I Didn't Know What I Didn't Know

Ask most writers and they'll tell you they've always been a writer. Same goes for me. I wrote poetry in high school. Plays in college. Started a few novels that now gather dust in a long unused computer file (is that possible?)

Piles of paper

Until I started really learning the craft of writing, I thought I knew how to string a sentence together. Playwriting had given me a good grasp of dialogue and rising tension. I love finding just the right word to perfectly embody what I mean to say.

And after all, now I was learning how to write a 500-word picture book. So easy, amiright?

No.

I was not right.

And boy, did I learn that.

I signed up for Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2022. Four years later, I am STILL learning things about the craft of writing, the forums, and critiquing.

The 12x12 premise is to write 12 picture books in a year. A second goal is to revise 12 picture books in a year. The first year I surprised myself and met the challenge. As of this month, I have written 36 new picture book drafts in total through the challenge and revised a ton more.

THIRTY-SIX!

Are they all amazing, super-publishable masterpieces? Nope. But every single one taught me how to be a better writer. And seven of them are polished and ready to query. I'd say that is a huge win.

The webinars Julie puts together are amazing. There are such great speakers on evergreen topics like voice and layers, and deep dives into more advanced issues, like musicality and AI in the writing realm. I have not missed one webinar. And I take ridiculous notes. #nerd

The discussion boards are something I usually only dip my toe in. There are dozens of posts about a myriad of issues. I like to stalk around and read what current topic is making the rounds. I love to read and give feedback on other people's manuscripts when I have time.

Coffee in a red cup with sauce, glass of water, and a laptop.

And once a year, I post a manuscript for Critique Ninja feedback. Yup, a published, expert picture book author takes the time to read and critique one manuscript for each member annually. That is almost worth the price of admission all by itself.

There are many more perks to this challenge and if you are looking to find more instruction and support on your own journey, it's definitely worth looking into.  https://www.12x12challenge.com (No I don't get any perks from 12x12, just a loyal fan.)

For me, the goal of writing more has been easier to meet with 12x12. This year I have focused more on revising and have met my goal of revising two picture books a month so far. However, I've still written a few first drafts and have come up with dozens of picture book ideas. There is something to be said for keeping the creative light on by being part of a writing community.

A blond woman looking at a two-toed sloth in amazement.

Two years ago, while I was cheerfully writing picture books, something happened. The idea I had a few years before that for a middle grade began to make a ruckus in my head. And my nice straight path began to curve.