 ~ by Amanda Smith Before leaving on a revision retreat in the summer, I left my two boys with detailed instructions on cleaning their closets. One of the check boxes stated: Are you ready to get rid of some of the soft toys in your closet? If so, put them in my room. No, I am not being unreasonable. Both my boys are on the other side of 16. It’s time. Throughout the years, I'd broached the snuggie-subject, only to be brushed off with a “not right now,” but this time, three days into my trip, my husband sent a picture of two containers, lovingly covered with spread bandanas, like colorful funeral shrouds.  Sometimes revision is exactly like getting rid of loveys. Friendly, fluffy, comforting words that are just hanging out in the closet of your manuscript – really not bothering anyone. But these words are taking up space, making it hard to maneuver, or to add anything more useful. Here are a few strategies for letting go: The “not right now” mentality: Sometimes we save revisions for later, because at the moment it seems too hard to cut, or we don't know what to do in the space that is left. The cure: It is easier to make big cuts on paper. Print out your manuscript so that you can cross out sections without actually deleting anything yet. As you cross out, make notes in the margins or on sticky notes of all your ideas to fix, connect, or fill those spaces. The benefit: You get a big picture overview, and nothing has been irreversibly altered, but you've made room for new ideas. Cutting ruthlessly: Sometimes words and scenes that were necessary to make your story grow, are no longer needed. They belonged to your draft’s childhood and might actually get in the way of your manuscript launching. Ruthless revising asks, Marie Kondo-style, "Is this still useful? Do I still love it?" You may combine this with the "not right now" strategy by doing it on paper, but commit that when you have crossed it out on paper, it must be deleted from the manuscript. No backsies. The cure: Ruthless cutting, especially of backstory and info dumping that you initially needed to get to the heart of the story, leaves more space for the all-important story. The benefit: A mature manuscript. Sad goodbyes: At some point you will have to actually delete from the actual manuscript. This is sad and painful, because as writers we take care to write well, to weigh words, and to measure sentences, and we take pleasure in the result of our labor. Sometimes when we have to purge, we might need to put those words in another room under a colorful bandana just until we're sure. The cure: For each project, keep a darlings folder. When you cut something from a manuscript, paste it into a document in your darlings folder. That way you can still honor the words. You can tell them, “You are beautifully written and precious, but you are pre-writing and not needed here. Your job was to get me where I needed to go. You did that well. Thank you.” The benefit: Well, just in case, and because letting go is hard.  After my older child went back to college this fall, I slid open his closet to put away some linens. On the shelf, at eye level, sat Shamu, the beloved orca that resided in his bed since he was two until well into his middle school years. Next to Shamu sat Baby Tiger, the white tiger hand-puppet whose cuteness always resulted in belly laughs which morphed into a sweet gentleness in this boy and ended in a hug-fest. Every time. On the top shelf were a few other carefully selected fuzzy friends, including the puppy his preschool teacher gave him the day his baby brother was born. I nodded with approval and relief. Because sometimes we should also unapologetically hold on to the good stuff.
How do you know if it's good stuff? Ask how it contributes to your story. Does it lead to belly laughs or hug-fests like Baby Tiger? Does it reveal something about the character? Hold onto it! Ask whether the scene helps your character on his journey. Does it mark a big life moment for your character, like Puppy? Some words carry deep emotional value, even if they don't necessarily move the plot forward. Whether they are precious memories that promise safety and comfort like Shamu, or whether they bring the character's heartache or suffering to life, curate some space for a few of these emotionally laden scenes. Because as much as we have to eventually clean out the carnival prizes and scruffy beanie babies of our manuscript, some friends (and words) are keepers.
