Tonnye Writes
I'll share bits here about what I'm writing, with whom, sneak peeks and details.
June 2023
I'm still (somewhat patiently) awaiting the contract for my first book deal. Still not something I can share a lot about, even though I am super-excited. It seems this business has two speeds: supersonic or snail's pace. You're either rushing to get something finished, polished, entered, submitted . . . .or. . .. you are waiting. . . .waiting. . . . .waiting. . . .
I've been working so hard for the last few years to enter every contest, do every pitch event, etc. that now that I have an agent, I feel a bit like a fish out of water. No querying, no pitch events, and not many contests, since I don't want to bump people out of opportunities for their shot at an agent, an industry critique, etc. I'm still trying to offer support for my writing friends in those events, and I'm able to offer some PBJamz prizes for some of the contests. It's just big FOMO, feeling like I don't exactly belong either place. I'm not YET published, so I don't belong in that camp, but I have an agent and a forthcoming book deal, so I don't fully belong with the querying/pitching authors either. . . It's a great problem to have -- just requiring some adjustment. It's not like I don't have PLENTY to do -- there are always TONS of manuscripts to revise, and the website and the PBJamz. And, I am thankful to have MORE time to focus on those pieces in this interim, since when the book launches, it may be mayhem for a while, since I'll still be working full-time.
I'm continuing to aim for at least 2 new manuscripts each month (First Draft Friday, hosted by Hollie Wolverton and Mindy Alysse Weiss' Critique Train help me meet that goal.) I am working on adjusting my daily, weekly, and monthly writing goals since many of them were tied into querying, pitching, submitting. . .
I was approached by a local magazine editor, who asked if I was interested in doing some freelance work for them. It doesn't pay much, but it will be some drops in the bucket, and hopefully expand my name and reach locally, which will hopefully be helpful when my book finally does launch!
The other bit of writing news is that my agent sent out a new book on submission! I'm hopeful that it will find a good home, but also very cognizant of the fact that there are many more rejections to come. It's very interesting to see this side of the publishing world. Fascinating to see the bits behind the scenes.
So, that's pretty much it for now. Stay tuned! A brand new month has dawned. I wonder what will arise from this next season?
I've been working so hard for the last few years to enter every contest, do every pitch event, etc. that now that I have an agent, I feel a bit like a fish out of water. No querying, no pitch events, and not many contests, since I don't want to bump people out of opportunities for their shot at an agent, an industry critique, etc. I'm still trying to offer support for my writing friends in those events, and I'm able to offer some PBJamz prizes for some of the contests. It's just big FOMO, feeling like I don't exactly belong either place. I'm not YET published, so I don't belong in that camp, but I have an agent and a forthcoming book deal, so I don't fully belong with the querying/pitching authors either. . . It's a great problem to have -- just requiring some adjustment. It's not like I don't have PLENTY to do -- there are always TONS of manuscripts to revise, and the website and the PBJamz. And, I am thankful to have MORE time to focus on those pieces in this interim, since when the book launches, it may be mayhem for a while, since I'll still be working full-time.
I'm continuing to aim for at least 2 new manuscripts each month (First Draft Friday, hosted by Hollie Wolverton and Mindy Alysse Weiss' Critique Train help me meet that goal.) I am working on adjusting my daily, weekly, and monthly writing goals since many of them were tied into querying, pitching, submitting. . .
I was approached by a local magazine editor, who asked if I was interested in doing some freelance work for them. It doesn't pay much, but it will be some drops in the bucket, and hopefully expand my name and reach locally, which will hopefully be helpful when my book finally does launch!
The other bit of writing news is that my agent sent out a new book on submission! I'm hopeful that it will find a good home, but also very cognizant of the fact that there are many more rejections to come. It's very interesting to see this side of the publishing world. Fascinating to see the bits behind the scenes.
So, that's pretty much it for now. Stay tuned! A brand new month has dawned. I wonder what will arise from this next season?
May 2023
This section gets away from me -- it's been a very busy year + a few months.
As I read back over January's update, it made me sad and I have to report that Mocha kitty did not last much longer.
The season since my last update has been full and busy in the writing space.
February of 22 I started a new multi-media blog where I spotlight picture books (PB) with musical connections (Jamz) and it has been so fun and a wonderful way to give back to the writing, teaching, and music education community. I've so enjoyed meeting so many authors, illustrators and musicians. I've made new friends and lots of new connections.
