Introduce Yourself...
Take a moment over the next day or so to introduce yourself to your fellow marathoners, if you'd like. Where (geographically) do you write? is this your first pb marathon? if you "ran" last year, did you finish (you don't have to answer that!).
Well, I'll be brave! Hello, I am a new PB marathoner - in fact I'm new to the concept of picturebooks. I have been making up stories for my 2 year old son recently, and someone challenged me to write them down. Then here comes this challenge to write one a day, and I couldn't pass up the obvious push.
ReplyDeleteI'm a 31 year old mother of one splendid boy living, working and writing in Alabama. Most of my picture books center around him, dinosaurs, dogs, and adventure.
I live in Utah. I'm the author of one picture book, The Wheat Doll. And this is my first marathon. Go team!
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Shana and I, too, am a new PB marathoner as well as new to writing and illustrating children's books. My 2 year old daughter LOVES to read so by reading tons and tons of books to her, ideas starting popping in my head of picturebooks to write. Also, my children inspire almost all of my ideas as well as my own childhood experiences. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me to come up with a bunch of book ideas and potentially come up with a couple of manuscripts!
ReplyDeleteI'll be 30 on February 20 and am a stay at home mom of a 10 month old boy and an ALMOST 2 year old girl (Feb 17) as well as an amatuer children's book writer and illustrator. I paint and draw with several different mediums so being able to use my art in my books has been a joy! I'm currently in the process of getting my Masters in Illustration online from the Academy of Art University as well. I guess you can say that I like to stay busy!
Yay 2011 Picture Book Marathon! When my 3 month old is sleeping, I write on my window seat in my house in Pittsburgh, PA. The only problem with this is that my cat likes to tear up my drafts. I write realistic fiction in the form of picture books and middle grade chapter books. Last year I ran unofficially, but I did finish! I entered one of the books (after my sister illustrated it) in Meegenius' author search program. It finished in the top ten. I'm looking forward to another productive February!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first picture book marathon and I am hoping it will help get me through the winter blahs here in Juneau, Alaska.
I am the author of three picture books: JULES THE LIGHTHOUSE DOG, KID CANINE - SUPERHERO, and JUST PERFECT: MORE ADVENTURES OF JULES THE LIGHTHOUSE DOG. I am currently working with an illustrator on my fourth book.
YAY TEAM!!!!
Greetings from the Windy City!
ReplyDeleteChicago lies blanketed under snow but I am in PB Marathon training! I am a librarian/clergyperson in the suburbs, published author of books in the narrow fields of children's Bible stories and library resources. Texts in rhyme! Action adventure! Pink and frilly! I'm trying it all in February!
I'm also freezing in the windy City. I work on picture books and adult non-fiction. I'm looking forward to being buried in PBs in February.
ReplyDeleteHi from Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington (it's fifty degrees and sunny and no, it doesn't rain 365 days a year here).
ReplyDeleteI have been a professional graphic designer and illustrator all my working life and now I'm concentrating on children's books. I am a new PB marathoner but I did manage to 'win' my NaNoWriMo 50,000 word badge this last November for a Middle Grade book.
Picture books are much harder because you have to make every word count and you have to realize that the pictures are half the story.
One of my personal goals, along with the PB story each day is to do one illustration sketch for each book. I also plan to blog about it if I have time at www.kathleenhiggins.blogspot.com. Drop by and say hello and tell me how you are doing and see how I'm doing...or if I'm doing...or if I am making excuses.
Go PB Marathoners!
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm freezing in New York where we're having the snowiest, coldest winter we've had since, well... since last year :)
This is my 2nd PB marathon - last year I only managed 17, but it was a great experience and I'm really looking forward to doing it again. I may try to blog about it as well (unless by the time I get to my blog I want to talk about something else) at http://susannahill.blogspot.com. Here's hoping for lots of inspiration in February!
Hey All,
ReplyDeleteI'm here in Grand Haven, Michigan enjoying the beautiful winter icebergs and snow. This is my first experience with the PB marathon and I can't wait to get started. I love picture books, kids and writing. My biggest challenge will be forcing myself to ignore Facebook and Gmail. But, I'll do it. Good luck to everyone!
