Happy 3rd Anniversary, Wordsmith Studio!
For those of you who don't know, Wordsmith Studio is a place where creative minds go to get inspired and keep their creative muse entertained and challenged. There is a veranda for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and multi-media where you can hang out as you please. You can read more about their mission on their website at www.wordsmithstudio.org.
I've been a member of Wordsmith Studio since its inception in 2012. It all started on April 1, 2012 when I discovered Robert Brewer's 30-day Platform Challenge on Twitter. Many of the participants decided to keep the momentum going with the friendships that were formed. This led to the creation of Wordsmith Studio.
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| Artwork created by Khara House |
For Wordsmith's 3rd Anniversary, Wordsmith is holding a reunion via a blog hop. Some of us have moved on to do other things, while others remained; some active, others (like me) pop in and out. The reunion is a wonderful idea because we get to see what others have been up to.
Here's the 411 on me with Q and A provided by Wordsmith:
What are you writing?
I write nonfiction for children and picture books. Robert Brewer's Platform challenge and the support of Wordsmith helped me get out of my comfort zone to explore the kidlit community through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (to name a few). I've met some wonderful people in the kidlit community. If you are a picture book writer or are considering it, here are the groups I belong to that provide valuable resources for picture book writers.
Kidlit 411
Sub It Club
GROG
What are you currently working on?
I've got at least 10 work-in-progress picture books in various stages. Some are simmering (waiting to be looked at with fresh eyes), some are cooking (currently in editing/revising mode), and some are being plated (in preparation for submission).
I also critique fellow picture book writer's works on a regular basis. I belong to three critique groups and critique a minimum of 6 picture book manuscripts a month. Joining a critique group is one of the most important things I've done as a writer. In my blog, I write about the value of critique groups.
Aside from writing and critiquing, I am constantly reading! I read picture books, both nonfiction and fiction. You can find me on Goodreads. Feel free to stop by and see what I'm reading.
What's the biggest thing you've learned from your writing?
1) The more you write, the greater your chances of finding that gem that will lead you to a contract. It's a subjective business so the more stories you have, the better your odds at finding the love connection between agent/editor and your manuscript.
2) It's all about numbers. I learned that my latest story is almost always better than the last one I've written. How many times have you written a story only to re-read it after a few years (or even months) have passed only to say, "Oh, this isn't as good as I thought it was." So keep writing!
Have you made any lasting connections through Wordsmith? (I added this question)
I have to give a shout-out to the friends I've made through Wordsmith. They are all kind and generous people. The friends I've formed a special bond with are:
Lauri Meyers- my fellow picture book writer and Wonder Twin. We hang out in the same kidlit community, shop at the same kidlit stores, and have similar taste in books. She knows my inner most darkest secrets. Okay, not really. I don't have any secrets, but she knows how I think and how I write. She critiques me...in a good way.
Jennifer Chow- my Asian inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet up with Jennifer when she visited San Francisco. Jennifer, Amy, and I got together for lunch to get to know one another. Her award-winning novel, 228 LEGACY, inspired me to write a cultural nonfiction picture book.
Amy Pabalan- my close friend (yes, real close that we live only a few miles from each other) and adviser. We try to meet every so often to talk shop, talk about life in general, and get inspired. I feel so blessed to have met Amy through Wordsmith. She's my buddy, my home-away-from-home kinda gal. When I need a break from writing, we get together for tea (coffee for her).
Lori Sailiata- my Hawaiian sistah from anothah mistah! She lives on Oahu, where I'm from. I had the opportunity to meet Lori in person too when I went back home to Hawaii. She is the co-owner, content creator, and new media strategist at Hawaii Content Marketing. She and Amy have been so helpful and supportive when my e-Book came out. They introduced me to Twitterview. Lori is my go-to person for my author platform questions.
Wordsmith Studios- where connections are made. Thanks for stopping by!
Curious about what Wordsmith Studio has to offer? Want to see what other Wordsmith Studio members are up to? Then check out the link below.
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It sounds like a great community. Also, great points about how we have to keep writing. Hope all is well!
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for the platform challenge i wouldn't have met so many wonderful people, especially you! I remember running into your blog early in my social media years.
DeleteRomelle, it was so great to hear what you've been working on -- glad you jumped in on the blog hop. Thanks for sharing resources that you've found worth recommending to others. I love Lauri, Jennifer, Amy and Lori, too -- each of them has always contributed so much to our network of writers, in overlapping groups. Jennifer already participated in the hop, but it would be great if you could encourage Lauri, Amy and Lori to share a post in one of our hops this month. I know Amy and Lori formed a new group, but they're still part of our anniversary and I'm sure people would love to hear what they're up to.
ReplyDeleteAs for picture books, I just finished a multicultural children's literature course for my masters, and learned a lot about what a specialized kind of writing this is. You know, there is a niche for writing from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands!
Good luck with your work. I hope you join in other hops throughout the month.
Thanks for stopping by, Elissa! You've been busy. I may want to pick your brain about your multicultural children's literature course.
DeleteThank you, Romelle, for introducing me to a platform I didn't know. It's also nice to see the name of Jennifer, my virtual friend!
ReplyDeleteI have Jennifer to thank for meeting you on my blog!
DeleteSo good to hear what you are doing and the other connections you have made.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Michelle! This blog hop reunion is a great idea. I love reconnecting with many of you.
DeleteVery helpful! "The more you write..." advice may be crucial for me. I keep getting stuck on my main project but keep resisting new ones for fear that will suck me away even more. I suspect if I started new things during my stuck periods, I would be much more productive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Joy. Yes, it helps to let your story simmer and move on to new things so you can come back to it with fresh eyes and ideas.
DeleteI am in awe of how active you are in writing and writing communities when I know how busy you are in real life! It sounds like you have found a true writing family with Wordsmith. That is truly awesome! May you continue to find good friends and good luck in writing and publication, Romelle!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, you know my heart is with our kidlit community! Now that is a very supportive community!
DeleteThanks for the update, Romelle! ( So glad I inspire you.) I can't wait to see your newest stories in print.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't wait to see your NEW book coming out soon!
DeleteHappy Reunion Month Romelle! Wow, how has it been 3 years since I stumbled on Robert Brewer's PAD and we met?! Oh and remember the fear and trepidation when he made us join twitter and ask for an interview and make blog schedules? We accomplished amazing progress in that 30 days and the 3 years since.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Yes, we were afraid to dip our toe in the water and look at us now. We're swimming!
DeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteRE: The more you write, the greater your chances of finding that gem that will lead you to a contract.
Been writing for a decade and had people tell me I have plenty of material worth publishing, but something I wrote 2 years ago has recently caused me to take a tiny step outside my comfort and knowledge zone, thanks to the suggestion of a friend.