I'm just popping in to share some picture book resources that I've found helpful. Most of them are things I've discovered recently, and most of them are free.
The biggest thing I'm doing this year actually did cost money. It's Julie Hedlund's 12x12. You commit to writing 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. She has three levels, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. I signed up for Silver because it means I can watch the monthly webinars (mini-classes by other writers, Jane Yolen for example) for free. Many of the other 12x12 members have already sold picture books, and they're willing to answer questions and advice. I'm only a month in, and I already know I'll be doing this again next year. It's less expensive than taking an online class or going to a conference, and it gives me access to mini-classes and manuscript feedback all year. Registration is open until the end of this month. If you don't want to invest the time or money this year, you can still subscribe to her website for free. That's how I started last year.
But I have two brand new picture book manuscripts already, and the 12x12 material Julie sends to my inbox is fabulous. This video that I watched today made me realize how I need to revise my current query, and Julie gave us permission to share it. It's the first in a three-part series that you can watch for free. I think the videos are only available for 10 days, so if you're interested, don't put off watching it.
I've been subscribing to www.taralazar.com for a couple of years. Everything that she does is free, and she has a lot of great resources for picture book writers. One of my favorite things is this post on picture book layout. I've come up with some of my best picture book ideas by participating in her PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) the last two Novembers.
KidLit411 is an AMAZING resource that I just discovered last month. They interview writers and illustrators every week, but the best thing they do is round up links to other relevant information and opportunities. Totally free.
And something new I'm going to try next month is Carrie Charley Brown's Reading for Research Month (also free).
Let me know if you end up checking any of these out. :o) Also, if you think I'm missing out on something, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
The biggest thing I'm doing this year actually did cost money. It's Julie Hedlund's 12x12. You commit to writing 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. She has three levels, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. I signed up for Silver because it means I can watch the monthly webinars (mini-classes by other writers, Jane Yolen for example) for free. Many of the other 12x12 members have already sold picture books, and they're willing to answer questions and advice. I'm only a month in, and I already know I'll be doing this again next year. It's less expensive than taking an online class or going to a conference, and it gives me access to mini-classes and manuscript feedback all year. Registration is open until the end of this month. If you don't want to invest the time or money this year, you can still subscribe to her website for free. That's how I started last year.
But I have two brand new picture book manuscripts already, and the 12x12 material Julie sends to my inbox is fabulous. This video that I watched today made me realize how I need to revise my current query, and Julie gave us permission to share it. It's the first in a three-part series that you can watch for free. I think the videos are only available for 10 days, so if you're interested, don't put off watching it.
I've been subscribing to www.taralazar.com for a couple of years. Everything that she does is free, and she has a lot of great resources for picture book writers. One of my favorite things is this post on picture book layout. I've come up with some of my best picture book ideas by participating in her PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) the last two Novembers.
KidLit411 is an AMAZING resource that I just discovered last month. They interview writers and illustrators every week, but the best thing they do is round up links to other relevant information and opportunities. Totally free.
And something new I'm going to try next month is Carrie Charley Brown's Reading for Research Month (also free).
Let me know if you end up checking any of these out. :o) Also, if you think I'm missing out on something, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