I'm in the Puget Sound, Washington area too Kate. And no it doesn't rain all the time!
ReplyDeleteI'm from England originally and am a retired K-2 teacher. Have been writing PBs for a while and have some published on websites. I haven't done the PB marathon before, but think it's a great idea. It's what I need to really give me the incentive to write every day. I think we'll all come up with some wonderful stories.
GO - PB marathoners
Hey All! My name is Kim, and I live in Illinois. I'm the author of 14 books, and this is my first picture book marathon. I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone!
ReplyDeleteJenny-I'm originally from England and a former elementary school teacher too. :)
This is my first year in the picture book marathon. I'm really excited! I've been reorganizing my office this week so that I no excuses when Tuesday rolls around.
Good luck everyone!
Hi all from snowy central New York,
ReplyDeleteThis is my 2nd marathon. I actually completed it last year, but know that I won't even attempt that goal this year. I wasn't going to sign up this year knowing that I wouldn't have time to do what I did last year, but thought - what the heck! Signing up will at least give me the incentive to write down ideas even if I don't have time to craft them into a story.
Hey! I'm new to the marathon. I'm in Illinois, too. I just finished my first middle grade manuscript, and I'm excited to get back to writing picture books!
ReplyDeleteHi, Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI've published several picture books, both fiction and nonfiction. My two latest are "Fur and Feathers" and "Good Night, Little Sea Otter."
This is my first picture book marathon. Many of my picture books are heavily research-based and I'm hoping this marathon will force me to be more whimsical. I write in my home office in South Milwaukee, WI, and am originally from Michigan. GO TEAM!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI'm Sharon, and I live on Lake Michigan's east coastline in a place called Norton Shores. I am SO looking forward to the marathon--been doing my stretches and warm-ups. This is my first writers marathon, and I am eagerly awaiting Day 1.
Hello
ReplyDeleteI am joining you from the Montreal, Quebec region. I am a published illustrator and have started writing my own stories. This is my first picture book marathon and i have been going over my lists in order to be ready. I have a good support group and plenty of chocolate and spaghetti sauce in the kitchen cupboards. I wish you all good luck!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI live in Green Bay, WI. I will probably not be writing during the Super Bowl!
I primarily write educational and Christian material. I've got a rhyming Bible story coming out in March, so that'll be a great way to celebrate finishing the marathon.
I'm looking forward to cranking out some really bad rough drafts this next month. I can rescue them later.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI am from central New Hampshire. Currently staying at home with my 18 month old son. "Retired" elementary school teacher. :) This is my first marathon and am looking forward to writing, creating and hopefully generating lots of material! Excited for February!
Hi
ReplyDeleteI live in Henderson, NV recently moved from CA. This is my first marathon. I've published MG non-fiction and have always wanted to try my hand at picture books. I think the marathon will get the creative juices flowing.
hi all...
ReplyDeleteso excited to join you here! i am writing from cedar rapids, iowa (where it is pretty cold but not so snowy right now so i won't complain.) this is my first picture book marathon and i am very excited about having the incentive to write down all the picture book ideas floating around in my head. as a wife, mom of two kiddos, freelance writer (more in the newspaper and magazine realm than stuff for kids), and school fundraising event planner (among other things) i've got a lot on my plate. but i've actually walked a marathon before (you can check out my blog katiemillsgiorgio.wordpress.com for more info on that) and didn't quit so i'm going to give this my best shot!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am a teenager who loves to read and although I don't necessarily expect to finish the marathon (This is my first time attempting to "run"), I'm excited to start. I'm going to try to finish, but am realistically aiming for 15-20 books this year between homework and bed. I'm going to be blogging about my run at http://picareads.blogspot.com/.
Hello everybody from snowy Michigan! This is my very first PB Marathon so it will be a very interesting 28 days for me! I have been training, dusting off my neocortex and oiling the rusty cogs of my imagination. I wish everyone great luck and happy fingers! If you'd like to read my latest children's story you can find it on my blog at http://molovelly.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI am so psyched up about this marathon! Here's hoping the next month brings many fun and poignant moments to us all! Here in Buffalo, we need something to shine brightly...so the PB Marathon is just the right inspiration! I thank you for this concept!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello from San Francisco! This is my second PB marathon. My first one, last year, was so productive that I decided to participate again. Out of 26 stories, I had a handful of "gems" to work with. So, I'm excited to find more treasures (worthy stories to submit) ahead! I've been published in children's magazines but desire to break into the picture book market. Best wishes and see you all at the finish line!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Will Strong and I have a confession to make. I did the PB Marathon last year and only made it to 7 books. Yechkt.
