24 Carrot Writing
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Book Picks
  • About

Season's Greetings

12/21/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dear 24 Carrot Writer,
​
What a year this has been!
If you had written
words and stories,
well done!
If you had queried,
or launched a book into this world.
If you had hustled with marketing,
or had dipped deep
into the well of online classes
to grow and improve your craft,
we applaud you.
  
And if, this year,
your pen was dry,
your fingers quiet,
your stories dormant,
because life,
because you had to be there for others,
because you had to take care of yourself,
we send you hugs and encouragement.
 
Because even if stories weren’t written,
they are still there:
sleeping,
dreaming,
patiently waiting,
deepening
until your heart can open up for them,
until your fingers can pen them.
 
So for now,
take a break.
You deserve it.
 
Cuddle with loved ones,
read fluffy novels,
watch tinsel movies.
And recharge.
 
And when you feel ready,
start dreaming -
gentle dreams about gentle goals.
 
But in the meantime,
all of us at 24 Carrot Writing
wish all of you a beautiful,
peaceful,
joyful,
rejuvenating
Holiday Season.

Best,
Amanda and the 24 Carrot Crew

Picture
0 Comments

Season's Greetings

12/24/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
24 Carrot Writing would like to wish our readers a restful, peaceful and restorative holiday season. May you laugh boisterously with family and friends. May you reflect quietly on your growth and  what you have accomplished this year. May you dream extravagantly about the coming year and the creative goals it holds. And through it all, may you embrace the time away from your work, even as you nurture creative sparks your heart.

We will return in January, rested and ready to set SMART goals for a productive new year.
See you then!

With love,
Amanda, Annie, and Kelly 

Picture
0 Comments

A Holiday Picture Book Sampler

12/10/2019

3 Comments

 
Picture
 by Annie Cronin Romano

The holiday season has arrived. When my children were young, one of our favorite activities to do was cuddling on the couch reading holiday picture books. Sometimes there were old favorites; other times they were the latest arrivals at our local library or bookshop. This post is a mix of holiday classics and newer arrivals to the shelves. Hopefully you'll find a few titles to add to your "must read" list (links are included with the cover images). Please share your favorite holiday picture books in the comments!

​SANTA MOUSE, by Michael Brown, illustrated by Edfrieda DeWitt
MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE, by Robert E. Barry
PICK A PINE TREE, by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
RED AND LULU, by Matt Tavares
CHRISTMAS FARM, by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Barry Root
OSKAR AND THE EIGHT BLESSINGS, by Richard Simon & Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel
THE TREE THAT'S MEANT TO BE, by Yuval Zommer
HANUKKAH BEAR, by Eric A Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER, by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh
SEVEN SPOOLS OF THREAD: A KWANZAA STORY, by Angela Shelf Medearis, illustrated by Daniel Minter
DASHER, by Matt Tavares
THE TREES OF THE DANCING GOATS, by Patricia Polacco

Happy Holidays from all of us at 24 Carrot Writing!
3 Comments

Giving Thanks...

11/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
​As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and our last-minute preparation lists grow from one or two quickly scribbled Post-its into full-fledged Gantt charts, 24 Carrot Writing would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for joining us on the creative journey—for sharing the twists and turns of the creative life on a road scattered with goals and carrots! This week, may you claim snatched moments of solitude amidst family, friends and feasts in order to pamper yourself, write or sketch a little something just for fun, or maybe just have a quiet chat with a family member you see all too infrequently (and who might have an interesting story to tell if asked the right questions!).

We are thankful to have such warm, supportive individuals who cheer us on and share the highs and lows of the writing and illustrating journey.  Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!
Francine, Annie, Kelly and Amanda

0 Comments

3rd Annual 24 Carrot Writing Trick or Book Treat Party

10/1/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
​To celebrate October, and to whip our writing efforts into a productive fourth quarter frenzy, you are cordially invited to join us on
the 24 Carrot Writing Facebook page for our :

3rd Annual 24 Carrot
Writing Trick or Book Treat Party


Join the Writing Trick or Book Treat Party by sharing your favorite writing trick or tip, or treating your fellow writers to a book recommendation. Share your writing tip, or a recent children’s book that you have loved and/or used as a mentor text on our Facebook page.

