Think Positive in 2020

I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! The children’s author Julie Hedlund challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES rather than resolutions on our blogs.

Here is my list for 2019.

I attended the Bologna Book Fair where I courageously, believe me when I say courageously because my knees were shaking when I found the nerve to pitch my debut picture book Jurassic Rat to foreign publishers hoping they would buy the rights. The best part, though, was meeting up with fellow authors I met online. Here’s a pic of the group.

From left to right:

Simona Ceccarelli, Maria Marshall, Me, Fiona Halliday, Vivian Kirkfield and Julie Abery.

I attended my first SCBWI Europolitan Conference in Zurich in May, where I engaged with fellow writers and illustrators. Thank goodness they had an ice breaker otherwise I would have hidden in a corner somewhere. I also met the author of The Underneath, Kathi Appelt. Unfortunately, I didn’t have her book with me for her to sign. We also visited the Nord Sud Publisher. They had prepared a buffet for us.

I attended my first Picture Book Summit.

I received my first royalty check for my debut picture book, Jurassic Rat, published by Clear Fork Publishing- Spork Imprint.

I practiced my illustrating skills by attending Marks and Splashes– A natural approach to children’s book illustration. Next year I hope to find a home for my for my picture books.

Lastly, my first book signing with activities will take place in my town’s public library in February 2020.

I must say, I’m pretty proud of myself. With the little time I have on hand I think I achieved quite a bit. I like Julie’s idea about successes instead of failures.Don’t you?

PS. I was born in the year of the Rat-Gold and 2020 will be my golden year. Wish me luck.