Writer Resources

12×12 in 12 Blog Party–12 Resources for the Picture Book Writer

December 12, 2012 /

 

It’s time to celebrate a completed (or almost completed) 12 x 12 in ’12 picture book challenge. To celebrate, I’m posting 12 resources for picture book writers.

1. Rob Sanders’ blog–Check out Rob’s site. He often posts good writing tips for picture books writers and this year has even featured some picture book editors.

2. Kim Norman’s picture book blank storyboard template. If you need a great template for storyboarding on paper, check out Kim’s site.

3. Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul. If you don’t own this gem and you write picture books, you are missing out. Go buy it before 12×12 in ’13 is here.

4. Using PowerPoint to make a picture book dummy. Fellow picture book writer shares how to make a book dummy using PowerPoint. I tried this with a picture book this week, and it was so helpful.

5. Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 site. I am going to be writing a lot more about this in my Making Time to Write Monday post on  12/17.

6. Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo site. This will also be featured on my post on 12/17.

7. Picture Book Marathon site. Several years ago I found my picture book critique group through this adventure. It’s not for the faint of heart (28 picture books in one month).

8. Hollins University Children’s Literature Program. I know, I know. This may be far away for some of you, but I have learned so much from the graduate programs (M.A. and M.F.A) in children’s literature, including two picture book classes I took with Candice Ransom and Ruth Sanderson.

9. Darcy Pattison’s picture book resources. Darcy Pattison’s site is a wealth of information no matter what type of books you write for children.

10. Katie Davis’ podcast. Honestly, I have learned so much by listening to the authors and illustrators on her podcast. There’s no better way to enjoy your time driving.

11. SCBWI membership. Worth the $60 a year to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world of children’s writing. I have learned a LOT from getting critiques and attending conferences.

12. Your local bookstore or library. Reading picture books is the best way to learn about what works and what doesn’t work.

 

Stay tuned until next Monday’s Making Time to Write post. I will be talking more in depth about PiBoIdMo and 12×12 in 12. 

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