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm trying for the whole tamale.
I'm an author/illustrator so I'm going to be doing book cover sketches instead of writing. My portfolio and blog can be found at: willstrongart.blogspot.com
Good luck everybody.
I'm from the suburbs of Chicago and this is my first picture book marathon. I started writing about two years ago out of a desire to create books that my fellow techers would find helpful in their classrooms and that my nieces and nephew would enjoy. I am looking forward to this challenge and wish you all the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteWow it is so fun to see where you are all writing from. I am a published children’s book illustrator who lives in West Bountiful, Utah where the Alaskan Bald Eagle likes to spend its winters eating carp and other local delicacies. This is my first picture book marathon. I have just expended all my energy cleaning off my desk. It was an archeological project. I discovered tattered documents, receipts and an ancient coin on the bottom level. I’m warming up my brain and my pencil. Wooo Hoooo for the picture book.
ReplyDeleteSherry Meidell
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am writing from London, UK. I am a published author and have a couple of picture books published - one from India and one in the US. My first love is picture books although I am published more in chapter books.
This is my first marathon although I did do the Picture Book Idea Month in November.
Organising the study, collecting my idea slips, idea notebooks and flexing my writing muscles has been today's tasks.
Good luck to everyone. Let the juices flow, ideas arrive, stamina stay and picture books unwrap...
Chitra Soundar
Hello from Illinois. This is my first PB marathon and I'm really looking forward to it. Ready for the "starter horn" on Feb 1.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to everyone. We can do this!
Cathy Cronin
www.cathycronin.com
Just popping to say that I have been writing for several years, but this is my first PBM. I had planned a push on my much neglected novels, but I promise to be committed to the 26 picture books as well. I might have to be committed by the end of it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing - I need to focus on the goal - I tend to run with a great idea and forget about writing new. I know this will be a hurdle for me. I'm hoping having the group will help with that :)
Hi I'm Linda from New Jersey where it refuses to stop snowing. This is my second marathon and I did finish last year. Not sure I can have the same expectation this year as I'm simultaneously taking an online writing workshop starting Feb 1st but I'm hoping I can use my picture book marathon ideas for my writing assignments. I have over 30 nonfiction books published with the hopes of having some of my fiction picture books published in the near future.
ReplyDeleteGood luck everyone!
Linda Bozzo
www.lindabozzo.com
My name is Mattie Noall. This is my first PB marathon but I am so stoked about it that I can hardly contain my brain long enough for Feb. to get here. I have 6 crazy but wonderful kids, 4 boys and 2 girls. I write mostly geared towards boys but am branching out a bit. I do my writing whenever I can get a free moment but it always takes place at the state with the greatest snow on earth, Utah. Where we are just wrapping up the Sundance Film Festival. I was glad to stay out of THAT mess. Wishing everyone tons of luck. God bless writers!
ReplyDeleteFirst time PB marathoner here, hailing from Westport, CT. I have not published any picture books yet, just a couple of poems (Cricket, Ladybug). I like the idea of just cranking it out, trying new things. I think quantity begets quality in the end as long as you pay attention to what you're learning along the way. Anyway, hope I can keep up with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteSome folks are having trouble posting a comment, so "This is a test, only a test." Lora is the techno savvy half of our duo. Not me, for sure!
ReplyDeleteShe'll be available tomorrow. (HOPEFULLY!)
Jean
I have 3 books and over 75 articles published, but I really want to learn how to write a PB. I've studied this art form, but I struggle.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps.