When you share, we will enter you in our October 31 drawing for signed copies of children's literature.  We are keeping most of our titles masked! But our picture book prizes include a signed copy of Alison Goldberg's I Love You For Miles and Miles and Jannie Ho's Bear and Chicken and our middle grade prize is a signed copy of Erin Dionne's Lights, Camera, Disaster! 

You don’t need a costume, but you do need to be a part of our 24 Carrot Facebook group. If you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for? You'll get a weekly Facebook update every time we post a new blog or book pick! To join, just click the green "Join Our Facebook Group" button on your right. Or you can find us on Facebook at 24 Carrot Writing.

Come join our Writing Trick or Book Treat Party!
1 Comment

A Writer's Holiday Wish List 2017

12/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Annie Cronin Romano​
The holiday season is here, and so is 24 Carrot Writing’s holiday gift idea list for 2017! If you’re looking for some unique gifts for the writers and book lovers in your life (or “carrots” for meeting your writing goals!), here are this year’s suggestions.

Picture

Know a writer or book lover who is expecting a new bundle of joy? Here’s a storybook baby blanket and baby hat that will carry their love of all things literary into the nursery. Available at www.storiarts.com, they both come in several storybook prints, including Alice in Wonderland and The Velveteen Rabbit. They're the perfect items to wrap up baby in the wonders of the literary world!


Usgearlaunch.com has a unique array of book-themed tote bags from classic to contemporary to just plain whimsical. You’re sure to find one perfect for any library haul.
Know a writer who loves shoes? At groovebags.com, you'll find bookish footwear to put your best literary foot forward.  Be it sneakers or slides, they have something to fit your style.
Picture

​​

​
​Here's one for the ultra-unique column. For the writer who has practically everything, give the gift of interior design! Visit usgearlaunch.com to find stairway stickers to give your staircase a true
​library feel. Just make sure the recipient doesn't
​live in a ranch!

​
 


Picture


​
​Do you like to unwind with a drink after an evening of writing? At uncommongoods.com, you’ll find glasses inscribed with some literary classics, including Hamlet, Sherlock Holmes, and Les Miserables.

 


If you know a Harry Potter fan (and who doesn’t?), here’s a fun timepiece available at pbteen.com to make sure he or she is not late for the next quidditch match! Or, if your
wallet is a bit fatter, they also have a Hedwig lamp to shed some light on bedtime reading.
Picture
​

We’ve all heard about the importance of reading those iconic pieces of literature. Know someone who needs a visual reminder? This clever scratch-off poster lists 100 iconic books rom classic to contemporary that someone (I don’t know who, exactly) decided everyone should read. After you finish each book, scratch the title space to reveal related artwork. Find it at uncommongoods.com.

Do you know any writers who don’t have a desk or can’t find the surface of their dining room table because their child’s science project had taken up residence? Problem solved! This lapdesk available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com lets them take their writing space anywhere. It even has a slot to stand up your tablet if that’s your technology of choice. Prefer to choose the fabric and size yourself? Visit the Lap Desk Lady on www.etsy.com to see a variety of sizes and styles.
My final suggestion…drum roll please? Books. (Duh, right?) Books about writing—the craft
itself and the industry of publishing—are welcome additions to any writer’s bookshelf.
​A few suggestions include On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom, collected and edited by Leonard S. Marcus, and The Chicago Manual of Style, which is on its 17th edition. From craft to industry to mechanics, these books are just a sampling of the staples every writer’s collection should have.
Even better? Buy them from an indie bookstore and support your local small business!
As always, be sure to give yourself a gift too:
the priceless gift of time to work on your writing in 2018.


