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”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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”
Flight Delays
Peek-a-boo! Spring’s in view. Now someone tell the sun! It’s shivery BRRR without any fur. My feathery down just won’t do. “Momma!” I squirm for a slippery worm. A feast for my beak and my belly! With twinkling eyes, a springtime surprise, Mom says, “It’s your turn to learn!” “To fly?” I replied, butterflies tumbleContinueContinue reading “Flight Delays”
Feelin’ Lucky
I woke up this morning to the best news I’ve received to date in my journey to publication! I am a Grand Prize Winner of #Storystorm! And I needed a win… But what does this all mean, Basil? Well, it means I’ve been paired with a literary agent who will take the time to lookContinueContinue reading “Feelin’ Lucky”
Manifest Destiny: A Refugee Story
by Jen Anyong A creative account marrying the story of my grandparents’ escape from communism in the late 1950’s to Francis Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner” from 1814. We settle into our covering at the dawn’s early light. Our breath still thundering in our chests. White mist bellowing from our mouths, Nearly giving awayContinueContinue reading “Manifest Destiny: A Refugee Story”
StoryStorm, 12×12, PBParty, Oh My!
It’s been an all-consuming January! Every free thought has been devoted to how can I get this year started off perfectly? StoryStorm headed up by Tara Lazar has been a joyful, daily reminder to keep ideas flowing and has introduced me to tons of Picture Book authors I didn’t know. All in all, a veryContinueContinue reading “StoryStorm, 12×12, PBParty, Oh My!”
All Is Calm, All Is Bright
I spent the first few weeks of December carting my daughter back and forth to Choir practice. “Practice” turned into massively long rehearsals, which I found annoying because she’s SEVEN. When I signed her up for choir I didn’t know I was signing up for a Christmas Musical! We’re talking choreography, five songs, and speakingContinueContinue reading “All Is Calm, All Is Bright”
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 