Thanks,
Mary Ann Duke
Hi, everyone! I'm Rita from Tennessee. I am a newbie to writing that has taken some online workshops for writing children's books... still learning. I came to the world of writing later in life. I have an adult son and a daughter that is a senior in HS. She is an aspie that aspires to be an author someday. It was her desire to write middle grade books that provoked me to check out the ins and outs of writing and being published so I could help her. The love of PBs led me down this route. I entered the PB marathon last year but did not get past ready, set, go... I hope to be up to the challenge this year. Looking forward to this stimulating undertaking. Write On Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm Dori, from Atlanta. I have been a professional writer my whole working life, but have never written fiction. I turned 40 in 2010 and thought, if I think I want to write, how long am I going to wait around before I do it? Sadly, even that mid-life crisis perspective wasn't enough to get me off my keester and get words on the page. I'm hoping this marathon will be the no-excuses push I need.
ReplyDeleteI stay at home with two kids, which gives me a lot of exposure to children's lit but not a huge amount of uninterrupted thinking time. But, my husband recently transformed our bonus room from a storage closet into a home office / retreat for me, so I hope I've got a fighting chance.
Hello fellow runners! My name is Laura Ripes and I'm writing from beautiful, sunny Chicago (as you can see I’m trying very hard to be optimistic and ignore the freezing tundra outside my window. Think Spring, Think Spring , Think Spring). My first picture book, THE SPAGHETTI SLURPING SEWER SERPENT, is due out Spring (love that word) 2012. This is my first marathon and frankly I am terrified! I like to turn ideas around in my head for quite some time before I know exactly where I want it to go, this will force me to get it on paper and finish in one day - which will be very challenging for me. All I can say is AHHHH!!! Good luck to all.
ReplyDeleteHello Everyone! It looks like I am the first marthoner from Idaho. I can assure you that we are also covered in a blanket of snow, and I am waiting anxiously for a glimpse of Spring. We're expecting some nice weather around June. I am a magazine editor and I have been published in magazines, but I have always dreamed of getting a children's book published. I am a mother of four little kids, and I am bound and determined to get 26 books at the end of this month. I'll be blogging all about it on www.aminutewithmeganc.blogspot.com. I'd be happy to interview some of you experienced writers to give some of us some tips. Good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. I am Becky from Utah. I listened to Jean and Lora talk about this last year. It sounded like so much fun that I decided to give it a try. I have published two books and am ready to write some more. I've been going through files, cleaning up and phew, I have a clean desktop just in time. I spent the morning at the book store making lists of ideas. . I can't wait for Tuesday. Let's run...
ReplyDeleteDianne Ochiltree, writing and living in Sarasota, Florida. Have written some picture book manuscripts that have been published and many that have not. All were so much fun to write! Background in art means that I'm addicted to this creative format, no matter the status of the picture book marketplace. Am excited and happy to be involved in my first picture book marathon. Let's all hit the ground running!
ReplyDeleteHello Jean Wise here. I am a nervous first timer who is just now learning more about picture books, though have been a writer for quite a while. I thought this would stretch my writing muscles and possibly found a treasure
ReplyDeleteHello from Southwestern Illinois! I love a challenge. This is my first PB marathon. I have co-authored one non-fiction book and sold some articles to children's magazines. Looking forward to flexing those creative muscles.
ReplyDeleteI am Chuck from Louisville. This is my first PB marathon. I have published one book, but it is a middle reader's.
ReplyDeleteHello from Chicago This is my second PB Marathon and looking forward to writing, writing and writing. Last year I had some real gems!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to start!
Hi, all. Sandy here, north of Chicago in Packer Country! I participated in PiBoIdMo this year in place of NaNoWriMo. (Picture Book Idea Month- http://taralazar.wordpress.com/piboidmo2010/) so I'd have a bank of ideas for the marathon. I'm published, for kids and adults, but no PB success-YET! For those who've mentioned that you are fairly new at this category of writing, check out the international organization at www.scbwi.org, the Society for Children's Writers and Illustrators. I found more links, resources, and invaluable contacts and information in the first year of membership than I had in years of other efforts. You can join even if you aren't published. Join, then become active with your regional organization- and I hope yours will be as helpful and fun as out Wisconsin group is! Good luck and good writing, everyone.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Amy and I am in California. Wish I could say it was sunny here but I am in the valley and we've had nothing but fog! This is my first picture book marathon, but like others here I did participate in PiBoIdMo in November so I am ready to go. My internal editor has a hard time letting those terrible first drafts out, so I think this will be a great exercise for me. Thanks to Lora and Jean for organizing this for us!
