Testimonials
Hear From Members!
The 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge has changed the trajectory of the lives and careers of many picture book creators. Hear how in this video.
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Scholarship Recipient Success
More than half of 12 x 12 scholarship recipients have gone on to sign with agents and publish books. Hear about a few of their journeys in this video.
“12×12 has convinced me that I am a writer. I’ve done it for two years and because of the monthly posts, the community on the forum and the Facebook page, the monthly check-ins and the opportunity to submit to agents above the slush pile and whatever other benefits I’m forgetting, I now take my writing seriously. For several years prior to 12×12, I used to write “in secret” and only when I “had the time.” I hardly told a soul that I was writing picture books. Now you can’t get me to stop talking about it! It is what I do, and there is no hiding it. And I owe a lot of that changed mindset to 12×12.”
Debra Shumaker
“12×12’s webinars with authors, editors and agents kept me steeped in craft this year. And, the lively discussions after each webinar connected me with other writers putting in the time at their computers, struggling sometimes, but doing the work anyway. Writing doesn’t always have to be a solo sport. After you’ve written, revised and revised, again — come on over to 12×12. There’s community here.”
Taunya English
2020 Scholarship Recipient
“It is only because I was involved in 12 x 12 that I’ve learned so much, written so many new drafts, revised numerous stories, watched delicious webinars and videos, met new friends, and submitted multiple manuscripts for critique and to agents. Without being a member of 12 x 12, I know I would have not been challenged to keep taking steps forward with my writing-big and little steps-always moving ahead. The 12 x 12 community ROCKS!”
Angie Quantrell
2020 Scholarship Recipient
“Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 community encourages a culture of generosity, and I’m humbled to be part of it. With this caliber of speakers, published kidlit creators, and dedicated writers and illustrators, it’s no secret why members return year after year.”
Karen Yin
author of WHOLE WHALE (Barefoot Books, 2021) and founder of the Conscious Style Guide, 2020 Scholarship Recipient
“I’m so grateful to Julie, Kelli, and all the generous people who made the 12×12 scholarships possible. Receiving a Gold scholarship in 2020 was an amazing experience. Not only did it boost my confidence…the scholarship helped put me on the radar of an incredible agent, too. I love the way the community supports everyone, from new writers through multi-published ones. I can’t wait to cheer on the 2021 scholarship winners!”
Mindy Alyse Weiss
2020 Scholarship Recipient
“The opportunity to participate in the 12 x 12 experience through the scholarship program was an absolute game changer for me. All of the amazing tips, peer feedback, and workshops accelerated my learning, pumped up my creativity, and developed my craft exponentially. I did sign with my agent Dan Cramer in June of 2021 (Yay!) and while we did not connect through the Gold Member Submission Opportunities awarded through the scholarship, all of the advice and suggestions from the 12 x 12 community certainly made the contract negotiation and signing process less stressful and more enjoyable. Thank you, Julie and Kelli, for believing in me and for giving exactly the push I needed at the right time in my career – I look forward to many more 12 x 12 years!”
Jennifer Concepcion
2021 Scholarship Recipient