I've continued to enter many contests and have secured a few wins and honorable mentions. You can check out my Snippets blog for specifics and to read some of the pieces that I've written.
I've participated in my first in-person writing conference through SCBWI last September/October, and made more friends and connections. I also learned so much.
The most exciting news is that February's PBPitch brought a heart/like for one of my pitches, and that led to a book offer and an agent, so I'm thrilled that I'm now represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency, and have a forthcoming book deal that I can't announce.
Stay tuned for more updates for what my writing career is up to.
As I read back over January's update, it made me sad and I have to report that Mocha kitty did not last much longer.
The season since my last update has been full and busy in the writing space.
February of 22 I started a new multi-media blog where I spotlight picture books (PB) with musical connections (Jamz) and it has been so fun and a wonderful way to give back to the writing, teaching, and music education community. I've so enjoyed meeting so many authors, illustrators and musicians. I've made new friends and lots of new connections.
I've continued to enter many contests and have secured a few wins and honorable mentions. You can check out my Snippets blog for specifics and to read some of the pieces that I've written.
I've participated in my first in-person writing conference through SCBWI last September/October, and made more friends and connections. I also learned so much.
The most exciting news is that February's PBPitch brought a heart/like for one of my pitches, and that led to a book offer and an agent, so I'm thrilled that I'm now represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency, and have a forthcoming book deal that I can't announce.
Stay tuned for more updates for what my writing career is up to.
January 2022
New year, new goals, but what a way to start!
Gotta love January -- saying goodbye to the old, getting ready for the new.
Back to school, first draft Friday. Covid ramped up. Remote learning days.
Then Covid hit close to home -- hubby and I both down for the count.
Then Mocha kitty got very sick.
January was a blur, but some very good things came out of the blur -- a draft, lots of revision, StoryStorm (which garnered around 50 ideas for new stories in the future.), a new Carolina Girls Writing Group, progress toward lots of writerly projects, critiques done, etc. Even amidst the blur, there was inspiration and hard work. We ended the month back at work, mostly well, and Mocha kitty is hanging on. I can't ask for more than that!
Gotta love January -- saying goodbye to the old, getting ready for the new.
Back to school, first draft Friday. Covid ramped up. Remote learning days.
Then Covid hit close to home -- hubby and I both down for the count.
Then Mocha kitty got very sick.
January was a blur, but some very good things came out of the blur -- a draft, lots of revision, StoryStorm (which garnered around 50 ideas for new stories in the future.), a new Carolina Girls Writing Group, progress toward lots of writerly projects, critiques done, etc. Even amidst the blur, there was inspiration and hard work. We ended the month back at work, mostly well, and Mocha kitty is hanging on. I can't ask for more than that!
November and December 2021 UPDATE
November brought a wonderful writing retreat. I enjoyed it so much, and it was definitely something I hope to be able to continue! You can read all the amazing details about it here:
https://www.tonnyefletcher.com/snippets-bits-of-life-blog/retreat
I did a lot of revising in November as well as working on a new draft or two.
December brought lots of family time, some traveling, holiday fun, a sinus infection and a bout of bronchitis, so only a little writerly stuff happened. I wrote a draft or two, did a revision or three, submitted a query or four, and lived a life outside of writing and school, as it should be -- at least sometimes.
https://www.tonnyefletcher.com/snippets-bits-of-life-blog/retreat
I did a lot of revising in November as well as working on a new draft or two.
December brought lots of family time, some traveling, holiday fun, a sinus infection and a bout of bronchitis, so only a little writerly stuff happened. I wrote a draft or two, did a revision or three, submitted a query or four, and lived a life outside of writing and school, as it should be -- at least sometimes.
August, September & October 2021 UPDATE
Whew! Somehow this section keeps getting ahead of me.
August and September were whirlwinds, and October is almost at its end!
August and September were full of travel, starting the new "vintique" booth at Fancy Nancy's and school starting! I wrote when I could, which wasn't as often as I needed to, but continued making slow and steady process with several of my PB manuscripts, as well as writing several new pieces. I have continued when I could to write with my SCBWI Carolinas Ignite the Spark group which focuses on micro fiction (less than 250 words -- perfect for me as a PB writer.), and critiquing with my Word Weavers group.
Darla "DJ" Christie has become a true writing friend and constant critique partner, and she recently acquired an agent!!! I'm so thrilled for her, and hoping that means that I'm getting close as well!
