What I Learned from #NaPiBoWriWee

            For the first time I participated in National Picture Book Writing Week or #NaPiBoWriWee. Created by Paula Yoo (website https://paulayoo.com, twitter https://twitter.com/paulayoo), it’s a challenge to write seven picture book drafts in seven days. Guest authors share daily inspirational posts on her blog, participants cheer for each other on a Facebook page, and Paula awards prizes. It’s also an opportunity to flex some serious writing muscles.
             I succeeded in meeting the challenge with seven rough (some very rough) drafts. But, it was tough! I do write and revise most days, yet also juggle a family and part-time job. In order to complete this challenge, I had to write some of the drafts at night when I was seriously tired. Sometimes, the creativity just wasn’t there. As expected, these drafts weren’t my best work.
            However, the challenge helped me take risks I ordinarily wouldn’t take. For example, one of my drafts was a humorous meta alphabet book—definitely a stretch for me—and one I hadn’t considered before. One picture book morphed into an extended poem. And, under the pressure to create, I finally executed a manuscript idea I’d been pondering aimlessly for weeks.
            I also learned I can force myself to write when I don’t feel like it. At all. Writers have deadlines, of course, so this is an essential skill for my future professional writer self.
            Although it was difficult at times, especially over a busy family weekend, I’m glad I participated in #NaPiBoWriWee this year. It’s always good to shake things up, try new things, and take more risks. I also made some new writing friends in a supportive writing community. And as one of my critique partners says, no writing is ever wasted … except maybe that story about the goat!

---

Categories:  NaPiBoWriWee, picture book contests, challenge

All