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 ~Guest blog by Michele Regenold Opportunities abound for your professional growth as a kidlit writer! Conferences, workshops, classes, retreats—in-person and online. Plus books, podcasts, newsletters, and websites, including this one. But there is another option: You can work one-on-one with a book coach. What does a book coach do? A book coach is a smart, experienced editor who provides feedback on your writing. This includes specific suggestions for helping you accomplish your writing goals as well as ongoing encouragement and support as you work toward achieving those goals. Most book coaches provide both written feedback and oral feedback. For each submission a client sends me, for example, I return to them a short editorial letter with my big picture feedback along with their manuscript to which I’ve added my questions and comments. Then we have a call via Zoom to discuss any questions and reactions to the feedback and plan their next submission. Book coaching relationships can last from a few weeks to a year or more, depending on the writer’s needs and goals, and the book coach’s approach. Why would you want to hire a book coach? Two core elements that a book coach brings to the work are accountability and feedback. Your book coach wants to help you craft the best story you can and accomplish your writing goals. Some writers want more guidance early in the process and they seek help with the story premise, the characters, the plot, and the first draft. On the other hand, sometimes writers with a completed draft are too close to the story to see it clearly and a book coach can guide them out of their story wilderness. When to hire a book coach? You’ll get the most benefit from working with a book coach when:
 What to look for in a book coach? Their specialty Much like literary agents and book editors, book coaches tend to specialize in terms of age group and genre. A book coach for adult mysteries and thrillers wouldn’t take on a writer of picture books, and probably not a writer of middle grade mysteries either, but maybe a writer of young adult mysteries. For instance, I focus on helping writers of middle grade and young adult novels. In terms of genre, I’ve worked with clients writing MG historical, MG contemporary, MG science fiction, YA fantasy, and YA science fiction. I’d balk at novels in verse, however, since I rarely read them. Consider what you need the most help with—is it the tropes of your genre or is it targeting the age group of your audience? The experience level of writers they help Consider your level of experience as a writer and your understanding of how fiction works. If novel writing is new to you, then seek a book coach who works best with newer writers. They’ll help you learn basic craft elements like the fundamentals of a scene and a character arc. Likewise, if you’ve already written a novel or two, a book coach who works with experienced writers may be a better fit. The stage of the writing process Also consider how much of your story has been written—a few pages, a partial draft, a complete draft. Some book coaches prefer to work on revision of an existing draft while others prefer to help you plan and execute a first draft. The book coach’s credentials There is no official licensing for book coaches. However, there is a company called Author Accelerator that provides an extensive certification course for people who’d like to become book coaches. They maintain a searchable list of Author Accelerator-certified book coaches. Other credentials include advanced degrees, professional writing and editing work and references from clients. Most book coaches offer a free “discovery” or “intake” call after reviewing your submission packet, which is an opportunity for you to assess whether you are a good match. If you want to write, but don’t know where to start, or if you are stuck in your work-in-progress and need a different perspective, consider hiring a book coach to help you realize your book-dreams!  Bio:
Michele Regenold is an Author Accelerator-certified book coach specializing in MG and YA fiction. She helps writers with big ambitions realize their goals through 1:1 coaching. Michele is a writer herself, mainly of middle grade fiction that often includes an animal character’s point of view. She’s represented by Mary Cummings with Great River Literary. Contact Michele on her website, check out her blog, and discover more about her tool for interviewing characters.  by Kelly Carey I am struggling to set my 2025 goals. Yup. Ten years of 24 Carrot Writing, an entire philosophy centered on finding publishing success by setting goals, and I’m stymied. It’s embarrassing. I’ve written dozens of blog posts on goal setting. Championed the benefits. Encouraged, preached, and even nagged all of you to set goals. But here I am. More than halfway through January, and I can’t figure out my 2025 goals. My primary objective is to get another book deal. But I’ve been gripping that macro goal so hard for so long that my hands are cramping and I’m crushing my dream. My first book deal came six years ago. The book launched four years ago, and two years ago I landed a wonderful, hardworking agent. I had momentum. I ran on a mental treadmill faster and faster with the slope getting higher and higher, fully convinced that any less effort would be a massive squandering of all this buzz. I was determined not to fitter this time away. But here is what happened. The longer I went without a book deal, the more manic I became. Do you know what you can’t do when you are manic? Write in a wonderful place of creative bliss. Enjoy the process. Be happy. Flow.  