First off I just wanted to thank Tara Lazar who writes at Writing for Kids (while raising them) who is the mastermind behind Picture Book Idea Month, also known as, PiBoIdMo.  She hosted it on her blog for the first time in 2009 and it has since grown into a valuable month of creative inspiration and community of support for anyone interested in writing picture books.  This was my first year participating in the challenge.  30 ideas in 30 days.  I can’t believe I did it.

My final tally was 35.

When I first signed up I really didn’t have any expectations.  My only intention was to give it a try.  I’m surrounded by kids all the time.  I have three and sometimes they say crazy things and sometimes I write those ideas down.  Those ideas are usually scribbled on left over homework pieces, bill envelopes, or if they are lucky enough to make it into my day planner or even my daily journal where I might stumble across them again and breathe some life in to them.  I’m still a pen and paper gal.  My writing has not been very organized over the years.  I have multiple journals and ideas scattered through out.  *There is a goal for the new year – get ideas organized so I can become more focused.

Here is my PiBoIdMo Journal

 

What did I learn about myself from this experience?

1.  I can have fun!  When I dive down deep into the childlike corners of my mind and spend some time with beavers with big teeth, cupcake baking dinosaurs, twirling whirling ribbons of rainbows that danced on the ceiling of my daughter’s bedroom, I felt at ease, at home, content, creative and alive.  I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

2.  I can start just where I am.  Have I been writing for children for years?  No.  Have I been writing before?  Yes!  For children, sort of.  Do I have a lot to learn?  You bet I do.  Do I want to learn?  You bet I do.  Do I want to write?  You bet I do.  Over ten years ago, I took a Short Story English class at University to add to my qualifications to teach English at a junior/senior high school level.  I wrote a short story about a girl in high school who needed to find her voice and her confidence.  The title was Andi could Spit.  I did well on the piece and the instructor said I had something but I would need the help of an editor.  I tucked that course away and my thoughts of writing and went about my life becoming a high school teacher.  Just start where I am.

3.  I can take my writing seriously.  I can explore the craft to improve and I can find time in my day to write every day.

4.  If I organize my writing and ideas I will become more productive.

I have many Pinterest Boards including my PiBoIdMo Board, Publish that Book and Keep on Writing.

Follow Bonnie’s board PiBoIdMo 2014 on Pinterest.

Follow Bonnie’s board Publish that Book on Pinterest.

Follow Bonnie’s board Keep on Writing on Pinterest.

Cheers and happy writing to all,
Bonnie