Although this month didn’t go quite as I had planned, due to my fall (from which I’m recovering — the sprained hand is slowest to heal), I did manage to meet most of my key goals for the month. I confess, though, that I didn’t get nearly as much writing done as I like to do in a month — the first two weeks of the month were pretty much write-offs instead of write-ons, being devoted to getting myself back in one piece.
I have confidence (and hope) for great things in October. Let’s see what happened in September and what we have to look forward to next month, shall we?
12×12 in 2012: Yes! I wrote a picture book draft this month, a sequel to the manuscript that has grown out of my February draft. I find it hard to believe that I have written nine picture book drafts this year, while also doing a fair bit of other writing. Kudos to Julie Hedlund and the 12×12 challenge, for keeping us motivated, encouraged, and accountable!
Other writing: Another yes! Despite the two-week slow-down, during which I was sure all my ideas had fallen out of my brain when my forehead hit the sidewalk, I managed to get a bit done on my adult novel, and did another revision on the middle grade novel. The MG is now awaiting its turn for manuscript evaluation, and the adult novel is awaiting something else that will be revealed if it comes to fruition (no, not publication, but it’s still something that will help in my progress as a writer).
The blog: I had such fun being involved in the promotion of Debbie Ohi’s book, I’m Bored, as well as giving shout-outs to up-and-coming 12×12 writers’ works. I’m appreciating people’s responses to my archival posts — it’s good to know that these articles from my former blog can still be of use to people.
NOW, Coming in October: My Monday Musings and Perfect Picture Book Fridays will continue as normal. What I’m particularly looking forward to in October is revealing what the teaser posts on Waiting in the Wings Wednesdays have been about. I have some posts planned that I hope will pique your interest, and an interview scheduled for October 17th that I’m very excited about (and no, I’m not going to tell you who it’s with, you’ll have to wait a couple more weeks, but I can assure you that you’ll enjoy the interview). There will also be a giveaway in conjunction with the Wednesday posts, which I think you’ll like as well.
So stay tuned, October should be great!
What are your plans for October?
Despite your injury, your progress is commendable 🙂 You got quite a bit done, showing your can-do spirit even amid healing time. That is some serious stick-to-it-tive-ness. My thoughts are still with you as you continue getting better with each passing day.
Thanks so much, Angela!
I have been able to keep up with 12×12, thankfully, and have two articles coming out in November/December in Old Schoolhouse and Angels on Earth magazines! Now, for October, I plan to send out my PB to a publisher…specifically chosen for this particular manuscript. I have two non-fiction PBs that are on hold, since I am gathering info for them. One is turning into a chapter book!
So glad you are “up and running” now, Beth…thanks for all you do to encourage us in our craft!
Great news, Jarm — may you go on from strength to strength! And thanks!
Congrats on your goals! I am glad you are getting better! 🙂
Thanks, Erik!
Hi Beth,
I’m glad I’m finally following your blog…don’t know how I wasn’t before. 🙂
Thanks again for the heads-up about the Q&A from Emma Walton Hamilton…I listened to the entire replay last night…I think it was about 3 hours worth of amazing info on all things children’s writing/publishing/editing!
I’m looking forward to your October posts…congrats on accomplishing your September goals…doubly terrific considering the injuries. 12×12 has been inspiring for all of us. 🙂
Thanks, Vivian! I’m glad you found Emma’s Q&A helpful — she goes into amazing detail and does so much preparation for each Q&A. She constantly impresses me.
Hope you continue to enjoy my blog!
Sounds like you did amazingly with your goals, especially considering the difficult start to the month! So glad you’re feeling better! And I can’t wait to find out what all the teasing has been about. I’m wondering whether your guest on October 17 will be Julie Andrews??? 🙂
I’m glad you are recovering and met 12x goal. October? It seems to be flying by already. We took a family trip and now I’m catching up on homework. I was able to do some research for a non-fiction picture book idea. We’ll see if this develops into an October draft.
So Beth….I read Aug. and Sept. and found allusions to a fall in the latter but no account of a fall. How, When, Where? I assume it is all over now but I am concerned. ?????