I am in the process of trying my first PB critique swaps this week. I really enjoy doing them but have yet to send one of my sacrificial lamb out for slaughter! Cowardly, I know. What amazes me most is how differently people write from one another. I once read a quote to this effect: If we could spend a little time in someone else's mind, we would be shocked as to how different the landscape is from that of our own. I am really seeing that in reading rough drafts from these other PB authors!

I am having trouble digging back into my writing and getting my proverbial patootie back in drive because I am anxious about the outcome of the Meegenius Author Challenge. My profile runs today on the site. When I have these semi-frequent lapses in discipline, I take long walks along the river and try to develop ideas. It makes me feel like I am accomplishing something while in 'wait' mode. I have never been very good waiting and even managed to be born a month early!

Meegenius Author Challenge: I am a finalist!!

I am delighted to report that my dachshund inspired picture book "Wild West Weenies" is a finalist in the Meegenius Author Challenge. My edits are completed and I can't wait for September to see if I win the grand prize. My story will already be illustrated and published as one of the available picture books on the Meegenus site but I'd really like to win the big bucks!!! The book has several sequels planned: "Wilderness Weenies", "Wintertime Weenies", Whitewater Weenies", you get the picture. Naturally, I am already planning the cartoon series and the theme song so that I can do some songwriting as well. A girl can dream!

One picture book author's journey to the elusive land of publication and beyond!

Starting today I’m getting serious about this picture book writing thing! Of course, I have been in this frame of mind countless times over the past twenty years, but this time I really mean it! 

I REFUSE to succumb to the abject loneliness of a cluttered desk or the dark abyss of a fruitless mailbox.

 I WILL see the exquisite promise in a stark, white page.

 I WILL NOT spend more time reading about writing than actually writing.

 I VOW, in fact, to follow the trail that begins in my little office in the mossy, shady Frogwood, and doggedly follow it to my inevitable glory. Perhaps one more Chardonnay will help me to actually believe that!

Truth be told, I do have writing achievements but they all have melodies and musical instruments dancing around them. (ABOUT ME  has more about that subject.) The thing is, though, I have always longed to author picture books. Published picture books! You know, those cool, colorful adventure modules that fill the shelves in the children’s section of bookstores! Those wondrous collections of pictures and words that get read aloud at story time at the library! Those 800 word vignettes that transport children to the outer limits of their imagination!  Those. I want my name on some of those! So be it!

Join me on my journey!