f I haven’t mentioned it before, then let me say it here: this is the year of doing all the picture book things.  Last month was ReFoReMo (http://www.reforemo.com/), aka Reading For Research Month, where all who registered (like me) read 5 picture books a day as mentor texts to help improve our writing of our own picture books.  That was a challenge to accomplish, especially as a teacher. 

This month, it’s RhyPiBoMo (https://angiekarcher.wordpress.com/), aka Rhyming Picture Book Month, where all who register (like me) promise to read at least 2 rhyming picture books every day of the month to improve our own rhyming writing skills with our own rhyming picture books.  And yes, I do have a manuscript in mind I’d like to make rhyme (egads!).  It’s not my usual forte, but I’m up for the challenge, and I’m exploring all the picture book genres right now.  I’ve got a great story I’d like to tell and I’m trying to make it rhyme (as it seems to demand it for this one), but it’s been a struggle.  What better cure then, than this?

And next month, it’s NaPiBoWriWee (http://napibowriwee.com/), aka National Picture Book Writing Week, where all who register promise to write one picture book manuscript per day for an entire week.  WHEW!  7 picture books in 7 days.  That’s a lot of pressure.  I’m not sure if I’ll participate, but I absolutely will read all the author blogs.

Because here’s the most amazing thing: these things are generated by one author with an idea who then gets a ton of others (authors, agents, editors) to do a daily blog for a month on the subject (inspiration or what have you).  Sometimes there are prizes, but that’s not even the best part.  The best part is the advice and knowledge from such a diverse pool of people who really are out there to help further each other in this picture book writing craft.  It’s mind blowing to me and I absolutely want to soak it all in.  There’s this whole world of knowledge out there that I never knew existed before and this is the year I tap into it.

PLUS, I’m finally jumping into the illustrator pool too.  I may only be dipping my toes in at the moment, but you’ve got to start somewhere.  I started taking some on-line art classes and I was very relieved to find out that I haven’t lost my drawing abilities after a few years of rest.  WHEW!  They’re a bit rusty and I’m exercising them back into shape, but it’s worth the work.  YES it means a lot more work and training on that side of the equation too, but again, you’ve got to start somewhere!   There are lots of things in the works and I promise to update here as I learn about more of them.   Even if it’s a rare update from time to time.