Julie Hedlund’s 2019 Writer’s Challenge!

Have you ever assumed writers use their gift of words effortlessly? Are you a writer who is discouraged, or maybe in a rut? I want to challenge you to join Julie Hedlund and a host of picture book writers to make 2019 your best creative year yet. Click this link and c’mon over and join us — there’s still a couple of days left: http://www.juliehedlund.com/12days

Take the challenge and make 2019 your best writing year yet!

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!

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Here is my list of successes for 2018:

1. Contract for ‘The Heart Changer’ debuting Spring of 2019 with Ambassador International.
2. Two articles accepted (one published) for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
3. My first check received as a author (magazine publication) since 2015.
4. Completed three social media courses to help me with my book launch.
5. Getting all my ducks in a row, step by step, for my book launch in the spring (launch team, prize giveaways, school visit talks, etc).
6. Filmed and edited my first video with iMovie for my publisher’s ‘Adoption Month’ campaign.
7. Did my first FB author’s page LIVE video!
8. Have submitted at least twice a month to publishers and agents (PBs, MG novel and articles).
9. Began posting once a week on my author’s blog: https://www.jarmdelboccio.com/blog
10. Received two (possibly three) agreements to write a book endorsement for my debut novel.
11. Almost finished with another MG Historical fiction, “The Orphans Who Saved the World,” written for an advanced course with the Institute of Children’s Literature.
12. Finishing my second round of critique edits on my latest MG Historical Fiction: “Soli’s Saving Grace.”
13. Not being able to travel this year (but depending on it for inspiration), I was able to write, nonetheless, with my BIC (bottom in chair), and help from local and online events. ​ ​

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Me as a child — reading was captivating!

Next, Julie suggested we document things that negatively affected us as writers, along with the judgement we force on ourselves (in bold), and then, encouraging ourselves with the truth (shown by a ❤️). Then, lastly, a plan to get us headed in the “write” direction for 2019. Here is my list:

Challenges, Disappointments and Failures

1. I have submitted my “Fair Investigations” many times, and edited/revised it two or three times, but still no bites. Even when someone does ask for a submission, nothing ever comes of it. I’m a no good uncreative writer that has no business writing for children! ❤️ I haven’t found the right agent/publisher. Keep on submitting and revising!

Learning?? I need a professional critique. . . Or attend a conference and submit some more!
Plan: Look for that professional critique this year.


2. I dearly want to focus on one genre, but find myself going back and forth between PBs and MG novels. Can’t decide where to focus. Pick one genre, for goodness! Don’t be so afraid, scaredy-cat! ❤️ You know your heart is with MG historical novels. Keep up the good work and move forward!

Learning: Pick MG and stick with it . . .that’s where your heart is!
Plan: full speed ahead on MG!

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My daughter, Olivia, facing her fears in the English countryside on the rock that Jane Eyre fell in despair in the 2008 movie version!

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3. I have trouble with descriptions in my novels, and the habit of telling more than showing. Well, what do you expect if you don’t take a class or read a book on it and work on your issues. Loser! ❤️ You’ve been busy with book launch tasks.

Learning: This year, work more on showing instead of telling. Ask others to help you!
Plan: I’ve already found one blogposts on the topic. https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/show-dont-tell/


4. I’m also scattered across four social media platforms, and need to concentrate on only two that would help me connect with my ‘tribe’. Make up your mind, silly. You think your great at everything, don’t you? Ha. ❤️ I’ll never be good at them all.

Learning: Pick your favorites: Facebook and Instagram (and maybe Pinterest for good measure!
Plan: I’m already signed up for two classes to help me!


5. I wanted to find a close knit group of MG writers to connect with this year (similar to 12x12 for PB writers) but was unable. No one is interested in you as a writer, or your work. Why do you think they care? ❤️ You know you’ve done a great job so far. Keep up the search and God will bring you to the right group.

Learning: It takes time!
Plan: It’s happening thanks to this group! Connected with three people who are interested in an MG group. I’ll need to co-lead it, which is probably what should have happened along time ago.☺️

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Independence Hall and the chair where the US Constitution was signed!

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So, have I convinced you to join us and start the year off with pen in hand? Click here to join us. We won’t bite. In fact, we love to encourage each other in this daunting task of authorship. And, if you are looking for a supportive middle grade writer’s group, let me know below. Or leave me a message on my contact page.

Have a Happy and Inspirational New Year!