Each month, I participate in the PB Critique Train, hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss (although I missed one during this season, and was disappointed.). Hollie Wolverton hosts First Draft Fridays and I make an attempt to hit those each time as well. However, I also missed one of those during this busy time. I haven't counted, but I'm thinking I have a chance at having 21 new manuscripts in 21. That would be cool! It may have to be a last minute goal -- a push for the end of the year if I'm not there . . .
The end of September brought SCBWI Carolinas Conference, and I participated in several inspiring sessions of the conference and caught a couple more on replay. I'm hoping to submit to a few of the faculty who opened up to us, and am working on a few manuscripts that I think would be best suited to them.
The beginning of October brought Fall Writing Frenzy, which I entered for the second time, and was recently announced as an honorable mention for my story "Scythe" -- a YA spooky thriller micro fiction. I also had 2/3 micro fiction pieces selected for SCBWI Carolinas' LITTLE BOOK OF LITTLE STORIES, so I am thrilled to be experiencing more wins/kudos, but rejections still roll all the time! I submitted a query to Amy Thrall Flynn, which was rejected during this time frame, among others. I've been out of the query trenches for a while, after feeling like I had started too soon. I hope I'm ready to jump back in, and have several that I've been working with in my critique groups to polish and get ready to that end.
Currently, I'm prepping my Halloweensie entry and participating in PBCritiqueFest. I'm also super-excited to be getting ready for my first real writers' retreat with some other kidlit writers from NC. I'm thankful to Carolyn Frasier for reaching out and inviting me to join their group retreat! I've also laid some ground work for starting a group for coastal Carolina -- have only had a couple of responses, but looking forward to starting something on our end of the state, too! I'm prepping for something really fun and big in the first of the year, and looking forward to doing something that will bring lots of my loves together for the benefit of lots of people hopefully, so stay tuned for THAT news coming very soon!!! I also started up my writers' group for this year this week, and I'm really excited about the second graders that I'm working with and looking forward to a very productive year with them.
That pretty much catches you up, but I have lots of projects in the works, so I can't wait to share with you my next steps at the end of November!
August and September were whirlwinds, and October is almost at its end!
August and September were full of travel, starting the new "vintique" booth at Fancy Nancy's and school starting! I wrote when I could, which wasn't as often as I needed to, but continued making slow and steady process with several of my PB manuscripts, as well as writing several new pieces. I have continued when I could to write with my SCBWI Carolinas Ignite the Spark group which focuses on micro fiction (less than 250 words -- perfect for me as a PB writer.), and critiquing with my Word Weavers group.
Darla "DJ" Christie has become a true writing friend and constant critique partner, and she recently acquired an agent!!! I'm so thrilled for her, and hoping that means that I'm getting close as well!
Each month, I participate in the PB Critique Train, hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss (although I missed one during this season, and was disappointed.). Hollie Wolverton hosts First Draft Fridays and I make an attempt to hit those each time as well. However, I also missed one of those during this busy time. I haven't counted, but I'm thinking I have a chance at having 21 new manuscripts in 21. That would be cool! It may have to be a last minute goal -- a push for the end of the year if I'm not there . . .
The end of September brought SCBWI Carolinas Conference, and I participated in several inspiring sessions of the conference and caught a couple more on replay. I'm hoping to submit to a few of the faculty who opened up to us, and am working on a few manuscripts that I think would be best suited to them.
The beginning of October brought Fall Writing Frenzy, which I entered for the second time, and was recently announced as an honorable mention for my story "Scythe" -- a YA spooky thriller micro fiction. I also had 2/3 micro fiction pieces selected for SCBWI Carolinas' LITTLE BOOK OF LITTLE STORIES, so I am thrilled to be experiencing more wins/kudos, but rejections still roll all the time! I submitted a query to Amy Thrall Flynn, which was rejected during this time frame, among others. I've been out of the query trenches for a while, after feeling like I had started too soon. I hope I'm ready to jump back in, and have several that I've been working with in my critique groups to polish and get ready to that end.
Currently, I'm prepping my Halloweensie entry and participating in PBCritiqueFest. I'm also super-excited to be getting ready for my first real writers' retreat with some other kidlit writers from NC. I'm thankful to Carolyn Frasier for reaching out and inviting me to join their group retreat! I've also laid some ground work for starting a group for coastal Carolina -- have only had a couple of responses, but looking forward to starting something on our end of the state, too! I'm prepping for something really fun and big in the first of the year, and looking forward to doing something that will bring lots of my loves together for the benefit of lots of people hopefully, so stay tuned for THAT news coming very soon!!! I also started up my writers' group for this year this week, and I'm really excited about the second graders that I'm working with and looking forward to a very productive year with them.