ReplyDeleteWriting from New York City. I'm an illustrator who started his career writing his own material, then moved over to illustrating other people's. I'm thinking this- my first PB marathon - will be a fun way to try out some new ideas of my own.
ReplyDeleteGood luck everyone!
Hi I'm Pat from Des Moines Iowa. I have written many poems and one unpublished picture book. This is great fun, working together in the marathon!
ReplyDeleteHi, everyone, I'm Liz from Seattle. My picture book, THE SPOOKY WHEELS ON THE BUS, was published by Scholastic last fall. I'm looking forward to writing and getting inspired. Best wishes and happy writing to all!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I am completely new to the marathon and also to children’s books! I have no idea what to expect but that’s partly why I joined up. I live near “sunny” Seattle and am originally from the UK so it's just home from home. My background is in science and I am thinking of non-fiction books mainly. I am a stay at home mom with three children at school who keep me busy.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, my name's Nate and I'm excited to get going down this path. I'm a full time pharmacy student but an avid story fanatic. I've been working towards writing and illustrating childrens books in various formats and this, my first marathon, gives me hopes of making something my little one year old, spitfire redhead will enjoy. I'm participating from Utah. For about a year I've been working on helping others and myself work towards similar pursuits as family-oriented media on a blog I run:
ReplyDeletedreamshoebox.blogspot.com
Good luck everyone.
Last week I organized the house, planned the menu for the month, cleaned my desk, etc. Yesterday I took my last horray (until March) down the slopes in Austria and now I'm ready (and excited) for my first marathon. Best of luck to all!!
ReplyDeleteHi All, I'm a picture book illustrator first and foremost but also wrote two of my books. I have five PB manuscripts floating to houses right now and will add an MG novel soon. Even if I don't write a story each day - I'm hoping to get my plot muscles in better shape via the challenge. Looking forward to it! :) e
ReplyDeleteHi, everyone. I'm from snowy Michigan too, but here in Ann Arbor, it seems like we have only had a few inches of snow so far this winter....
ReplyDeleteThis is my first marathon. Recently, I participated in another marathon -- 30 story ideas in 30 days -- so I have a long list and am ready to write.
I homeschool my 11-year-old daughter, who is writing an MG novel. It's great to have a "training partner" here at home. :-)
Hello! I'm Jennifer Hunsicker, librarian and new MFA student, from around Nashville, TN. I've written mostly non-fiction and am currently exploring many different types of writing. My fiction writing is coming along, though I am working on plot issues. This is my first marathon of any type. I'm looking forward to being part of this group!
ReplyDeleteHello everyone! I'm writing from Berlin, Germany. I've recently decided to seriously pursue my interest in writing and illustrating picture books, so I'm hoping that this marathon will help get the ball rolling. Good luck to everyone, or as we say over here, viel Glück und viel Spaß!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI'm Cheryl from Kentucky. This will be my first marathon. Even if I don't write a story a day, I'm looking forward to having something to keep me motivated and inspired during these gray, gray days. What a great challenge.
Hi, my name is Anastasia and I'm a Network Rep for SCBWI Southern Illinois. I live near St. Louis and have been actively pursuing writing children's books for about 6 years and think I'm getting closer. With three young kids I"m hoping this marathon will help kick me into a better routine!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bridget Magee and his is my first marathon and I am excited!
I live in Tucson, AZ. I write poetry (www.weewordsforweeones.blogspot.com), picture books and have a draft of a YA novel in verse.
Looking forward to a productive month. Thanks for creating this opportunity.
Greetings - I am looking forward to this! The notion of "rough, rough drafts" is incredibly helpful. I live in Brooklyn, NY.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone! I'm Shelley and I'm writing from Austin, Texas. I am an author/illustrator and I have two published books out and a third on the way. There are 3 members of my critique group who are participating in the marathon, all first timers. I'm excited to get some ideas out of my head and onto paper! Thanks for the incentive!
ReplyDeleteHi Marathoners. I'm Colleen. I live in Los Angeles. And this is my first marathon, picture book or otherwise. I'm really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteHi all. My name is Becky and I am from Panama City, Florida. I live in Tallahassee FL now. This is my first marathon and I am looking forward to it. I am hoping to get some good ideas for future PB's. I have written around 5 PB's and currently, I am actively trying to get 3 of them published. I wish you all creative and happy writing!