All of us at 24 Carrot Writing wish you a happy, healthy,
​and goal-accomplishing holiday season!
0 Comments

Warm Holiday Wishes

12/19/2016

0 Comments

 
~by Amanda Smith
Usually we share our best writing advice, inspire you to set goals, and help you find strategies to meet those goals. We’ll be back to that soon enough, but it is December. Snow has fallen. Trees are decorated, cookies baked, gifts wrapped, and candles lit. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and a candy cane because December is a time of…
Picture
​Reflection:
This season let’s take time to ponder our accomplishments and the goals checked off the list, our disappointments, and our triumphs in writing. Also, let’s reflect on what worked and why. Thomas Carlyle said, “The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.” Let’s look into our mirrors, acknowledge what we see, and start planning new writing goals for 2017.


Picture
Generosity:
A writing partner reminded us this is a season for generosity, and we should extend some of that generosity to ourselves. Once we have looked into that mirror, let’s give ourselves the gift of grace for what we didn’t do and focus instead on what we did accomplish. Hey, if ever there is a time for carrots, it is December! Leave yourself a little reward, all wrapped up with a bow, under the Christmas tree.


Picture
 Peace:
 Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, let’s find some peace. Take  some time to rest. Make room for solitude, so you can reconnect with your  heart, passion, and dreams.


Hope:
Hope is the desire for a certain outcome, a feeling of trust. Once we have reconnected with our passion, let’s set expectations, focus our efforts, and set yearly goals that will help us realize the hope we have for this new year. And keep working, because...
Picture
Picture
 Family:
 That being said, this season is also a time for family. Let’s trust our work, our  characters, and our muse to still be there in the new year. For a few glorious  days let’s enjoy the small moments with our families – the movies, the baking,  the games, the songs, and celebrations. Let’s allow ourselves guilt-free time  away from writing so that we can soak up all the precious expressions; gleeful  laughter; teenage snark; fiercely frustrating, absolutely infuriating, delightfully  humorous family interactions. (And don’t be surprised if some of those show up  in future writing projects.)

​We look forward to a productive new year filled with goals and writing tips, but for now, from our 24 Carrot Family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Picture
0 Comments

A WRITER'S HOLIDAY WISH LIST

11/30/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Annie Cronin Romano

At 24 Carrot Writing, we believe in the importance of rewarding yourself with "carrots" when you achieve a writing goal, be it finishing an outline, brainstorming book ideas, querying agents, or honing your craft through writing exercises or research. Back in March, I posted a blog sharing some writing-themed carrot ideas (see "Give Yourself a Carrot"). Now, as the holiday season is upon us, here are some more creative suggestions to add to your own wish list or as possible gift ideas for your writer friends. Included are a few repeats from my spring suggestions and some new discoveries! 
​​


Like working jigsaw puzzles? White Mountain Puzzles has a few jigsaws with a literary flair. This "Reader's Paradise" puzzle will keep you busy with 1000 pieces of literary atmosphere.
​



Picture




Love candles? There are candles out there perfect for writers and book lovers alike.
Check out the options at Gone Reading and
​fill the air with writerly aromas.

Picture

​If you purchase that literary candle, you're going to need book-themed matches to go with it, don't you think? Look no further than Out of Print to find these
​adorable matchbook sets. 

Picture
Check out Red Bubble for a variety of items perfect for any literary enthusiast! They have more than just bookish items, but you can search by keyword to find the perfect gift for writers and readers! Their phone cases are particularly creative.
Picture



​Book-shaped saucers and plates abound at Gone Reading. When you're settling in for a writing session, this cozy cup and saucer will help get you in the "write" mindset! (Sorry. I couldn't resist!)

Picture


At Uncommon Goods, you'll find an array of gifts for writers, from literary scarves to story cubes. This writing prompt book, "642 Things to Write About," got positive reviews from those who purchased it. And all writers know that sometimes we need a little idea boost to get the ink flowing.

Picture


​If you're looking for clever t-shirts or mugs with writer-ly or bookish sayings, you'll find them at Cafe Press. You'll also find some other unique gift ideas, like this tongue-in-cheek writer's clock. 