That pretty much catches you up, but I have lots of projects in the works, so I can't wait to share with you my next steps at the end of November!
July 2021 UPDATE
July was busy with travel. Summer school ended, and we went to visit my best friend of 43 years and her hubby for Independence Day. Then we took a week-long vacay with my family from NC to Tennessee and back again. So, I haven't done as much writing this month. I did manage to get a new draft written for First Draft Friday, but I missed the critique train and Ignite the Spark this month due to travel and home stuff.
I did have a great first study meeting with a CP for WRITING PICTURE BOOKS. We talked writing and life for about 2 1/2 hours and it was so good. I also did a couple of webinar trainings this month -- poetry, revision, and back matter -- all excellent!
I'm continuing to read more than I write as I strive to learn more about effectively writing picture books and writing effective picture books. This month I read over 50 picture books! I'm also reading a couple of Christian books (NF), continuing to work on WRITING PICTURE BOOKS, and reading slowly through a few other things as well. I haven't done as much adult pleasure reading this summer as normal, but I'm very much enjoying all the PBs I'm reading. Shane and I have LOLed at THE WONKY DONKEY series. I also had Chandler read aloud MR COMPLAIN TAKES THE TRAIN. It employs some unique strategies that make it pretty fun. I ended up with several in my library stack last time that used lots of rhyme or word play or just using words in interesting ways. I always love books like that.
I also enjoyed an unusual writing experience this month during our travels. We booked an AirBnB experience with a Nashville songwriter for my dad and me. We both have written songs all our lives. Brett Taylor took a song Daddy had been working on and listened to Daddy's story and meshed the two into a really cool and powerful song. It made me miss my songwriting. I'd love to work with Daddy on more of his songs to get them marketable. He would so love that. We have to send some vocals back to Brett and he's going to put it all together onto a demo track. I'm so excited about the end result and hope it works out great!
I chose to sit out some contests and Twitter events to make room for family, domestic/farm stuff, and to focus my energy on moving my writing forward. I'm hoping to get some PBs ready to query before we head back to school. I also continue to send in stories for CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL.
In non-writing related news, Shane and I celebrated 32 years of marriage this month as well. We are so blessed. Our marriage is not perfect by any stretch, but we love each other and are committed to working through whatever comes our way. We've seen a lot of struggles, grief, trials, and challenges in those 32 years, but we've also shared lots of amazing moments, incredible experiences, and beautiful years together. I am thankful to have him in my corner and in my life. He dreams big dreams with me and for me, and is one of my biggest supporters!
I did have a great first study meeting with a CP for WRITING PICTURE BOOKS. We talked writing and life for about 2 1/2 hours and it was so good. I also did a couple of webinar trainings this month -- poetry, revision, and back matter -- all excellent!
I'm continuing to read more than I write as I strive to learn more about effectively writing picture books and writing effective picture books. This month I read over 50 picture books! I'm also reading a couple of Christian books (NF), continuing to work on WRITING PICTURE BOOKS, and reading slowly through a few other things as well. I haven't done as much adult pleasure reading this summer as normal, but I'm very much enjoying all the PBs I'm reading. Shane and I have LOLed at THE WONKY DONKEY series. I also had Chandler read aloud MR COMPLAIN TAKES THE TRAIN. It employs some unique strategies that make it pretty fun. I ended up with several in my library stack last time that used lots of rhyme or word play or just using words in interesting ways. I always love books like that.
I also enjoyed an unusual writing experience this month during our travels. We booked an AirBnB experience with a Nashville songwriter for my dad and me. We both have written songs all our lives. Brett Taylor took a song Daddy had been working on and listened to Daddy's story and meshed the two into a really cool and powerful song. It made me miss my songwriting. I'd love to work with Daddy on more of his songs to get them marketable. He would so love that. We have to send some vocals back to Brett and he's going to put it all together onto a demo track. I'm so excited about the end result and hope it works out great!
I chose to sit out some contests and Twitter events to make room for family, domestic/farm stuff, and to focus my energy on moving my writing forward. I'm hoping to get some PBs ready to query before we head back to school. I also continue to send in stories for CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL.
