PBDummy Step 2

Not yet a participant?  Here's more info.

I hope you've been following the PBDummy challenge.  If you have, then your story should be underway.  If you're behind, then it's time to get started on your manuscript.  There's still plenty of time to write and polish.
As always, you can stop by KidLitArt or Dog-eared Sketchbook for ideas on how to get started.  If you're in need of a bit more tinder, maybe these thoughts from Pat Mora will spark something.

1. Remember your child-self, your feelings, childhood memories, worries and pleasures. (Most picture books are for 3-10 year olds.)
2. Create your writing time and mull--about what to write, about how to write it, about how to be daring. Among your key resources are your love of stories and language, your spirit, imagination and persistence.
3. Be welcoming of your writing. Welcome your ideas as you would welcome a guest. Resist thinking negatively about
4. Read picture books both old and new.

I won't be posting my work online, as I'm hoping to see it published, but I will say I'm tackling a rhyming text.  WHAT AM I THINKING?!?  I do not recommend poetic text unless you're really good at it.  I am not, but no matter how many times I write this story, it inevitably comes out in rhyme.  Who am I to argue with my muse?

If you need some poetic inspiration, try these classics:

Piping Down the Valleys Wild
Ed. Nancy Lamb

Side By Side
Poems to Read Together
Lee Bennett Hopkins

Sheep In A Jeep
Written by Nancy Shaw

Bear Snores On
Written by Karma Wilson

Official Unofficial PBDummy Badge

2013 badge design by Lisa Thompson

Grab your Unofficial badge at Lisa Thompson's blog.  While you're there, read through the list of resources she's compiled.  Whether you are starting from scratch or taking this opportunity to flesh out an idea from PiBoIdMo, it all starts with a little light bulb.  Who knows where your ideas will take you!

KidLitArt: Back From the Brink

Fans of Kidlitart and picture book creators, arise!  All is not lost.
Bonnie Adamson and Wendy Martin are taking a well-deserved working break.  But KidLitChats will continue on Twitter on Thursday nights, thanks to Lisa Thompson, a fellow SkADaMoer, who has accepted the temporary, unofficial mantle of keeper of the KidLitArt.

Thanks to Bonnie, Wendy,
Lisa, and Greg Matusic
for your dedication.

Illustrators/writers everywhere will be encouraging each other through a 6-month schedule from idea to submission.  Join the fun . . .work.  Did I say "fun"? Keep updated at Lisa's blog, my dog-eared sketchbook.  And don't forget to review all the valuable material on the original KidlitArt site.

If you're unofficially signed up, your first goal is to pick your project idea by January 13th.

Tweet Lisa by January 7 or check-in on her blog!