For the first time in a long while I found myself permitted to use adjectives! Writing copy for a contest gives you that privilege. The idea came to me as I wondered how to make the weird and isolating summer have meaning. How could I change the “tone?” How could I strengthen my “voice?” How could I stop speaking in three’s? Lol!
I knew I wanted to enlarge my kidlit circle, enhance my writing, and do something good for the world...while staying in my house? Inspiration struck! I took my idea to one of the most enthusiastic 12x12’ers I know—the amazing (adjective!) Jenny Buchet. Not only did she love the idea, she agreed to join forces with me. We did our research! Then, surveyed was already out there, contemplated parameters, and reached out! Soon, we had a writing contest in our hands!
Dividing and conquering the work has been joyful (caveat: I really do need to stop making beach-themed art and get back to my wip). I was always the one who finished the work for the school group project even if the others didn’t participate. I had a hunch that Jenny was the same. I was so right!
I hope that the kidlit community will have as wonderful an experience as we did launching this. Maybe you’ll learn more about fellow authors or make new contacts. Hopefully, you’ll feel connected to the mission of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) and share even a few dollars with them. Why?
When our kidlit community tells a wider array of stories it elevates all of us.
(Isn’t that what we’re trying to do by educating children?)
So welcome to our beach party. Feel free to attend in pj’s (aka, the "new" yoga pants). Even if you don’t write NF or Info Fiction, take time to read and comment on the posts of fellow kid-lit’ers.
Remember, you don’t have to enter a piece of writing to be eligible for some of the prizes—and while I really didn’t want finances to be a requirement, WNDB can always use your support.
Best of luck fellow writers, authors, and friends. We’re excited to see what you’ve got!
Oh yes, and please tweet about it at #SunWriteFun!