because I've had lots of exciting things going on. I took the plunge and joined the 2106 12 x 12 Challenge, and am *LOVING* it! If you're unfamiliar with 12 x 12, it is a community of picture book writers who motivate and support each other in our goals of writing 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. 12 x 12 was founded by author Julie Hedlund and 2016 is its 5th year. In January I wrote two new picture book drafts and revised another I’ve been working on for a long time. I’ve attended two great webinars and am looking forward to another fabulous one tomorrow. And yesterday I posted the first 250 words of a PB for critique (this made me very nervous!).


In January I also joined a local SCBWI critique group that, although new to me, is established has some incredibly talented writers and illustrators. And I’m also participating in a “Read 1000 Picture Books in 2016” challenge. Here is what my dining room table looks like right now:


So far my favorite picture books have been the 2016 Newbery and Caldecott winners, which I bought last week. The Newbery winner this year is a picture book, which is remarkable since most years the award is presented to a middle grade novel. Last Stop on Market Street was written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. This year's Caldecott winner, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, was illustrated by Sophie Blackall and written by Lindsay Mattick. Both winners are AMAZING picture books with heartwarming stories and several "layers"—wonderful reads for both kids and adults. I can’t believe I had not read either book until last week. I will do much better in 2016!

I’d love to hear what your favorite picture books are. Please comment below if you’d like to share. Have a wonderful February, and Happy Writing!

4 comments:

  1. Dear Becky,
    I am very proud of you! Go, Becky, go. You have delved into the Picture Book World! Obviously, you are going to have great results from your learning and dedication.

    Love, Joan

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  2. Becky, your enthusiasm jumps off the page. Enjoy your new adventures. Thanks for sharing how much you're loving it.

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  3. Becky! That's wonderful you are so committed to the PB world, both reading and writing. You're off to a flying start. I think I need a day to sit at my library and read a few new PBs ... I have a lot of old favorites

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  4. Oh I love Sophie Blackall's artwork. I first found out about her through 'The Mighty LaLouche.' Have you read her 'Missed Connections?' Your PB adventure sounds wonderful, Becky. Have lots of fun!

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