In non-writing related news, Shane and I celebrated 32 years of marriage this month as well. We are so blessed. Our marriage is not perfect by any stretch, but we love each other and are committed to working through whatever comes our way. We've seen a lot of struggles, grief, trials, and challenges in those 32 years, but we've also shared lots of amazing moments, incredible experiences, and beautiful years together. I am thankful to have him in my corner and in my life. He dreams big dreams with me and for me, and is one of my biggest supporters!
June 2021 UPDATE
June was a busy month, and I did LOTS of reading! I read more than 30 picture books in June, and found some real treasures! I especially enjoyed FLOWER TALK by Sara Levine, LET'S DANCE by Valerie Bolling, THE MIDNIGHT FAIR by Gideon Sterer, ONCE UPON ANOTHER TIME by Matt Forrest Esenwine & Charles Chignan, DOUBLE BASS BLUES by Andrea J. Loney, and ALL the Our Universe books by Stacy McAnulty! (EARTH, SUN, MOON, OCEAN and MARS) Such good stuff!
I participated in KIDLITZOMBIEWEEK, and while I didn't win any tangible prizes, I did lots of great thinking and revising on a book that had me so incredibly frustrated, and I'm still working on the revisions, but have a great direction to go, and I'm excited about it again, so that is a definite WIN for me! I also participated in the Pitch Perfect session with Kate Allen Fox and met a couple of great Twitter friends (sort of) live and in person :-) and got great feedback on a pitch.
I also participated in NC Reading Association's mini-virtual conference with Donalyn Miller, Adam Dovico, Alan Bailey, Stacy McAnulty, and more! There were some great sessions and the one with Stacy in particular really helped me with those zombie revisions!
I wrote a new draft for First Draft Friday with Hollie Wolverton and for the PBParty Critique Train with Mindy Alysse Weiss, which brings my total of new drafts for 2021 up to 15 I think! I also did lots of critiques and revisions.
My CP and I are continuing to work through WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul, so I'm learning a lot from that as well.
While I was disappointed not to be chosen as a PBChat mentor this time, I will continue learning and growing until I am chosen or until I am repped and/or published or until I get some guidance to go a different direction.
I've submitted several writings to CHICKEN SOUP for the SOUL, and a couple of tiny things to BABY BUG. I have no idea if anything will come of them, but I keep trying new things, and we'll see.
Summer School took up a big part of my June, but I look forward to some full-time writing days in July, along with SunWriteFun! (In fact, I already have my idea -- SHHHH. . . . More on that NEXT month!
I participated in KIDLITZOMBIEWEEK, and while I didn't win any tangible prizes, I did lots of great thinking and revising on a book that had me so incredibly frustrated, and I'm still working on the revisions, but have a great direction to go, and I'm excited about it again, so that is a definite WIN for me! I also participated in the Pitch Perfect session with Kate Allen Fox and met a couple of great Twitter friends (sort of) live and in person :-) and got great feedback on a pitch.
I also participated in NC Reading Association's mini-virtual conference with Donalyn Miller, Adam Dovico, Alan Bailey, Stacy McAnulty, and more! There were some great sessions and the one with Stacy in particular really helped me with those zombie revisions!
I wrote a new draft for First Draft Friday with Hollie Wolverton and for the PBParty Critique Train with Mindy Alysse Weiss, which brings my total of new drafts for 2021 up to 15 I think! I also did lots of critiques and revisions.
My CP and I are continuing to work through WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul, so I'm learning a lot from that as well.
While I was disappointed not to be chosen as a PBChat mentor this time, I will continue learning and growing until I am chosen or until I am repped and/or published or until I get some guidance to go a different direction.
I've submitted several writings to CHICKEN SOUP for the SOUL, and a couple of tiny things to BABY BUG. I have no idea if anything will come of them, but I keep trying new things, and we'll see.
Summer School took up a big part of my June, but I look forward to some full-time writing days in July, along with SunWriteFun! (In fact, I already have my idea -- SHHHH. . . . More on that NEXT month!
May 2021 UPDATE |
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We just wrapped up the most bizarre school year to date. As a teacher, I have stretched and grown in ways I couldn't have imagined. I am glad to see it come to a close in many ways. I'm thankful for the growth and learning, and I look forward to what I pray will be a MORE NORMAL school year for 2021-2022!
In terms of writing, it's been a quieter month -- no massive contests to enter, but I was awarded an Honorable Mention for my SpringFling KidLit contest entry, VENUS' SPRING TRAPS, which was super-exciting!
