It’s been a pretty BIG MONTH for my writing journey! On November 2, I was named a WINNER of #FallWritingFrenzy 2022! WOOOOO!
#FallWritingFrenzy has a special place in my heart because it was the very first writing contest I entered last year when I first began my true, full-time, not wandering aimlessly career in writing. Totally didn’t win last year…not even an honorable mention. Which makes winning this year THAT MUCH SWEETER!
If that weren’t exciting enough, on November 5, I was named a winner of #PBCritiqueFest! This was a participation based win and the prize was soooo perfect for me! I was paired with Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera – author and illustrator, respectively, of Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies! Which turns out…is a hilarious and brilliant picture book that reminds me of some of my work. They are blessing me with a critique of one of my favorite manuscripts. Can’t wait to see their notes!
I also had the outstanding opportunity for a critique from Kate Harrison, Senior Executive Editor at Penguin Books, who happened to acquire and edit THE New York Times Best Seller Dragons Love Tacos! She was so lovely to spend 20 minutes with on Zoom and was very complimentary of my work. She challenged me to add a touch of something I’ll be vague about for now and I’m still mulling it over… Because…that advice actually negates the advice I received from a Literary Agent who critiqued it during the Fall SCBWI Conference. So…yes…a very subjective business I’m in.
Meanwhile, I’m still catching up on replays of the #FunnyWomenofKidlitConfab and Revising Revising Revising! My #FallWritingFrenzy prize was a critique from author Marcie Colleen and she was helpful and gave me a few things to think about. It’s all really quite fun!
And to top it all off, after a fulfilling Thanksgiving with tons of food and family, we spent our Black Friday decked in black velvet and pleather at the OPENING NIGHT of Round Midnight in Downtown Edmond. As Founding Patrons (investors), it was a thrill I imagine somewhat similar to seeing your words published for the first time. Round Midnight is a gorgeous, mid-century modern space effervescing with jazz and bubbly and all of the vibes. If you’re ever in Edmond, you must check it out!
I have so much to be thankful for and I’m so happy you’re with me on this wacky, worthwhile ride!
Featured Image: Jemma and I at the Opening of Round Midnight in Downtown Edmond
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 