Testimonials

I can say, without a doubt, that I would not have written all these picture book manuscripts if it hadn’t have been for 12×12. I might have done one, maybe two, but certainly not four. I am so excited to write up eight more. Some will stink, but if just one of them has enough promise to turn into a submittable manuscript, it’ll be worth it. Also, I’m sure my critique group appreciates not having to read the same story every single round!”

“I love 12×12 and can’t wait to do it again next year! I got a whole slew of ideas from Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo, plus I had a whole bunch of manuscripts already in progress, so between the two it’s been a busy year with 12×12! I came up with 5 or 6 brand new manuscripts, and spent the rest of the year revising 3 or 4 others. I queried most of the agents (with a few nice comments in return, but no takers), but loved that I could send my work out and see if anything stuck. I also started an online picture book critique group which has been fabulous. I purchased Writing Pictures Books by Ann Whitford Paul, read all of Julie’s posts, worked with the other writers, followed Emma Hamilton’s advice, and YES indeed I believe my writing has improved a lot this year – in fact, I think I’ve improved more this year than is the last several combined. Thank you so much, 12×12!”

“I wrote 11 Picture Book manuscripts/drafts this year thanks to 12 x 12. I also polished up a couple of old ones thanks to what I learned from my 12 x 12 buddies. Sending off submissions is something completely new to me and I couldn’t have gained the confidence to do so without my world of 12 x 12 buddies…I am so pleased I joined this group and could stop talking to myself. There is only so much one can say to oneself to motivate and inspire –thank goodness for you guys.”

“I just wanted to…share my experience about 12×12 2014. I loved the experience! The best thing about it was being a part of a wonderful writer’s community. I made friends and I became a part of a wonderful critique group which has helped my writing in so many ways! I loved participating in the first 250 words as well and enjoyed reading the posts by successful 12×12 members and hearing about their journeys which was inspiring. I finally found my dream agent by attending a SCBWI conference, but being a part of 12×12 certainly increased my confidence to the point that I was finally ready to submit my best work.”

“Daily writing practice and monthly deadlines have certainly improved my writing and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and improve through networking with other 12 x 12ers. I write more PB manuscripts than I might otherwise have attempted if I had not been in 12×12…It is important to be involved…Being involved is part of accepting the professionalism of the career of writing. You have to be ready to accept that writing is a career and to treat it accordingly. I now introduce myself as ‘I am a writer and illustrator’. This is who I am and 12 x 12 helped me reach that understanding.”