Twitter Contests Build Community

As a writer, I've decided writing is a team sport!  Who knew?  I did not.  Yes, I teach my writing students the value of feedback every year, and yes, I know editors play a vital role in publication, but until this year -- 2020, I did NOT realize HOW valuable others are on the writing journey. 

Enter, Twitter contests.  No, literally.  Go, now.  Enter Twitter contests.  At first, I didn't like Twitter.  I'm a wordy Facebook girl.  I don't like limits.

But, I have found an AMAZING kidlit community on Twitter and I now know the value of teamwork in writing.  From inspiration to collaboration to celebration to lots of other -tions, Twitter's kidlit community has provided it since I got really active there in early 2020.  In fact, it all started with #PitMad.  That was the impetus for actually using Twitter.  Then, I "met" Kailei Pew and entered her Corona Critique Giveaway.  Then, it was Kaitlyn Sanchez and her Spring Fling.  Then, SunWriteFun, FallWritingFrenzy . . . .and more.  Then, there's the groups:  PBChat with Justin Colon and PBParty with Mindy Alyse Weiss. Recently, I've been joining in with Brittany Pomales' Kid Lit self care group.  I've won critiques, gained friends (not just followers).  I went from one in-person critique group to a total of 5 groups now, plus a few individuals that I know are always ready for an impromptu swap. 

That's a lot to accomplish from February 29 to October 26!  I've been amazed by the support, even though some might say we're in "competition" with each other.  None of us (at least not the crew I hang with on Twitter) feel that way!  I saw a quote recently that said, "Someone else's success is not your failure."  Thank you, Jim Parsons! 

​ That quote is never truer than in the Kidlit community on Twitter.  If you're an author who's needing to branch out, needing to learn, needing to network, needing to practice. . . there is room for you at the kidlit table on Twitter!  I'm so thankful for all the lovely people who are in my life now because of it -- books I've read, trainings I've received.  My life is richer and fuller.  I'm a better author than I was on Feb. 29. I'm glad I took the Twitter leap on Leap Day.  

It's another great time to LEAP into this community!  This week, lots of cool things are wrapping up on Twitter, but you still have time:

PictureBookCritiqueFest -- Brian Gehrlein, another amazing kidlit community member and newly published author ends up on the 30th.  That info is here: 
https://www.pbspotlight.com/pbcritiquefestwww.pbspotlight.com/pbcritiquefest  There are 36 critiques up for grabs, so go and enter!  Now, before it's too late!
Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie contest ends a minute before Midnight on Halloween!  Don't turn into a pumpkin!  Write a 100-word story for kids with a proper story arc using three secret words.  You'll find them here:
​https://susannahill.com/2020/10/15/doin-the-skeleton-dance-announcing-the-10th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest/
susannahill.com/2020/10/15/doin-the-skeleton-dance-announcing-the-10th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest/
And, this Thursday is PBPitch, where you can pitch your picture books to agents and editors who will peruse the feed.  That info is here: 
http://www.pbpitch.com/pbpitch-twitter-event.html
www.pbpitch.com/pbpitch-twitter-event.html

Lots of people have met their agents this way.  I'll be pitching, and hoping it's my time. And, if not, that's okay, too, because this quote is in my email because I believe it and I need to be reminded EVERY SINGLE DAY.

So, keep writing, and check out the wonderful kidlit community on Twitter.  It will change your writing, and your life!
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