Picture Book Writers--Do You Dare
I just received word (from one of my favorite blogs: Writing On The Sidewalk) that NaPiBoWriWee, National Picture Book Writing Week spearheaded by Paula Yoo begins today, Sunday, May 1st. and I'm inspired and challenged to put pen to paper. I'm going to spend the next week playing with picture book stories. Be Warned: Every memory of every childhood/childlike moment is possible fodder. Anyway, the Royal Wedding is over so what else have I/you/we got to do?
Sunday begins National Picture Book Writing Week, NaPiBoWriWee for short. The goal is to write 7 picture books in 7 days.
Here are the basic rules:
1. Midnight May 1st to 11:59 p.m. May 7th: Write 7 separate and complete picture books.
2. You are NOT allowed to write the same picture book in 7 variations. Each book must be complete and separate.
3. No minimum word count, just be sure that each book must has a clear beginning, middle and end.
4. You are allowed to brainstorm and research book topics before May 1st. Outlines are acceptable. First draft writing is NOT. Do NOT write your books before May 1st – only brainstorming, taking notes, and outlining are allowed.
5. You are NOT allowed to write a single word of your draft until midnight May 1st.
6. There is NO minimum word count required.
7. If you plan to blog about your NaPiBoWriWee journey, please include a link to:http://paulayoo.com/
8. Please comment on the soon-to-debut NaPiBoWriWee WordPress blog or email Paula at paula at paulayoo dot com and she will include your name in the prize drawing. Several winners will be chosen from random. Winners will receive an autographed copy of Paula’s books “SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY” (Lee & Low Books 2009) and “SIXTEEN YEARS IN SIXTEEN SECONDS: THE SAMMY LEE STORY” (Lee & Low ’05), along with items from the NapiBoWriWee Store and a couple of surprise autographed book prizes from special guest authors!
9. This is NOT a writing contest. Think ofNaPiBoWriWee as a writing support group where we can cheer each other on. So please do NOT send Paula your manuscripts.
10. If you plan on attending the national Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators (http://scbwi.org/) conference in August, let Paula know and she’ll arrange for an informal gathering during the conference so you can meet in person and celebrate NaPiBoWriWee!
For more information about prizes, tips and tricks for NaPiBoWriWee be sure to check out the official site. So warm up those computers and get in touch with your inner child because this is truly a challenge.