ReplyDeleteI've just landed from the whirlwind of the 2011 NYC Midwinter conference, and am pleased to join you all here at the PB Marathon! I'm a PB writer whose first book is being published in April by Scholastic (www.tinyurl.com/gohedgehog-com). I have a public service blog which features writing tips, techniques and inspirations from authors and illustrators at www.mywordplayground.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to check out previously featured Picture Book authors like Lisa Wheeler, Tammi Sauer, Kelly DiPucchio, Jane Sutton and others for creative seeds!
I'm looking forward to a having a fun and productive month with everyone!
Lynne Marie
Hi! I'm from Rochester, Michigan, and this is my first picture book marathon. Several years ago I had started writing & had a few pieces published in kids' magazines. Then 8 years ago kids arrived & I've barely picked up a pen since. I stumbled on this event & something told me I just need to do it! I'll be trying to get my oldest son writing alongside me while the younger hones his illustration skills. I have no ideas even percolating
ReplyDeleteyet. Guess I'll put on the coffee tomorrow & see what happens!
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteI live in Connecticut and write picture books through novels for children. Not published, but I've come really close a number of times. Still plugging away.
I look forward to the challenge. Catching up with laundry, dusting, etc. so I will be ready to roll tomorrow.
Happy writing to all! Betsy
www.betsydevany.com
I'm Robyn from NC and this is my first picture book marathon. I write picture books and middle grade novels. I'm looking to get some wonderful words this month of February. WRITE ON PICTURE BOOK PALS! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan from Puget Sound area in Washington. Originally from Australia. This is my first PB marathon and can't believe we start tomorrow. Desk cleared, coffee supply on hand, T-Shirt arriving today - I'm ready to start. Good luck everyone.
ReplyDeleteGreetings deadline daredevils!
ReplyDeleteThis will be AWESOME.
Am new to it.
Did sign up as a p.b. rebel at NaNoWriMo.
Hope to write one p.b. a week with this marathon & work feverishly on great p.b. every day.
I'm Jan Godown Annino & my blog which I hope you'll visit is
www.bookseedstudio.wordpress.com
Many many many thanks to the creators.
warm best from Florida
Jan
Hi! I'm Judy from Narragansett, the first Rhode Islander to check in. And yes, it's snowy and cold here too. I'm a college history professor transitioning to writing books for children full-time. These last couple of years I've been exploring all genres, including PBs, both fiction and nonfiction, and am most committed to those for older readers. Lots of PB ideas, one rejection already under my belt (just so you'll know I've gotten serious about this!), and a poetry collection about complete. This month I'm excited about wading into other subjects that stretch me. As a first-time marathoner, it's a little daunting to think of actually WRITING one a day--I imagine some days I'll be happy with just STARTING one.
ReplyDelete(I'm relaying a comment from a marathoner. --Jean)
ReplyDeleteThis is Mary, writing from north Idaho where it is sunny and clear today. We've had a good winter with not much shoveling (yea!). I'm a Grandma, but the babies live in Michigan :( I do have three quirky cats that LOVE to help me work.
This is my first marathon, but I have taken a few classes over the years and a have a folder of abandoned stories. As they say in the school system, I am not an "independent learner." Hopefully, this marathon will be the motivation I need to get me going and keep me going. I might just run a half-marathon though, we'll see. (And I DID actually run a half marathon last September!)
Go us!
Hi fellow marathoners. This is my second run, and no, I didn't finish last year's. But I'm here to tell you that the stories I did write were useful to me for the rest of the year. My advice whenever you feel daunted or discouraged is this - don't think, just do it! The worst story you can possibly write may turn out to have a seed of brilliance in it. I'm hoping to make it to the finish line this year, but I know whatever I write will be worth my time. Good luck to all. ~ Nan from San Francisco
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm Marcie from Virginia. This is my 2nd picture book marathon. I loved doing this last year because I work better under a deadline and/or challenge. In November I participated in PiBoIdMo, so I have a list of ideas to start with. :) I'm a teacher by day, mom of 2 kids, and writer by night.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm pb marathoning from Eureka, California - high up on the northern coast. This, I believe, is my 3rd marathon and yes, I finished last year.
