We’re about to load up the car to visit family for Christmas but I wanted to take a moment and look back at my year writing-wise. It’s helpful to see where I’ve been to know where I’m going (or at least in what direction), and I encourage you to do the same.

This was the year I took a leap and invested in myself. I started off January by taking a Children’s Book Academy course as well as enrolling in a Writing Magic class. I learned a lot from both and ended up being inspired by Mira, the founder of CBA, to write a new picture book manuscript that earned a Golden Ticket to submit to three editors of houses I normally couldn’t submit to on my own. It’s also Girl Scout Cookie season so January was pretty packed, haha. Submissions: 1 YA, 1 sub (full request!); 3 PBs, 3 subs

February submissions: 3 PBs, 3 subs; 1 MG, 2 subs (another request!) and y’all know I can’t resist Susanna Hill’s ValenTINY writing contest.

March was Mardi Gras and more submissions: 1 MG, 5 subs (2 full requests!), 1 YA, 1 sub (contract offered and accepted with Owl Hollow Press!); 3 PBs, 5 subs; 1 BB, 1 sub. I entered the amazingly generous, Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words contest for the first time. I also wo’manned a table at the Mobile Literary Fest and did a reading (I’m slowly getting more comfortable with those, but gotta get better at making eye contact!).

April showers brought another writing contest, a Spring Fling from the lovely Kaitlyn Sanchez where I received Honorable Mention. I also helped plan Indie Bookstore Day with the Mobile Writers’ Guild and The Haunted Bookshop. Submissions: 1 MG, 1 sub; 1 PB, 1 sub; 1 YA, 1 sub.

The first week in May was NaPiBoWriWee or 7 picture book drafts in 7 days which was A LOT of fun and I ended up with 2 viable manuscripts and 1 magazine piece. Submissions: 1 YA, 1 sub (full request!); 3 magazine, 3 subs; 1 PB, 1 sub. I also started to work part time at The Haunted Bookshop, our local indie bookstore which is just the best.

In June, I was an instructor with two other fabulous ladies at the Lil’ Haints Creative Writing Summer Workshop. It was so much fun hearing ideas and brainstorming with young writers. I submitted 1 short story which was accepted for publication and just came out this October. I received a pitmad request as well as sent out 3 more picture book queries. I also submitted a chapter book to SCBWI’s Southern Breeze writing contest and won first place–WIK 2020, here I come!

July submissions: 1 MG, 1 sub; 1 PB, 1 sub

August submissions: 1 PBs, 2 subs; 1 CB, 1 sub; 1 MG, 1 sub; 1 BB, 1 sub

September: 1 MG, 4 subs (2 full requests which led to me signing with my new agent!); 1 YA, 1 sub; 1 PB, 1 sub; A picture book I submitted April of last year was accepted for publication!

October: my submissions stop because I sign with the amazing and intuitive Katelyn Detweiler of Jill Grinberg Literary Management and we’re busy working on my mg, Marvel & Happy. My short story, “The Levee and Bea Pearl” is published in OHP’s anthology, Cabinet of Curiosities. And my Publishers Weekly announcement for Bea Pearl released! I also helped judge A Fall Frenzy which was tough because there were SO MANY exceptional entries.

I now have a GoodReads page for THE EXISTENCE OF BEA PEARL, joined the #Roaring20sdebut group, and have my very own writerly newsletter! (The sign-up link is on my Contact page, if you’d like to see what that’s all about)

I’m sure I’ve forgotten things but I really need to help the kiddos pack–no telling what they’ll bring on their own. So I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and hope you take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished in 2019 too!