Want some bling? At The Writers Store, you'll find vintage typewriter necklaces and bracelets. A perfect nostalgic gift!
Many writers like to decorate their laptops, notebooks and journals with stickers that reflect their personality. Find some unique ones at Red Bubble and Cafe Press.
Picture



​                   Need some liquid courage to get you through a                                     rough patch in your revision? Celebrating a full                                     request? If Irish Whiskey is your thing, check out Writers Tears, available at Walsh Whiskey Distillery
and other online liquor retailers.

Picture



Don't go for the hard stuff? Steele Wines might have what you'd
prefer. Their "Writer's Block" label is available in several varietals, including Malbec, Roussanne (shown here), and Pinot Noir. And
if you're still waiting on that first royalty check, their prices
​won't break the bank either! Cheers!

At Lithographs.com, they make literary-themed gifts ranging from tote bags
and t-shirts to posters, scarves, and even temporary tattoos! With over 200 titles
to choose from, including classics, contemporary, children's, and young adult,
you're bound to find a beloved favorite.
I hope you've found some treasures to add to your holiday list.
Or maybe you've discovered some future carrots to reward your
achievements as you meet your writing goals in the coming New Year.
And remember the best gift you can give yourself...
KEEP WRITING!


All of us at 24 Carrot Writing wish you a
happy, healthy, and creative holiday season!
0 Comments

Happy June Year's Eve! 

6/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Kelly Carey

It's June and so it is time to assess how your annual writing goals are progressing. Use June Year's Eve to take stock of your accomplishments, reinvest in those goals that need more attention, and set yourself up for success in 2016.

To that end, I am re-posting a blog from June of 2015 and wishing you a Happy June Year's Eve! 



In January, bubbly with champagne excitement and intoxicated by the shimmering crystal ball in Time’s Square, we all set down our writing goals for the year. Since writers are ambitious dreamers, we probably set very lofty goals. To that I say, good for us!  That drive and stamina to succeed will get our manuscripts published.

But did you over promise? Did some unforeseen event steal time and attention from your writing? Did your January va-va-voom  sput-sput-sputter somewhere in March? Then I would like to be the first to wish you a Happy June Year’s Eve!

June marks the mid-year point and is an excellent time to track our progress and make sure we are well positioned for writing success. In June,  writing goals and resolutions everywhere can be given a solid scrubbing, and REVISED for success.  You set New Year’s resolutions, now is the time for June Year’s resolutions.

As writers, we are not only intimately aware of the power of revision, but we are also experts at revising.  It is time to apply that skill not to our manuscripts, but to our writing goals. Read through your goals, keep what is working and toss those goals that just don’t fit or make sense anymore. Maybe that middle grade novel whispered to you on a cold day in March (which frankly could have been any day in March since they were all cold) and you put aside your picture book plans.  Perhaps you had a light bulb moment while attending a conference, reading a blog, or while brushing your teeth (true story, just ask Amanda!). Great! Time to make your writing goals match that reality.

Just reminding yourself of the promises you made and the plans you had will refocus your energy for the next six months. This is not a bash session. Do not beat yourself up over missed goals. You are not giving up, you are revising.  What writer would forsake revision?

I’d like to clink a glass with you on New Year’s Eve in celebration of hitting our writing goals.  The best way to make this happen is with a serious mid-year goal revision.

Happy June Year’s Eve and happy goal revising!  

 
I took a peek at my 2016 writing goals and was thrilled to see that I am ahead on some of my benchmarks. For example, I've already hit my target goal for the number of workshops and conferences I had hoped to attend this year. Cue the big smile, the feeling of accomplishment, and the internal "you go girl".   Then I noted some areas that I hadn't even realized were being neglected. I am way behind on writing query letters, and - what do you know - I had set a goal of revising a middle grade novel in progress.  I had totally forgotten about that lofty goal.  Lucky for me I celebrate June Year's Eve and can use the fizzy euphoria of this wonderful holiday to reinvest in my goals for the next six months of the year. 

