For the past week, the song It is Well by Bethel Music has been on my heart and mind. The lyrics help me feel grounded, preparing me for the weeks ahead as I wait, believing for the next breakthrough in my writing career. Far be it for me to not believeEven when my eyes can’tContinueContinue reading “It is Well with Me”
Author Archives: jenanyong
Creative Captive
I had a revelation after our January SCBWI meeting: I’ve been punishing myself. I’ve been holding my creativity captive; not allowing myself to explore new stories and ideas. Why? Because I have at least four solid manuscripts that are mid-revision, in a state of uncertainty. They’re no longer finished. So, how can I start aContinueContinue reading “Creative Captive”
Winner Winner Turkey Dinner
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.ContinueContinue reading “Winner Winner Turkey Dinner”
#PBCritiqueFest 2022
It’s a beautifully rainy autumn morning and my hope continues gathering and pooling, like the sloshy puddles on our sidewalk. In querying, no news is still good news, in my opinion. Yet, new opportunities are falling upon me plentifully. #PBCritiqueFest is underway and I’m fully enveloped in promoting and lifting up the author participants whoContinueContinue reading “#PBCritiqueFest 2022”
Pepita: Vampire Puppy
Written by Jen Anyong Photo Credit: Sarah Pflug for Burst This entry was a manuscript that won the #FallWritingFrenzy contest in 2022! I decided to take it down, add even more Vampire Puppy fun, and began querying it. This piece went on to help me get my literary agent, was on submission for 14 months,ContinueContinue reading “Pepita: Vampire Puppy”
Hope on the Horizon
Fall is beginning to flex its muscles here in Edmond. Last night, we even mistook a big, crispy leaf in the green belt for a turtle. Binocular fail! Now, I have my fall decor sprinkled about, my Copper and Clover Candle burning, and I’m bubbling over with anticipation for my #FallWritingFrenzy story, which goes upContinueContinue reading “Hope on the Horizon”
It’s My Blog Birthday!
Happy Birthday, My Pilgrimage to Publication! I’m so proud of you! I just checked my year of statistics, and I have to say, these efforts haven’t been for naught…at least not in my eyes! To celebrate, I’m going to reflect a bit on where I am now and what I HAVE achieved in this pastContinueContinue reading “It’s My Blog Birthday!”
Jen’s Ultimate List of #KidLit Resources
Featured Image: Four year old Jen being a total Gilligan in South Padre Island circa 1988. I’ve aimed for this blog to be a safe harbor for those seeking traditional publication, especially #kidlit creators. After years and years of navigating these rough waters, I’m giving myself a promotion… You can call me The Skipper, atContinueContinue reading “Jen’s Ultimate List of #KidLit Resources”
The Blessing
The pressure I feel to find success in this “extremely subjective” business hit it’s boiling point in early-May. I’d worn my brave face for weeks, but one especially wrenching rejection ahead of a HUGE contest announcement left me spiraling in the stakes that seemed higher-than-ever. On Mother’s Day, we went to church, where we sungContinueContinue reading “The Blessing”
The Juggle Struggle
The month of April was nearly more than I could juggle! Submitting to contests, a big family Disney World Vacation, and my first ever SCBWI Conference were some of the most brightly highlighted in my calendar. First, I applied for the #PBChat Mentorship program. Boy, did I put my whole heart into that application! AndContinueContinue reading “The Juggle Struggle”
