2024 Writing Successes

 

Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to share our SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) this year. She believes the way New Year's resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity - what DIDN'T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! 

Here is my list for 2024:

    

·       Wrote the 7th draft of Tarp Town (TT), a middle grade novel I’ve been writing and editing for years

·       Met bi-weekly with Skywriters Critique Group and received valuable feedback on TT & other stories, besides forming good friendships

·       Focused on prioritizing my picture book writing

·       Completed three picture books for submission

·       Participated in a first-pages critique contest for picture books and was chosen to have it critiqued by an awesome agent.

·       Received positive comments from that awesome agent on my picture book

·       Attended a Picture Book only Conference online (Picture Book Summit)

·       Sent out pitches to six agents

·       Sent out pitches to three editors

·       Posted one of my picture books online for the first time

·       Received a helpful Ninja Critique from an amazing published author

·       Connected with a FB group of only picture book writers, another first

·       Created my 1st budget plan for programs to continually improve my writing and keep me updated on publishing changes.

 

 

            

 

                                                                    A discarded eraser. 

                                 A cat toy to bat around by day for Abbey, but at night... 

                                                She conducts covert cat critiques. 🐈✐

 

                                           I'm excited to be attending my first 

  Picture Book Summit.  

Rob Sanders's Book of Poetry: Queer and Fearless

                                                         

 Tombolo Books, Equality Florida  and Allendale United Methodist Church 
Present: QUEER and FEARLESS, by and with Rob Sanders

                          

Rob reads a poem from his book that honors the lives of 17 brave LGBTQ+  Heros.

An Interview with Colette Bancroft

How wonderful that my husband and I were able to be a part of this incredible evening. Rob and local poets read some poems from his book, QUEER and FEARLESS. Each reading brought the heroic stories to life for those of us lucky enough to be at Allendale United Methodist Church in person. Thanks to Tombolo Books and Equality Florida for an uplifting event. Colette Bancroft, Book Editor of the Tampa Bay Times held an engaging interview with Rob and brought some of the hardships he's endured throughout his life and career to the forefront. He knows of what he writes. 

It has been a gift to watch Rob blossom as an author over the years and to follow his publishing success. Rob's books, like the man himself, have changed the world for the better.

Carry on bravely my friend. You truly are one of the LGBTQ+ Heroes. 

Aimee Reid has written another lovely book complete with gorgeous art by Christopher Lyles. This illustrated cover exudes tenderness and makes me want to buy the book and maybe keep it for myself, but it's too special not to share. Buy it today and share the joy of this book with little ones in your life. 

 A World of Love -  Order now:  https://a.co/d/bHAYZLJ

A Basket of Bay Area Authors' Books to Support Our Teachers 

I was asked to donate Answering the Call: Nurses of Post 122 to be included in a basket full of local authors' books. Of course, I said  yes. Our teachers need our support. 

Shuffle up for Teachers, was a fundraiser including dinner, dancing silent auctions and shuffleboard. The event was held at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on July 15th. All proceeds went to classroom learning environments for the 2023/2024 school year. 

                                             Thank you teachers everywhere!

    Oh What A Night at Coastal Creative  

                                       with Rob Sanders                                                           

Rob Sanders reads from his new middle grade fiction novel, BLOOD BROTHERS. The event also launched STITCH By STITCH, his newest nonfiction picture book on an historic person from the LGTBQ+. The event was presented by Tombolo Books, Florida Humanities and the Florida Freedom to Read Project.

Dr. Nashid Madyun, Executive Director of Florida Humanities speaks at Rob Sander's book launch on September 6, 2022.