Pop some champagne and set yourself yp for writing success this year!





0 Comments

Give Yourself a Carrot

3/23/2016

0 Comments

 

by Annie Cronin Romano

Last week, one of my 24 Carrot Writing partners mentioned that she hadn't rewarded herself with a "carrot" for all the writing goals she'd met for quite a while. She'd finished her novel, had begun querying, and had started a new novel--all goals she'd set and met--yet she'd neglected to reward herself. And as small a matter as that might seem, it's actually quite important. We need to give ourselves a pat on the back for meeting those goals. It's a big deal! Applause! Applause!

So, as we wrap up the first quarter of 2016, I ask you, dear writers, what goals have you checked off your list? Finished an outline? Brainstormed ideas for your picture book? Spent time honing your craft? Submitted? I bet you have! So indulge in a massage at the spa. Take an hour or so to go for a bike ride or go catch a movie you've wanted to see. Or, if you'd like to stick to the literary theme for your rewards, I have researched a few fun "carrots" to honor your wordsmithing accomplishments!
​

Picture

Like working jigsaw puzzles? White Mountain Puzzles has a few jigsaws with a literary flair.
​This book "Best Sellers" puzzle will keep you busy with 1000 pieces of literature's favorites.
How many have you read?




The bookplates below are just a few samples of the designs you'll find at
​Gone Reading, a web store for reading enthusiasts. 
Picture
Picture
Ever wished a perfume could capture the aroma of libraries, leather-bound
books, and Mr. Darcy? Well, a few claim to have done it! Check out
Sweet Tea Apothecary for their "Dead Writers" scent (hey, I didn't name it!)
or head over to Demeter to discover "Paperback."
Picture
Picture
Okay...do NOT tell me you wouldn't love walking into that next critique
group meeting with your appetizer served on a book-shaped platter!

I mean, how fun is this? You can see all the size options at Gone Reading.
​
Picture
Picture
​_

​Wish you could wear a favorite book around your neck? Don't we all? Well, you can if you web surf your way over to Uncommon Goods. They've got scarves featuring passages from Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland, and Wuthering Heights. 

Picture



​Need one more idea?
Steele Wines'
Writer's Block wine.
​'Nuf said.

I hope you enjoyed (and try) some of these suggestions for writing rewards.
Now, go treat yourself to that hard earned carrot!
And keep striving to meet your upcoming goals.
I'll share some more carrot ideas in a few months!
~Annie
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Peruse blogs for advice and tips from KidLit creatives. 
    Join Our Email List
    Join our Facebook Group

    Categories

    All
    20 Minute Miracles
    Accountability
    Amanda
    Annie
    Author Interviews
    Book Proposals
    Book Release
    Carrots
    Chapter Book
    Character Development
    Conferences
    Contest
    Cover Reveal
    Craft
    Creativity
    Critiques
    Diversity
    Drafting
    Editing
    Fiction
    Francine
    Graphic Novel
    Guest Posts
    Holiday Wishes
    Hook
    Illustration
    Inspirational
    Interviews
    Kelly
    Library
    Magazine Writing
    Marketing
    Megan
    Middle Grade
    Nonfiction
    Picture Books
    Plot
    Promotion
    Publishing
    Query
    Read
    Readers
    Revision
    SCBWI
    Self Publishing
    Self-Publishing
    Setting
    Story Structure
    Submissions
    Tech Tools
    Tips And Tools
    Voice
    What Is 24 Carrot Writing
    Writing Challenges
    Writing Community
    Writing Goals
    Ya
    Young Adult

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014

    RSS Feed

    Click to set custom HTML
    Click on the RSS Feed button above to receive notifications of new posts on this blog.
Photos used under Creative Commons from byzantiumbooks, davidwilson1949, JKehoe_Photos, GotCredit, Chicago's North Shore Conventions & Visitors Burea, Roman Pfeiffer, ymu rocks, Au Kirk, Sweet Dreamz Design
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Book Picks
  • About