I am facing a lot of obstacles this year as I live in Arizona but am up here helping my sister through surgery and aftercare.
So here we all go and good luck to all!
Sheryl Tilley
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi! This is Marcy and Im in California. This is my first picture book marathon. I ran an actual marathon (1/2) in November so Im anticipating that this one will be far more enjoyable! Also just got back from the SCBWI winter conference.... so Im pumped!
ReplyDeleteReading the intros from the Chicago and Illinois people made me homesick. I was raised in Chicago, and spent 15 years in Naperville. For now, I am writing from the Dallas area. This is my second picture book marathon. I love organizing all the picture book ideas I have collected throughout the year and turning them into actual stories. I am a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. I am currently on the last leg of Anastasia Suen’s picture book course. My picture book “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa” won two awards last year – a Mom’s Choice Awards gold medal and an IPPY Awards silver. I am a member of SCBWI. As far as the marathon, I found last year that reminding myself daily that my story does not have to be perfect/submission quality was helpful – it is okay to only have a rough draft by the end of the day. This helps to overcome perfectionist jitters. I also joined a critique group last year. The picture book marathon ladies helped organize it. Monthly critique group submissions have motivated me to keep writing. The group has also proved helpful in my identifying areas in my stories that might benefit from rewrite. I am looking forward to writing another twenty-six stories during the 2011 marathon.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Betsy Bennett and this is my first picture book marathon. I am a member of SCBWI and have been looking for something to get me excited about writing picture books again.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing from Novi, Michigan, about 40 minutes west of Detroit. We're expecting big snow tomorrow and Wednesday. Normally I spend my time working on my YA fantasy novel, but I'm setting that aside for the month of February. I'll look on it with clear eyes in March.
I've got some ideas for my 26 books. I'm curious to see how many I do. Good luck to everyone else.
Hey fellow marathoners!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to crossing the finish line with everyone for the 2nd year in a row!
To download a marathon checklist, or view INSPIRATHON! (zany quotes, media, prompts) please visit:
www.cravewriting.wordpress.com
Cheers and candy corn,
Crave Cravak
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm from Illinois and this is my first marathon.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready for Picture Book Boot Camp at the end of the month so I have been reading lots of PBs by Lisa Wheeler. I have my T-shirt, mug, lots of tea and plenty of ideas! Good luck everyone!
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to be a part of this huge community of Picture Book writers for my first PB Marathon!
The Pacific Northwest is my home and there are plenty of grey, drizzly days perfect for eenjoing a latte and creating. Many good wishes and thoughts to all of you. Here we go.....
I am just a beginning writer from California. Not sure if I will make it through. But I am ready to try. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm in the San Francisco south bay area. Just returned from the SCBWI 2011 Winter Conference in NYC and am feeling inspired and motivated to add 26 new manuscripts to my existing portfolio. Let the insanity begin! Cheers. Tim www.timmccanna.com
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm in Pasadena. I have always loved writing for children but only recently am I having the time to do it. I have had a fulfilling career as a teacher and a technical writer. I recently retired and am focusing on writing. I am quite intimidated by the marathon but have accepted the challenge. All the best to all those brave people who have already been through one and are here again and those who are starting now.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone, It's last minute LuLu signing on here. What a wonderful group of writers. I heard about this challenge from my friend Margo who wrote 26 stories last February. Woo Hoo. I'm from Walpole MA, and I'm a children's author/poet/librarian/mom, not necessarily in that order. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHi! I am a PB Marathon virgin as well! Ready, set, go!!
ReplyDeleteLois, New Mexico, PB Illustrator/author
Hi All! I am Rebecca from NC. I work as a literacy coach in elementary and middle schools. I am currrently earning my Masters degree and have two crazy kids. I steal time for writing whenever I can. I have one leveled text, Ben the Big Brother, with Hameray Publishing and am trying my hand at a variety of genres (educational market, picture books, magazine articles). I attended Chautauqua last year, am a member of SCBWI, and am participated in PiBoIdMo. I am very excited for my first marathon and just hope I can keep up! Some one nudge me if I fall behind!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm Sharon from Oklahoma. I'm a poet, columnist, and reading specialist who loves, loves, loves picture books. This is my first picture book marathon. I have a couple of manuscripts making the rounds including one that placed in the top 100 of this year's Writer's Digest competition.
