Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs 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!
This time of year, I enjoy looking forward and making goals for the following year. But I love the idea of pausing to reflect on the previous year first. So, here goes!
My 2021 Writing Successes
(in no particular order)
I learned a TON about rhyme, meter, poetry, and lyrical language in Renee LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab course
I started or joined THREE awesome and different critique groups that meet monthly, which have helped me grow EXPONENTIALLY as a writer
I wrote SEVEN picture book manuscripts
I've "polished" THREE of them (or at least gotten them pretty darn close!)
I wrote NUMEROUS poems -- for children, teens, adults, and myself :)
I submitted a few poems and picture book manuscripts for publication and received my first (necessary) rejections... some with positive feedback
TWO of my poems were ACCEPTED for PUBLICATION in an anthology for middle schoolers which will be out this coming Spring
I participated more in Twitter's #writingcommunity which has led to more connections, inspiration, and information
I began learning more about illustration and started to ILLUSTRATE my first picture book
I participated in a couple of twitter writing contests, which have helped me grow as a writer
I found a way (I'm still not entirely sure how but I hope to nail it down soon) to carve out time to write, meet critique partners, and learn more about writing and illustrating
I participated in and learned SO much from a few different virtual conferences this year
I started this BLOG!
I'm still just beginning on this writing journey. But it's been eye-opening and fulfilling so far! And, very soon, it will be time to look forward to what may come next!
I would LOVE to hear one of your successes from 2021! Drop it in the comments below!
Best wishes for a wonderful New Year, full of lovely, rewarding surprise successes, in all the areas of your life.
~ Alana ~
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