Yahoo! PiBoIdMo 2012 has been and conquered – Yes, even Hurricane Sandy couldn’t stop her! And I managed to bang out thirty-two ideas for picture books. It is such a good habit-making practice and I have had so much fun doing this. It forces me to write everything down on post-its, backs of envelopes, and trusty moleskin notebook, I now carry everywhere with me. Actually, I now have three notebooks so I always have one handy. I know most of these ideas are not cybils-winner material or even publishable, but one or two have some rich potential! Once again the community and crafty posts are more than worth the participation. Thank you Tara Lazar and I will most certainly be signing on the dotted line again next November! And you?
(c) Linda Silvestry
The age of the internet really has transformed the solitary writing life, and 2012 has seen my small writing community expand in quantity and quality across the globe. If PiBoIdMo weren’t enough, two other picture book-loving groups have blown my writerly socks to the moon this year (good job I am happiest barefoot!). HERE I have to give huge thanks for: the fellowship, learning and fun I have experienced through Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday blogging-gang, and to Julie Foster Hedlund and her 12 picture book drafts in 12 months in 2012 challenge and community! You gals and all my PB friends rock socks!
12x12in12
For more information and how to join in the fun of 12×12 in 2013 check out this post.
I also could not let the 12th of the 12th, 2012 slip past without wishing JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE to my fiend, Beth Stilborn — a talented writer, faithful friend, and generous facilitator.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
*applauds* Brilliant stuff Joanna. You cruised home, no doubt about it. Loved your little poem, perfect!
Ah, thanks, Diane. It’s been a busy year for us all.
Totally awesome, Joanna! And what a year you’ve had! 🙂 Thank you so much, also, for joining in the birthday fun for Beth! 🙂
Your Birthday Treasure Hunt for Beth is totally awesome, Susanna!
Congratulations and I’m striding into 2013 with a force behind me. Let’s all keep swimming!
Stride on, dear friend!
Loved your poem, Joanna! You made me laugh, …”writerly socks to the moon”!
Congratulations on all your accomplishments!
Thanks, Tina, it has been fun to be on this road together.
Fabulous wrap-up, Joanna! I’m amazed by all of you who completed the challenge. I didn’t even come close, but I’ve learned so much from all of you, so it’s all good. 🙂
And YAY again for the month of May! When’s your next one coming out? 🙂
Thanks, Renée! I managed 11 PB drafts and am still hoping to slip in #12 before the 31st.
I just sent MIDSUMMER MISCHIEF off to my lovely illustrator, Maja Sereda!!!
Wonderful, Joanna! I’m joining you in that Whoop! for Julie. Congratulations on SNOW GAMES and all your manuscripts. What a great year for you!
Thanks so much, Carrie. Julie deserves such a big WHOOP, eh?!
LOVE your poem! YAY for 12×12! Congratulations on your 12 drafts! And thank you so much for participating in the you-know-what! I have had such fun ferreting out the clues and visiting all the blogs.
Thank you, Beth, and HAPPY DAY to you. Susanna’s awesomeness never ceases to amaze me, and it was such a pleasure to join in.
Busy year! Congratulations, Joanna. What a wonderful community. i am so glad to have met you (virtually). Lots to celebrate…especially SNOW GAMES,
Romelle, likewise, very happy to have met you on this wonderful writing road!
Great poem. Congrats on your very full year. It has been wonderful getting to know you. Best of luck for 2013!
Thanks, Darshan, I do think it is amazing how much the group dynamic helps productivity!
Bravissimo my friend. You have had an amazing year. Congrads on SNOW GAMES! Your writing is super. It will be loved for the ages. 🙂 Happy birthday Beth!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Robyn!
What a great year! Love the poem. You are so good at rhyme! Here’s to next year!
Thank you so much, Pat. We have had such a good year, eh?
I love this post. The poem was adorable and proof that you were in it to win it!
Thank you Cupcake and Genevieve! We’re all winners!
You might find a story as you make your way up to the moon to get your socks back! Just thought I’d let you know I brag about knowing you! Online or not, I am so very happy to have met everyone in this community! Here’s to all your accomplishments – and to next year! Prost!
You jest, but you have given me a story idea and I need one more to make up for my October fail! Danke!
Brilliant poem – so fun! And congratulations on 32 – what a banner year! And Snow Games to boot. Can’t imagine how brightly your star is going to shine in 2013!!
Cathy, I keep thinking it’s going to be hard to top 2012, but I think there’s a lot more in us yet. And I say, Publishers, look out for the 12x12ers!!
Brilliant poem, Joanna! I’m so glad to have gotten to know you through 12 x 12. What an exciting and productive year you’ve had – congratulations! I think my socks are with yours on the moon after all the writerly goodness this year. 🙂
Socks+moon, the story’s brewing!
SNOW GAMES–or any publication–is worth more than a shout. If I were you I’d be shouting still. Sounds like you have a lot to celebrate from 2012. Glad to me you through 12x12in2012.
Wendy, thanks so much for your encouraging words. 2012 was quite a year!
Joanna, your year-long poem deserves a whoop or two TOO! Loved it!
Congrats on all your accomplishments and enjoy all that’s ahead. Glad to be journeying with you on this writing adventure.
Damon, thanks for the enthusiasm and great to make contact with you and Daisy!
Hi Joanna! Your poem was brilliant! I loved it! Congrats on a such a successful 2012, especially Snow Ganes! Here’s to 2013 being even more creatively successful for you 😀 Whoop whoop!
err that is “Snow GaMes!” Sorry for typo!
I like the idea of SNOW GAINS. SNOW GAMES deserves all the gains it can get. I hope 2013 is an equally profitable year for you, Joanna. Best wishes with MIDSUMMER MISCHIEF! 🙂
Cheers, friends!
Wow! It’s “Diary of a Writer!” So fun sharing this year with you!
thanks, Deb!
Well, you DID do 2 in November, so that makes up for the missed October one. 😀 You did great!
You’re right, Erik!
Great poem! I so happy to have found this community. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many talented people over this past year. Looking forward to more next year.
Wonderful titles! A big congrats to you Joanna. 🙂
Congratulations on all these great accomplishments, Joanna. And didn’t you move across the globe too? Wow! Here’s to you!!
Joanna – You have accomplished so much this year, and you have been such a supportive participant of 12 x 12. It has been wonderful getting to know you this year and rooting you on the success you are achieving!
And didn’t you move in the middle of all of that? What an amazing year, Joanna. It’s been so much fun to share the journey with you and the others.
I love everything you write, girlfriend. This is happening!
Brilliant poem–impressive manuscript count! And a book?!
Oy. I’ve got a little catching up to do..;-)
Joanna…the whole year has been one big shout of joy! Congratulations on all of your success and accomplishments! And your poem is such fun!
“Snow Games” is only the beginning for you…2013 holds such promise for all of us. 🙂
Congratulations on Snow Games and all of your accomplishments. Love the poem, Joanna. Like you, it ROCKS!