I've done 4 trainings in May:
Leaving Room for the Illustrator with Laura Gehl, which was wonderful,
Rock Your PB Revision with Rajani LaRocca, which was spectacular,
Author Website Essentials with Lisa Stringfellow, which was very helpful,
and a Twitter thread master class with Abi Longstaff called PicBk101, which was a very nice overview of writing PBs and gave me lots of things to think about with my own manuscripts!
I didn't read as many PBs as my goals are, but I checked out many of the PBs in Abi's training and really enjoyed many of them! I especially liked OI FROG by Kes Gray and Jim Fied -- so funny! I did NOT like THE SAD STORY OF VERONICA WHO PLAYED VIOLIN, although apparently some people find it humorous. That's the beauty of reading/writing! There's plenty to go around, and thankfully, we don't all have to have the same taste in literature (or movies, or music or art or. . .) I also really liked I'M STICKING WITH YOU! What a sweet story of friendship and affection! Loved it!
I've been trying to get at least 2 new drafts written each month -- specifically on "First Draft Friday" with Hollie Wolverton and on PB Critique Train Day with Mindy Alyse Weiss. I carried that through this month, as well as writing a draft with my Ignite the Spark microfiction group through SCBWI Carolinas! So, May saw 3 new drafts, and lots of revisions and critiques for my CPs and from them for me.
I had a couple of big critiques that came in from Jolene Gutierrez and Skylaar Ammon that were really helpful, but are requiring some thought for how to approach those revisions. One of my CPs is helping me sort through the critiques and figure out the best way to apply some of the feedback.
We are still waiting to hear who the PBChat mentees for this year will be -- those will be announced on June 30. I was not chosen for the Write Mentor mentorship and continue to trust God's timing for the right opportunities and continue to work while I wait.
I'm participating in Julie Hedlund's 12x12 PB Challenge, and have managed to complete my drafts and revisions each month, but I am not taking full advantage of all the other amenities of that membership! Hopefully, this summer will afford me a bit more opportunity for that. Although, I am teaching summer school (and using the money to buy myself a brand new writing computer :-) and have some travel planned, so I'm not sure how much extra time I'll have.
I continue to participate in WordWeavers critique group each month and usually take adult writing (blogs, devotionals, Chicken Soup potentials, Bible studies, etc.) for them. I have submitted several pieces for consideration for CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL, but haven't heard anything yet.
One of my CPs and I are doing a study of WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul, and hoping to do some virtual meet-ups to talk about it.
June has new exciting things coming on the horizon (in addition to mentee announcements). I'm looking forward to our KidLit Zombie week, and a PB Pitch event, so there is much to be excited about as I continue learning and growing as a writer.
In terms of writing, it's been a quieter month -- no massive contests to enter, but I was awarded an Honorable Mention for my SpringFling KidLit contest entry, VENUS' SPRING TRAPS, which was super-exciting!
I've done 4 trainings in May:
Leaving Room for the Illustrator with Laura Gehl, which was wonderful,
Rock Your PB Revision with Rajani LaRocca, which was spectacular,
Author Website Essentials with Lisa Stringfellow, which was very helpful,
and a Twitter thread master class with Abi Longstaff called PicBk101, which was a very nice overview of writing PBs and gave me lots of things to think about with my own manuscripts!
I didn't read as many PBs as my goals are, but I checked out many of the PBs in Abi's training and really enjoyed many of them! I especially liked OI FROG by Kes Gray and Jim Fied -- so funny! I did NOT like THE SAD STORY OF VERONICA WHO PLAYED VIOLIN, although apparently some people find it humorous. That's the beauty of reading/writing! There's plenty to go around, and thankfully, we don't all have to have the same taste in literature (or movies, or music or art or. . .) I also really liked I'M STICKING WITH YOU! What a sweet story of friendship and affection! Loved it!
I've been trying to get at least 2 new drafts written each month -- specifically on "First Draft Friday" with Hollie Wolverton and on PB Critique Train Day with Mindy Alyse Weiss. I carried that through this month, as well as writing a draft with my Ignite the Spark microfiction group through SCBWI Carolinas! So, May saw 3 new drafts, and lots of revisions and critiques for my CPs and from them for me.
I had a couple of big critiques that came in from Jolene Gutierrez and Skylaar Ammon that were really helpful, but are requiring some thought for how to approach those revisions. One of my CPs is helping me sort through the critiques and figure out the best way to apply some of the feedback.
We are still waiting to hear who the PBChat mentees for this year will be -- those will be announced on June 30. I was not chosen for the Write Mentor mentorship and continue to trust God's timing for the right opportunities and continue to work while I wait.
