Hello, 12xers! I can hardly believe we are already one quarter into 12 x 12 in 2021. But I am excited for the impending arrival of spring here in CO (we’re not there yet) and happy to have more light in the days. I did revise a story this month, but did not write a new draft. I was deeply affected by the shooting here in Boulder a week and a half ago, as that used to be my primary grocery store and one my son visited regularly during his middle school years (pre-pandemic). The fact that it was so close on the heels of the one in Atlanta didn’t help. I am so grateful my family and friends are safe, but it’s been difficult to process these tragedies on top of a year of pandemic living. My apologies for the glum report this month, but it’s my reality at the moment. I know my creative impulse will return. It always does. I can only hope it makes an appearance in April so I can write a new draft then.
Tell us YOUR progress. Did you complete a draft and/or revision in March? Let us know in the Rafflecopter and in the comments. March Featured Author Kirsti Call is offering one 12 x 12 member a copy of COW SAYS MEOW and stickers!
That’s meow-y generous, Kirsti!
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 “COW SAYS MEOW by Kirsti Call” at the top.
- Click on the “Comment on Kirsti’s post” button. Commenting on Kirsti’s post is mandatory for this giveaway and you can enter the Rafflecopter even if you didn’t write a draft this month. Click ENTER.
- If you haven’t commented on Kirsti’s post yet, go to the post here to comment. Then come back here to enter the Rafflecopter. (Commenting won’t enter you in the drawing automatically, you have enter the Rafflecopter by following step 2.)
- Click on the “Wrote a PB Draft” button. This will ask if you completed a PB draft in March. If you did, click ENTER, if not, click cancel and move on to the next step.
- Click on the last “Revised a PB Draft” button. This will ask if you revised a PB in March. If you did, click ENTER. If not, click cancel.
- That’s it! There is no overall submit button or email confirmation. Rafflecopter will track your points. (The top of the Rafflecopter will say X/3 with X being the number of entries you currently have in the drawing.)
Here’s a video tutorial on the forum to walk you through these steps as well. Click here for the monthly check-in tutorial.
You have until midnight Eastern on April 5th to enter your results. Rafflecopter will draw a winner and it will be announced on the blog on April 6th.
Remember, badges are not awarded automatically and must requested in the forum. Click here to request your March badge on the forum.
32 Responses
Kristi I love all your books.
I actually wrote two drafts and revised a few of my other WIPs. This was a productive month.
I’m sorry this month has been so hard. These are tough times for many reasons and I think it’s helpful to be open and honest about it. I felt like there was something wrong with me last year because I just couldn’t write. It’s nice knowing I’m not the only one, and together we can forge on together. This month I finished a draft and joined a critique group for the first time. I shared my draft even though it wasn’t ready for others to read (by my standards), but it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to doing my revision. 🙂
Congratulations on your book and thank you for all the wonderful support you give to the writing community.
It’s hard to believe March is ending. It’s been a busy month, but I wrote a draft and revised. Thinking positive thoughts as we move forward. Thank you Julie and Kirsti for all you do for this amazing kid lit community.
12 x 12 is terrific. I’m loving my first year! Many thanks!
I’ve had a busy March with all things Picture Books. I wrote a draft for March—so far on track one draft written each month so three in total. Whoo Hoo!! I’ve had fantastic feedback from my critique that started through 12X12 and in the 12X12 forums.
I read Cow Says Meow for ReFoReMo. Great book! Congratulations!
Kristi, The Cow Says Meow reminds all of us that we have a voice and we should be unafraid to use it with bravery and trust in ourselves, even if what we say is unexpected or sometimes unappreciated! Thank you for such a wonderful book! Sally
Loved the post. Excited to read Cow Says Meow 🙂 March was revising month for me. I did mega revisions on so many PBs with great help from awesome CPs. I wrote some fun new drafts and read lots of awesome mss from CPs!
I’ve written three manuscripts this month and revised two. Woohoo!
Love your suggestions, Kristi! Thanks!
I’m feeling inspired to write more as a result of this challenge
Congratulations on your book.
In a month of two halves, the first part of which felt productive and the writing flowed, and the second where very little got done and it was painful to do it … Actually managed three revisions and an incredibly dodgy new draft! It hard to ignore the news around you and not be affected by it. I am trying not to be hard on myself when that happens, but be patient and know that things will turnaround.
I have 4 drafts this year so far! Making up for lost 2020 time. I did a lot of revising for my #50PreciousWords entry.
Books, both writing and reading them, help me get through tough times. I hope your spark returns soon, you’re a talented writer and we need you!
I wrote a small draft of a story and revised two other stories.
After oogling baby animals during afternoon walks at our local zoo, I ended up with two new story ideas. One became a working draft and a revision. The other, I hope, will blossom into a new story for April. If not, the idea will simmer inside my Storystorm Box of index cards. Staying creative within the midst of violence and the pandemic is challenging for all of us. You, Julie, have been and will continue to be the “Star on My Writing Stage.” During my times of drought, your videos, webinars and posts have bolstered my brain back into action. Hearing Rocky’s bark and your laughter has inspired me to keep writing within our uncommon world. Sending you encouragement and inspiration and calm for your day….
Thank you, Julie for continuing to inspire us all. Murders, deaths, covid have exhausted us all. You are a shining light, even when yourheart is sore . Take care of yourself and allow yourself to feel.
So sorry to hear how close to home the latest tragedy hit for you, Julie. Be kind and gentle to yourself and your creative flow will return! I actually wrote 2 drafts this month – one board book and one picture book version of the same story idea.
Hi, Julie. I finally completed a new draft this month. But sorry to hear about your glum past few weeks. I feel like I keep hearing more and more stories of sadness and loss 🙁 A good friend of mine once told me during a rough patch that it was just a “season” and it would pass. I think of her advice often. I am happy that spring is around the corner for you and hope it brings new beginnings and happier news 🙂
The first half of March I wrote and submitted like a rockstar…then I needed a mental break. Hoping to dive back into it now that it’s April.
I’m sorry you’re feeling glum, Julie. The news has been tough to listen to.
As for my writing… last year I started strong and then… This year is off to a good start, too. This month there was a new story inspired by a poetry contest and revisions on a couple stories. Now I’m just hoping to keep the momentum going in April!
Julie, please don’t feel bad about your glumminess. It’s hard not to feel glum when we all take one hit after another after another.
I did not write a new draft, but I did revise a few of my manuscripts. This is my year for revision. I have two submission-ready manuscripts and am working on several more.
we have this, we can stay safe, smart, and strong!
In March I wrote a new picture book, brought it to my crit group, revised it, and sent it to two agents.
Life is so hard in so many ways right now. I’m glad I have this community, my critique partners and fun projects to get lost in and boy did I do that in March. Wrote, revised, wrote drafts for a couple brand new ideas that hit me out of the blue. Phew!
As an SLP, I love any mix ups of language, so COW SAYS MEOW is a perfect fit for me!
As an SLP, I love any mix ups of language, so COW SAYS MEOW is a perfect fit for me! Looks like another amazing read!
I didn’t write a new draft. I wish I could say I did! This year AND last year were such tough years. It has to get better…..
This book looks so much fun! Can’t wait to read it!!!
Thank you for continuing to inspire us all. I can’t wait to read what’s next!