Reflections: A-Z and NaPiBoWriWee

The A-Z Blogging Challenge was certainly a challenge for me, but it was one that I enjoyed.  I chose to write a post each day about a different picture book author.  I had a fabulous time learning about picture those authors and seeing the variety of books they produced.  I learned that many of my favorite authors write and illustrate their own books--I may have to write a post just about this in the future!  I loved reading advice and interviews from my authors and choosing little nuggets of wisdom to include in my posts.  And I learned that there are more than enough picture book authors for me to use this exact theme again next year!  Next year, I would also like to write more of the posts in advance so that I have more time to visit other blogs during April.

I especially enjoyed meeting so many other bloggers with interests in children's literature.  There are a lot of very talented and supportive writers in the "blogosphere!"  The organizers of the A-Z Challenge are truly amazing and each deserve a huge award.

After spending a month learning about writing picture books, it seemed appropriate to write some of my own.  So, this week I am joining Paula Yoo in the NaPiBoWriWee (National Picture Book Writing Week) project.  The goal is to write seven picture books in seven days (May 1-7).

Today is May 4th and I have actually created three and a half picture books, though I have only written down two of them.  I've spent a lot of time during the last few days snuggling a sick baby so he can sleep--what better to do while I'm awake holding a sleeping baby than invent children's stories?  He is sleeping by himself now, though, so I will end this "reflections" page with a quote and finish typing my stories.

 Agatha Christie: The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes.