Our 2022 Picture Book Writing Challenge was a great success! About 30 of you participated as we created, struggled, and succeeded together! I loved stretching myself and hearing about your experiences as you reached and grew as writers. Twelve months and ten genres later—we did it!

Who’s in for 2023? December was a welcome breather, but I’m excited for a new challenge and more new genres to try! Invite your friends, tell your family members—the more, the merrier! Remember, you don’t have to be a published writer or even an aspiring writer to join in—everyone can learn when we practice thinking outside our personal boxes. If you were on the fence last year, hop off! You can do this!

How it Works: Register by commenting on this blog post. On the first day of the month, I’ll share a guest blog post with information about that month’s picture book genre. Later in the month, I’ll share a guest post from an author who writes that type of picture book. Challenge yourself by writing a picture book manuscript in the prescribed genre! Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect! No one else even has to see it! The point is to have fun and grow as a writer. (The Picture Book Writing Challenge is designed as a personal challenge for yourself, as no critiquing or sharing manuscripts is involved.)

Outcome: By the end of the year, you’ll have 10 new picture book manuscripts! Not only that, but you will grow creatively and have fun along the way!

Here’s the list: