I was almost going to be bummed that I didn’t write a new draft this month, or even revise an old one. But then I realized I’ve done hours and hours of study, research, and reading to prepare my presentation on layers in picture books for Picture Book Summit this coming October. There is no doubt in my mind that when I do sit down to write and revise, I will be a stronger writer. I’m sure I’ve read at LEAST 100 picture books this past month, all published within the last five years. So even though I didn’t write myself, I’ve been steeped in the art and craft of picture books.
Your turn!
Tell us your progress. Did you complete a draft and/or revision in August? Let us know in the Rafflecopter and in the comments. Our prize comes from this month’s Featured Author Robin Currie. Two lucky winners will get their choice of the English or Spanish version of Tuktuk! Tundra Tale
Here is what you need to do to check in for a chance to win:
- See the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post that says “(2) Signed Copies of TUKTUK“ at the top.
- Click on the “Comment on Robin’s post” button. Commenting on Robin’s post is mandatory for this giveaway and you can enter the Rafflecopter even if you didn’t write a draft this month. You can comment on the post here. Click ENTER.
- Click on the “Wrote a PB Draft” button. This will ask if you completed a PB draft in August. If you did, click ENTER, if not, move on to the next step.
- Click on the last “Revised a PB Draft” button. This will ask if you revised a PB in August. If you did, click ENTER. If not, move on to the next step.
- That’s it! Rafflecopter will track your points.
You have until midnight Eastern on September 3rd to enter your results. Rafflecopter will draw a winner and it will be announced on the blog on September 4th.
(Remember, monthly draft and revision badges are awarded separately from your Rafflecopter entry. Watch this handy tutorial to find out how to get your badges. CLICK HERE.)
23 Responses
Excited to say I wrote a new one and revised another one that I promptly sent to Rate Your Story!
Just waiting to hear back!
Gabrielle
August has been a rough month with my mother-in-law passing away with cancer (only diagnosed with it on July 4th). But a holiday is sure to regenerate some sparks — wishing you all the very best with your projects. Besides, soon the snow will be falling and I’ll be stuck inside with nothing more to do but write! 🙂
I wrote a new draft and revised in August. Keeping the momentum going!
Robin’s sweetness and sensitivity show in her work. Her desire to share an adventure with someone, shines through. The idea of constant awareness (look everywhere) strikes a chord with me…I feel like my observation skills have improved greatly; the source of stories. Thanks for the inspiration.
I did complete a draft in August.
Let the universe speak to me and was gifted with two story ideas this month that yielded two drafts. Pulled out some old stories and did some revisions.
I have been working on revising a manuscript multiple times. Every webinar or book discussion provides a new lens with which to revise. In between I was able to draft a couple of new ideas – though these are still rough.
Like Jane Baskwill said, I’ve been revising a manuscript multiple times. Can’t wait for the Picture Book Summit.
Loved hearing how Robin’s critique group helped launch TUKTUK on his new adventure.
I was able to write a story for August…not only did I write the rough draft, but I reached out to my critique buddies to help me as I revised and polished…and that story is now with an editor…so I’ll let you guys know how it goes.
Great motivational talk. You got me fired up. Im ready to dive into revisions and a new book in Sept. TukTUk looks so darn cute. I cant wait to read it.
Another draft down and MULTIPLE revisions later, I am on overdrive as I prep for three upcoming agent round tables. Thank goodness I LOVE what I do!! 🙂
Julie, your presentation at the Picture Book Mini Summit was awesome, and I know that took a lot time to research and write. I can’t wait to hear your presentation at the full conference in October. I’m imagining hundreds of hours put into both of those presentations. So when you finally get a chance to sit down and write, your words will shine and pour out like water.
Speaking of water, I’d appreciate prayers for all my family and friends in Texas right now. All of my family (except for my two sons) live in Texas (I’ve a 5th generation Texan and the first in my family to leave the state). I have hundreds of friends in the Houston area and I haven’t heard from all of them yet about what’s happening to them. I have an aunt and several cousins in the Rockport and Corpus Christi area where the hurricane hit first. My aunt lives only minutes from the water and her home suffered water and wind damage, but she and my cousins are okay. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers!
I’ve written two stories this month (posted one to the forum on Sunday), and I’ve revised a couple of them. One is giving me fits because it won’t behave, but sometimes stories are like kids and just won’t sit still and cooperate. I guess I’ll have to find a different approach. 🙂
Pam Zollman
@pamzollman
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and all those suffering in Texas and Louisiana too.
Barb
Lots going on this month as I continue to learn my new job as librarian. Which I so love! ? And as I plan for my wedding next weekend. ?
I have managed to revise and revise and revise. I also finished up a very rough draft last night.
I’ve also been squeezing in Ann Lamott’s Bird by Bird, and liaughing out loud. She has a way with words and describing the writer’s neuroses. ?
Cheers to writing and to all of us who write on ??
Great creative month for me. I wrote 3 PB drafts this month.
I revised a draft after receiving some wonderful feedback from my critique group; feeling like this needs just a bit more polish & then I’m excited to start submitting. No new draft this month, unless you count the toast I wrote for our daughter’s wedding;)
Joined a critique group this month, and have learned much from the multiple perspectives–as well as from the challenge of having to frequently consider and critique other members’ work without losing my ability to focus on my own. Have been making my way through a deep revise–I almost said “ravine,” which is what it feels like–haven’t yet come out into the sunshine 🙂
I posted a draft and a revision in August. Still working on several drafts my 12×12 friends have commented on. Barb
Robin’s blog is excellent. Thanks, Robin for your hard work. Barb
I loved reading your blog and the whole process of getting your book published. Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading TUK TUK!
This month I revised most of the month.
When I see the words “TukTuk,” I think of the little two-stroke engine carts careering through the streets of Bangkok, filling the air with smoke and mini explosions. So I had to switch gears to think of this story as coming from a place far colder, LOL.
Current lament: When, oh when, will I write a new story? So much rewriting of the many I’ve had on my plate for awhile. I guess I did write a new one a couple of months ago, but it seems like forever.
I’ve written five new manuscripts this month and threw one of them away. Sometimes, I have to recognize when I write garbage. I’m excited about two of the manuscripts because I believe they will be part of a successful series. I revised many of manuscripts this month, and I offered many suggestions to other authors. Offering advice to others is a way to give back to this community, but it also helps me to be dispassionate when I take off my author’s cap and put on my editor’s hat.