The 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge is well under way. I know many of you are participating, but some may not be familiar with the picture book challenge.
Children’s Book Author Julie F. Hedlund organized the event, so we write up our some of our 2011 Picture Book Idea Month Challenge ideas.
The challenge: write one picture book draft each month in 2012.
Official sign up ends Jan. 29. This makes sure you are eligible for prizes.
Julie has all the information on her Write Up My Life blog.
Here are some links:
- 12 x 12 in 20120: Frequently Asked Questions
- Katie Davis’ Brain Burps About Books podcast featuring Julie and the 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge
- Sign up here: http://writeupmylife.com/2011/11/30/12-x-12-in-2012-picture-book-writing-challenge/
- Tara Lazar Launches 12 x 12 in 2012
- Grab a participant badge designed by Linda Silvestri here.
- Join the Facebook Group
If you haven’t visited Julie’s site, it’s not all picture books. I always find encouragement from Julie’s posts — no matter what the topic. Her Gratitude Sunday posts are always a treat.
How am I doing in the challenge? Well, I’ve been “liking” all the other participants posts on Facebook saying “I’m done.” I’ve been writing, but my draft is not complete.
Today is my self-imposed deadline for my picture book draft. As I wrote this late Wednesday, my manuscript is still in the draft-draft stage. I have the rest of the day to add, rearrange and delete the 250 words already on the page. I’ll return to my Word document for another go or two at it. With a lot on our family plate this week, I’m not freaking out. I just plan to write. Plus, I have the support of hundreds of other writers, who are doing the challenge too. For this, I am thankful.
If you are participating in the 12 x 12 in 2012 challenge, how are you doing? If not, how are your writing goals this week?
I am trying to do 12×12. I told Ms. Hedlund I would try my best to do as many PB as I can. I just waned to try it. I have a bunch of ideas but it’s hard to pick which one would be the “best”.
This is a great event! I don’t write childrens’ books, but I think this is a great idea. Will share and tweet!
I’m not participating in this event, but good luck to all who do. I have got lots of picture book manuscripts and am always editing them and sending them out. I am currently working on one right now that I originally wrote around 5 years ago, I am doing it completely different this time around, though.
I thought I was going really well, but a great CP advised me not to make it illos only so I have to write it quick. I think I’ll do it next week once family has gone. The pressure lol! Good luck with yours Stacy!
That’s such a great challenge, and goes so well with the one in November. I love it! I don’t write PBs, but as far as my writing goals this week…. I’m embarrassed to say.
I’m very particular about my drafts – like your draft-draft! I don’t consider it really a ‘done-draft’ until I’ve revised it heaps of times and would give it to a CP. I’d say I’m 75% there with one MS, maybe 60% with the other. Whichever is closer to 100% done by Jan 31 is going to be considered my Jan 12X12 PB draft! Good luck!
My writing goals are going well. Querying so hitting the ‘send’ button is the hardest part…
I realized this morning that my January draft needs a page of extra stuff (glossary, call it what you will) as did its companion which is out for evaluation right now, so mine’s no longer in the “complete” stage!
I’ve also done some revision of my MG, have started researching agents, and have done some work on another potential writing project that sneaked in the back way.
So I’m pretty much on track so far.
All the best with yours! Sounds like you’re doing more than a “rough draft” for your 12 x 12 projects!
I am doing 12X12. I have a January draft, but the themes were twisty and I wasn’t happy with it. I rewrote it… better? I don’t know yet. I’m letting it sit for a few days while I try to think of something else to write!
@ThisKidReviewsBooks- You’ll find the right one to write. You have a lot on your plate with all of your reviews, newspaper column, school and homework!
@Karen – Thanks for sharing it Karen.
@Janet – It’s wonderful you are returning to that manuscript.
@Catherine- Yes. I might wait until the family left! Good luck.
@Peggy – This is an embarrassment-free zone.
@Cathy – Good luck with both. I made my self-imposed deadline, because most months it falls before a SCWBI critique group.
@Kelley-You can it send and will be happy you did it. Good luck.
@Beth – I think Cathy said it best in her comment. I think of draft as something I can give to the crit group. I don’t want to waste their time, so it needs to be something worth their time. Good luck with your work Beth.
I hope your drafting goes well. I’m falling behind on my picture book goal. I took the first part of this month to finish a chapter in my middle grade book. Then I wrapped up the postpartum article (that you commented on- thanks for sharing your story). Next on my to do list is finish my picture book draft…
Oy! It’s January and I already feel behind.
Best of luck with the contest, Stacy! Sounds like a good one.
I’ve been working away at my goal of furthering my WIP this week and making decent headway. Just stating my goals seems to inspire me, so thanks! I dedicate my next page to you. 😉
Good luck with your draft. I’m not doing the 12×12 in 2012 because of my time being taken up with Annie. Yesterday saw two phone calls to my publisher and some sressy times. Instead I’m reading a book long overdue. 🙂
Not sure if I’m ready for this since I have 2 other stories on the side-lines. Maybe I can join in for the second half of the year 🙂
Sounds awesome!
@Hannah – The post-partum article was great. I thought of it as I finished a book that had an unrealistic nursery experience. Good luck. We still have half the month to finish up.
@August – I feel honored for that page! Saying my goals outloud/on paper always helps.
@Clar – Enjoy the book. I know it’s a lot of work for your book with Annie. The reward of publication will be so worth it.
@Helena – That’s the beauty of the challenge. While you have to register by Jan. 29 for prizes and follow the “check-in” deadlines, you really don’t have to. You can just follow the posts and write and soak up the encouragement.
Stacy,
I’m honored to be on your Thankful thursday! I take just as much inspiration from you, believe me. So glad you are part of the challenge. Wouldn’t be the same without you!
As I’ve been going through the blogs participating in the Comment Challenge, I have heard about the 12×12 in’12 challenge a few times, and each time I get a bit closer to doing it…
So, thanks!