ReplyDeleteHello from sunny southern California! (yes, I can hear you groaning!) I'm in the LA area. I've never written any children's books before, but I'm an illustrator and thought it might help me generate ideas and motivate me to work on illustrations for my portfolio! And who knows? maybe I'll come up with the next Newberry Award winner! lol You can find me on blogger.com at: www.lizstevensart.blogspot.com Happy writing all!!
ReplyDeleteHello to you all from the middle of Michigan's Big February 1st Blizzard! What a way to celebrate the beginning of my first Picture Book Marathon - a SNOW DAY! I write picture books, essays, short stories, and poetry. I run a large elementary school library and love sharing books with children!
ReplyDeleteCuriously, I'm really busy with a lot of other writing and editing - I telecommute for a website and am collaborating with a friend on some adult fiction as well as polishing up some fiction and nonfiction of my own.
ReplyDeleteSo I really admire those of you who are making this a real full-time, dig-in venture. I hope to get lots of rough (and stinky) drafts from this marathon, fuel for my endless rounds of OCD revisions.
Hey, Liz, I'm in sunny Cali too, OC style.
I made it through Day 1, putting on my pointy hat tomorrow for Day 2. Who knows what'll happen.
I am from St. Louis area, across from the Mississippi, in Illinois. This is my first PB marathon and I already finished my first story! Go marathoners!
ReplyDeleteI am the 100th comment on this list, and I'm 100% excited about making this run with you. My name is Connie Mustang and my fingers are flying across the keyboard in sunny, Southern California.
ReplyDeleteHello all from the snowy woods of Winthrop, WA. I jumped into this challenge at the last minute via an invite from Laurie Thompson and the inspired vibe post SCBWI NY. I'm the writer and illustrator of four picture books, and the illustrator of many others. One PB idea wrenched from the vaults of trepidation, 25 more to go!
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ReplyDeleteI'm excited about my first PB marathon! I am a stay-at-home dad and live in Michigan.
Now that Erik outed me, I guess I'd better introduce myself, too. :) This is my first PB marathon, and I'm loving it! Thank you Lora and Jean for the coaching and encouragement!! I'm a co-regional advisor for SCBWI Western Washington (Seattle area). I mostly write nonfiction, but one of the reasons I signed up for the challenge was to stir the creative fictional juices a bit as well.
ReplyDeleteHello All From Florida(I know I know). I have been a member of SCBWI and writing picture books for 2 years. I am a Kindergarten-1st grade teacher by day and have always had picture books running through my head. I have a few manuscripts ready to send out (again). This is my first picutre book marathon and I am finding it really gets the ideas flowing! am on track with the marathon 4 for 4 and feelng positive! Happy writing!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Betsy from Michigan signing in. We're five days into this, and so far I'm on tract, but having written that, I need so say that most of what I've written doesn't appear to be picture books. I think they are magazine articles/short stories. I'm working on honing my defination of picture books.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've learned so far
1. This is a lot harder than I expected. I was excited to start and thought I was prepared. I needed the kick in the pants to get started, although I will admit I know writing picture books is not as easy as it sounds.
2. So far some of my silliest ideas have been the easiest to write, and admittedly I would not have written them if not for this commitment.
3. I am trying new genres. I've written a Christian market picture book (short story??) that I never would have tried. I tried a rhymed story, but right now, it is clearly a mess.
4. I've found a list of short story prompts that I'm using to fuel ideas. ("I'm so afraid...")for example. A good way to go.
I can't wait to see what I learn next week.
Still going strong in freezing Michigan.
Good luck to all.
I'm slow to start, but ready to try and make it to the finish... I'm Shaunda from northern Utah, and I'm so thrilled to see how many places and writers we have here. Happy writing, everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Rebecca and this is my first year joining in the Picture Book Marathon. I heard about this from the 12 x 12 in 12 months challenge. I am originally from California, but I reside in England now, though I still use American spelling in my writing. :) I am looking forward to taking part in this.
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