My Timeline

My decision to become a writer began in 2001, but it wasn't until 2005 that I took action. Here is a break-down of the steps I’ve already taken so you can catch up with what I’ve done so far. This is how it all began...

August 1, 2005

Joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

September 14, 2005

First class on How to Write and Publish Children’s books with Andrea Brown

September 26, 2005

Volunteered to be library aid for my son's school

March 5, 2006

Applied to the Institute of Chilren's Literature (ICL) and signed up for the writing course

March 15, 2006

Acceptance letter received from ICL

April 5, 2006

Officially enrolled in the Institute of Children’s Literature

January 22, 2008

Completed ICL with certificate of completion

January 23, 2008

Submitted query for article, "Extreme Sports-Hawaiian Style" and "A Lei for You" (my writing assignment for ICL) to FACES magazine

April 6, 2008

Signed contract for article to be published in January 2009 issue of FACES

September 26, 2008

Submitted article, "The Donut Mystery- The Hole Story," to Fun 4 Kidz- another writing assignment for ICL

October 25, 2008

First Writers Conference: Unmask your Characters, Sponsored by NorCal SCBWI

November 10. 2008

Editor at Fun 4 Kidz forwarded Donut article to Boy's Quest, which is sheduled to be published in 2013

March 21, 2009

Writer’s workshop, Beyond the Bay Series: Beyond Websites- How to Juggle Your Promotion Efforts, Social Websites & more; Online Personalities and Still Have Time to Write, with Lynn Hazen and Susan Taylor Brown

March 31, 2009

Joined Jacketflap.com, an online networking site for authors, illustrators, editors, and publishers

March 27, 2009

First time using a “book doctor” to edit my other articles and stories

April 6, 2009

Launched my own writer's blog: www.romellebroas.blogspot.com- a Timeline to Becoming a Published Picture Book Author

June 19, 2009

Article, Potty Mouth, accepted for publication in the August 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine.

August 15, 2009

Joined Twitter to start developing followers for future promotional efforts

October 2009

Purchased first business cards as a Children's Writer

October 24, 2009

Attended SCBWI SF North & East Bay Fall Conference: From Creativity to Mastery at Mills College, Oakland, CA

February 26, 2010

Finished my first picture book marathon.  Twenty-six stories in twenty-six days.

April 1, 2010
Joined my first online critique group

June 26, 2010
Writer’s workshop, Beyond the Bay Series: "A Writer's Journey" with Cynthia J. Omololu (author of DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS) and Heidi R. Kling (author of SEA)


July 1, 2010

"Running Boy" accepted for publication on Online Video Children's Media:  SMORIES

July 31, 2010
Informational story, My First Jeepney Ride, accepted for publication in the Nov-Dec 2010 issue of Skipping Stones Magazine


August 11, 2010
Joined established critique group, The Yellow Brick Road, hosted by Lisa J. Michaels

August 14, 2010

"Running Boy" makes its debut on SMORIES

October 23, 2010
SCBWI SF North & East Bay Fall Conference, Acorns to Oaks: Inspiration to Creation, Mills College, Oakland, CA