I'm participating in Julie Hedlund's 12x12 PB Challenge, and have managed to complete my drafts and revisions each month, but I am not taking full advantage of all the other amenities of that membership! Hopefully, this summer will afford me a bit more opportunity for that. Although, I am teaching summer school (and using the money to buy myself a brand new writing computer :-) and have some travel planned, so I'm not sure how much extra time I'll have.
I continue to participate in WordWeavers critique group each month and usually take adult writing (blogs, devotionals, Chicken Soup potentials, Bible studies, etc.) for them. I have submitted several pieces for consideration for CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL, but haven't heard anything yet.
One of my CPs and I are doing a study of WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul, and hoping to do some virtual meet-ups to talk about it.
June has new exciting things coming on the horizon (in addition to mentee announcements). I'm looking forward to our KidLit Zombie week, and a PB Pitch event, so there is much to be excited about as I continue learning and growing as a writer.
April 2021 UPDATE
Holy WOW! I haven't updated since August!?! I don't know how that happened. Well, I kind of do. School started in August and has kept me busily hopping ever since. Christmas break was full of family and grief as I said goodbye to my mama. Since then, it has been grieving and school and all the other "stuff" that makes up my non-writing life. In the midst of non-writing life, I have done LOTS of writing, including contests, and so much more! In the Fall, I participated in Fall Writing Frenzy. Then over the holidays, I managed to participate in Susannah Hill's Holiday contest. November or December I began participating with my local SCBWI chapter in virtual events called INGITE THE SPARK. We gather via Zoom and write microfiction to various seasonal prompts and share a growing and supportive FB group as well. In January, I joined Julie Hedlund's 12x12 PB Challenge and have enjoyed being part of that group. Also, around the first of the year, I began joining Hollie Wolverton's First Draft Fridays. Between that and Mindy Alyse Weiss' monthly critique train, I'm writing 2 drafts a month. Sometimes Ignite the Spark gives me another draft. The great news is that if I keep that up, I'll have 25+ new drafts to work with by the end of 2021. This has been the first year I've tackled writing "full time" while teaching full time. It's challenging, especially with my work with NC Reading Association and our local council, CCNCRA. I've been blessed to be able to offer a win-win to author-friends with books coming out by inviting them to join us via Zoom. Hopefully it's increased their audience and book sales, and has been wonderful for our small rural area to have 2 published authors share with us. In February, Vivian Kirkfield shared with our group and in March, Valerie Bolling shared. I already have a couple of authors tentatively scheduled for next year. I have also presented for 3 other NCRA councils this year, and participated myself in NCRA Young Authors' project, winning at the state level, and will have my essay published in the state anthology. I participated in Susannah Hill's Valentiny writing in February. I am thrilled to say I have received my first "BIG" win for a writing contest as one of 50 winners in Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words contest. I slid in as number 47, and am so thrilled to count myself as a winner in this international contest. I also participated in Children's Writers Group's birthday contest on FB, and SpringFlingKidLit. During this month, I'm throwing my hat into the ring for some awards and mentorships. I've won lots of books from Twitter book giveaways from authors as well as additional critiques, which has been so helpful and wonderful! It has been a very busy time since August. I've also been blogging here on Snippets about Mama's legacy, as well as interspersing my contest entries there! Our Spring Break ends today and I have 8 weeks left of school. Then I can be a full-time author again for a little while. :-) Pressing onward and upward! I'm putting in applications this month for 2 different mentorships and for a couple of SCBWI awards. Trusting God's timing for everything.
August 2020 UPDATE
I crushed my monthly goals for August! Well, most of them. I've been a little down about querying and felt like I needed to learn and practice more, so August was all about reading and training and critiquing and being critiqued. It was a crazy busy month! I read over 35 picture books in August and participated in 17 writing trainings. Many of those were from SCBWI Summer Spectacular, which was their on-line version of their annual conference. I also enjoyed a week-long picture book challenge by Storyteller Academy. I am now participating in 5 critique groups, most of which are on-line. I'm so enjoying the writing community on Twitter, and especially enjoying connecting with some groups and authors in particular on there. I received a very helpful critique and had a lovely email conversation with Jolene Gutierrez about some poetry and non-fiction writing I'm working on. I wrote I think 3 new rough drafts and enjoyed a very active writing month!
