Beginning April 3, I Will Host a 14-Day Challenge for Picture Book Writers.

I have begun researching and preparing to create another picture book. In fact, I am hoping to create a series of books,  and I thought that I’d create a #PBChallenge so that I can encourage other people to join me as I challenge myself to move forward with this project.

Granted, there are several social media events for Picture Book authors, but this event will be different. This event is not about generating new ideas. It is about FINISHING one idea and getting it ready to submit.

Don’t get me wrong. I love coming up with new ideas, but unless you finish writing some of your ideas, they are of little value. This event is designed to help you with the rest of the process.

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” – Henry Ford

Getting a book published is a complex process. Writing the picture book is only a tiny part of getting a picture book published. While I am new at getting myself published, I have been a closet picture book writer for years, and I have learned many things the hard way along my journey. For two weeks, I’ll share at least one post every day, sharing some of what I have learned about writing picture books.

Many times, I have said that I am a Stream of Consciousness Writer, and I have said that I don’t plan my books. I simply start writing. Because I am hoping to create a series out of my next books, I am changing that by doing a lot of research and pre-planning. I am challenging myself to get that planning done, and I also challenge you to join me with your own challenge.

I don’t have a list of agents and authors lined up for you, but I have decided that I’ll send a different kind of prize to all of the participants who complete my challenge.

Some of you know that before I began submitting my picture books, I was a visual artist and an art teacher,

Janis Joplin – Jacki Kellum Watercolor Painting

I am pledging to send a 5×7 ready-to-frame print of my Janis Joplin painting to everyone who completes the 14 Day Picture Book Challenge. I have written a picture book biography about Janis Joplin, and in several ways, I identify with her. Janis Joplin struggled to rise above herself,  and Janis and I are challenging all of us to do the same thing.  But all of us need to reward ourselves every day that we try. Keep a chart for yourself, and reward yourself every day.

You can follow this event on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Wherever we meet, I’ll be thrilled to greet you as my new friend.