Yesterday, I attended PBSummit 2017! It was eight and one-half hours of scrumpy splendor. Tommy de Paola inspired us with his writing and illustrating journey. He was joined by Julie Hedlund, Emma Walton Hamilton, Steve Swinburne, Carole Boston Weatherford, Laura Backes, Brenda Bowen, and Adam Rex. My journal runneth over with terrific notes from some of the best in the writing community! Agents, Erzsi Deak, Kelly Sonnack, Susan Hawk, and Rubin Pfeffer did a Q&A. Editors, Grace Maccarone, Mary Lee Donovan, Melissa Manlove, and publisher Rob Broder did a Q&A. Huge shoutout to Julie Hedlund, Emma Walton Hamilton, Laura Backes, Jon Bard, Kelli Panique, Kristin Ammerman, and Aaron! I'm looking forward to 2018. If you are interested in finding a writing community with heart, check Facebook for Julie Hedlund's 12x 12.     

2017 is marching on, but participants can submit to Asia Citro from Innovation Press. This month has seen inspiration, insight, and examples from guest bloggers. Sending a huge shout out for Angie, Asia, and guests! Let the rhyme time keep everyone jivin'! #rhymerevolution

KidLitCollege is celebrating it's 2nd birthday starting today! For the next 30 days come join in on the party fun and fabulous prizes! Click the button and start enjoying today!

Miranda Paul's new picture book, BLOBFISH THROWS A PARTY, launches May 2nd! I previewed the book and it is filled with fun and emotion to rock your waves. Blobfish has some problems: alone in a deep, dark sea, no friends, and no treats. When he decides to throw a party to remedy his life, he sets off a global party. Hilarious results ensue, but will they resolve Blobfish's problems? Maggie Caton's colorful illustrations add to the jolly merriment. Find out more about Miranda and her Blobfish story by visiting her website. Just click on the button.

It's time to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss! Vivian Kirkfield is presenting her 50 Precious Words Writing Challenge in his honor. She will select 21 winners for prizes. Write your 50 word story and enter today. The contest ends at 11:59 EST on March 6th. Click on the button to see the rules and join the fun.

Here is my 50 word story:

EDAMAME DELIGHT
by
Charlotte Dixon


Maisy counted at the table...
“One edamame...
two edamame...
three edamame...
FOUR!”
Six edamame plopped on the floor.
THUMP...
“Uh-oh!”
“Is your plate clean?” asked Mom.
“Almost,” said Maisy.
Crawling, Maisy counted...
“Five, six...
seven, eight...
nine...
TEN!”
Maisy sowed her edamame...
in Mom’s macrame!
“All done,” shouted Maisy.

ReFoReMo is open for 2017 registration! Enjoy reading and researching for those mentor texts to help you with your story. Guests and prizes await! Join discussions and critique groups, too. The fun begins February 27th and ends March 30th. Click here to join:

My new year is off to a great start with Tara Lazar's STORYSTORM 2017! Super guests inspired and motivated me to do my best and I came up with 30 ideas. I delved into researching the latest picture books and uncovered older ones to support my quest for those 30 ideas. I'm looking forward to tackling new groups, conferences, workshops, and classes. I wish everyone a delightful new year filled with those adventures that you seek.

Summer school and the humor and heart are racing with guest bloggers. If you are feeling in a slump and need a boost, come on over and fill your cup with exercises, tips, examples, and good fun!  
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RhyPiBoMo 2016 is in full swing for the Month of April. Get your rhythm and rhyme activated by joining a community of like-minded writers. Each day has a guest blog post to inspire those lyrical, singing manuscripts. Check it out:
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Thank you Carrie Charley Brown and Kirsti Call for a great month of researching mentor texts. I kept BIC and read, analyzed, and recorded information to help me with my wips. Carrie's and Kirsti's inspiration, along with  terrific guest blog posts, added to a nurturing experience. Please visit Carrie and Kirsti for more details: http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/what-is-reforemo.html