July 2020 UPDATE
July has started off with a bang -- and I don't mean fireworks! I am happy to be part of another critique group -- this one totally online and focused on picture books -- it originated from the FaithPitch event on Twitter.. It has been a lovely addition to my writing arsenal and I'm enjoying getting to know the girls in the group and we've already been active with each other's manuscripts and getting excellent feedback! I'm excited to have a group focusing and learning about picture books like me!
I applied for the PBChat mentorship and those mentees will be announced at the end of this month, and I also sent in a form to possibly join another critique group focused on picture books that Justin Colon is organizing -- a little match-up. I'm excited to see how all of that goes!
The winners for the KidlitZombie week were announced, and I did not win a pledge prize or a pitch/manuscript critique, but it was such a GREAT experience! 6Ladies and a MANuscript did a FABULOUS job planning really fun ways to make it a week of learning. I learned so much and grew a lot through that experience! And then at the very end came this exciting announcement: https://twitter.com/i/status/1278838683324444672 I won an honorable mention just for being supportive and encouraging for everyone else! (which was super-easy because there are so many amazing people in the KidLit community on Twitter! ) It was a blast and I did lots of revisions to a couple of manuscripts that needed some work, I learned a lot, made lots of great connections and in the end, I won a critique after all! I said I had always wanted to be Miss Congeniality :-) Maybe I just always wanted to be Sandra Bullock, but either way, it was quite an honor!
Also, Shane and I have been working like crazy on the new writing space and I'm excited to do a reveal maybe later this week! Stay tuned!
I applied for the PBChat mentorship and those mentees will be announced at the end of this month, and I also sent in a form to possibly join another critique group focused on picture books that Justin Colon is organizing -- a little match-up. I'm excited to see how all of that goes!
The winners for the KidlitZombie week were announced, and I did not win a pledge prize or a pitch/manuscript critique, but it was such a GREAT experience! 6Ladies and a MANuscript did a FABULOUS job planning really fun ways to make it a week of learning. I learned so much and grew a lot through that experience! And then at the very end came this exciting announcement: https://twitter.com/i/status/1278838683324444672 I won an honorable mention just for being supportive and encouraging for everyone else! (which was super-easy because there are so many amazing people in the KidLit community on Twitter! ) It was a blast and I did lots of revisions to a couple of manuscripts that needed some work, I learned a lot, made lots of great connections and in the end, I won a critique after all! I said I had always wanted to be Miss Congeniality :-) Maybe I just always wanted to be Sandra Bullock, but either way, it was quite an honor!
Also, Shane and I have been working like crazy on the new writing space and I'm excited to do a reveal maybe later this week! Stay tuned!
JUNE 2020 UPDATE
During the Pandemic, I've been really busy! I've been building up my presence on Twitter, watching LOTS of webinars through SCBWI, Highlights Foundation, and Serious Family. I've been blessed to win a couple of critiques on Twitter, which have been really helpful, so I've been revising those pieces. I continue to query the pieces that are strongest. I've received rejections on top of rejections, but every rejection is one closer to publication. :-) At least that's how I TRY to look at it. I'm in this for the long haul -- learning and growing. My writing is getting stronger, and I'm learning more every day. I've had a few more ideas for stories that require some research. I've begun that, but haven't written those rough drafts yet. Currently, I have about 15 picture book drafts. About 10 of those have had some feedback and revision. Some are still in the early stages. It's a constant juggling act -- keeping up social media, learning/training, actually writing, revising/editing, researching, querying, getting feedback . . . I could easily do this job full-time. In other exciting news, Shane (Hubby) and I have been working to renovate our upstairs which includes a guest bedroom, a craft room, and a writing office for me! I'm so excited to have my own space to write and put all my resources. It will be fun to see how that evolves. I'll share pics when it's closer :-) Right now, just raw sheetrock. . .
Currently, I have my hat in the ring for a mentorship with PBChat. So many excellent writers have applied. My fingers are crossed, but it will happen when it's time. In the meantime, I will continue learning and growing on my own. Upcoming are more webinars and trainings, finishing "Writing Picture Books" by Ann Whitford Paul, 2 Twitter pitch events, and a Zombie PB week via Twitter, which I'm super-excited about!
Currently, I have my hat in the ring for a mentorship with PBChat. So many excellent writers have applied. My fingers are crossed, but it will happen when it's time. In the meantime, I will continue learning and growing on my own. Upcoming are more webinars and trainings, finishing "Writing Picture Books" by Ann Whitford Paul, 2 Twitter pitch events, and a Zombie PB week via Twitter, which I'm super-excited about!
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