During a guided meditation last week, the instructor said you cannot catch a feather with anything other than an open palm. Letting a feather float into an outstretched hand, or a snowflake land on a waiting tongue, is exactly the creative magic I want in my writing. To make it happen, I need to unclench my fists and be ready to receive the inspiration and opportunities the universe is offering. But how do I do that and still set measurable goals? There must be a balance between manic goal setting and floating on the current of “whatever dude.” But what is it? A family member suggested I check out Planned Happenstance. Planned Happenstance is a theory developed by John Krumboltz that suggests folks don’t need a planned conventional career path but rather can succeed by paying attention to and taking advantage of unplanned and serendipitous events. Krumboltz’s theory says that you shouldn’t become so rigidly committed to your plans, or in my case goals, that you miss the chance to explore new opportunities. Even more, Planned Happenstance encourages people to be open to new ideas that spark their interest, bring them joy, and coincide with their skill set. Planned Happenstance is about flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to persist through obstacles with a positive attitude focused on growth and learning. Pursing a creative career seems custom made for applying the theory of Planned Happenstance. The whole idea of being an author is to be open to the inspiration of your muse. To be untethered and inspired and inventive. Through the lens of Planned Happenstance, setting goals makes sense. I can’t control when the next book deal is going to come, but I can embrace the joy of writing. I can develop the story ideas and revise the rough drafts that make me smile. I can actively look for and pursue new opportunities to contribute to the KidLit industry. I can connect with my writing community, learn, and increase my skill set. When the book deal comes, I will be ready to take full advantage of catching that beautiful floating feather as it lands in my open palm. I’m off to set my 2025 goals with excited curiosity for what happenstance is going to send my way. I hope you are too. To learn more about Planned Happenstance, check out these articles:
https://marcr.net/marcr-for-career-professionals/career-theory/career-theories-and-theorists/planned-happenstance-theory-krumboltz-levin/ https://london.sunderland.ac.uk/about/news-home/careers-development/planned-happenstance/ https://www.careers.govt.nz/resources/career-practice/career-theory-models/krumboltzs-theory/  Guest blog by Emma Dhesi Writing a book can feel like an exhilarating adventure—until self-doubt, writer’s block, and the sheer complexity of the process set in. For beginner fiction writers, these challenges can feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset and tools, you can conquer them and achieve your writing dreams. As a bestselling author and certified book coach, I’ve learned that success in writing is as much about managing your mindset as it is about mastering the craft. To help new writers navigate this journey, I’ve developed a framework built around four essential pillars: Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun. These pillars are the foundation of a resilient author mindset, helping you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and rediscover the joy of writing. Let’s dive into each pillar and explore how it can transform your writing journey.  Awareness: Understanding Your Landscape Every journey begins with awareness—and your writing journey is no different. Awareness means taking stock of where you are right now in your writing life. Are you just starting out? Have you been dabbling for years but never finished a project? Or perhaps you’ve finished drafts but feel stuck revising? For many authors, the excitement of starting their first book can quickly give way to the realization that writing is harder than it seems. But awareness of your starting point is empowering. It allows you to set realistic goals and embrace the learning process. As a beginner, it’s important to acknowledge that writing is a skill that develops over time. When you understand that you’re at the start of a long but rewarding journey, you can focus on building your skills step by step. This awareness helps you avoid unrealistic expectations and keeps you grounded as you move forward. Acceptance: Embracing Your Current State Once you’ve gained awareness of where you are, the next step is acceptance. This is about making peace with your current level of skill and experience. It’s easy to compare yourself to seasoned authors or feel frustrated by your progress, but acceptance frees you from these negative emotions. Acceptance doesn’t mean settling for less or giving up on your goals. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that growth takes time and that every writer’s journey is unique. By embracing your current state, you create space for improvement without unnecessary pressure. In the author community, it’s common to see writers at all stages of their careers. Some are publishing multiple books a year, while others are still struggling with their first draft. The key is to focus on your own progress and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be right now. Growth: Embracing the Challenge The third pillar, growth, is where the magic happens—but it’s also where the hard work begins. Growth requires you to push through the challenges of writing, whether it’s overcoming procrastination, battling imposter syndrome, or simply finding the discipline to write consistently. Writing a book is like solving a complex puzzle. There’s the initial burst of excitement when you start, but eventually, you’ll hit the “messy middle” of the process. This is where doubts creep in, plot holes appear, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. Growth happens when you persevere through these moments. It’s important to remember that growth is not linear. Some days, you’ll make great strides, while others may feel like a step backward. But every challenge you face—whether it’s revising a tricky scene or learning to take constructive feedback—helps you become a stronger writer. Allow yourself the space to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. Growth is not about perfection; it’s about progress.  Fun: Reconnecting with Joy The final pillar is fun—perhaps the most overlooked yet most critical part of the writing process. Writing should bring you joy. After all, isn’t that why you started in the first place? It’s easy to lose sight of the joy when you’re bogged down by deadlines, self-imposed pressure, or the desire to create a “perfect” book. But reconnecting with the fun of writing can reignite your creativity and keep you motivated for the long haul. Think back to the moment you decided to write your book. Was it a story idea that excited you? A character that wouldn’t leave your mind? Revisit those sparks of inspiration whenever you feel stuck. Fun doesn’t just come from the act of writing—it can also come from celebrating your milestones, connecting with fellow writers, or exploring new genres and styles. When you focus on enjoying the journey, writing becomes less of a chore and more of a creative adventure. Conclusion: Building Your Author Success The four pillars--Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun—provide a strong foundation for your writing journey. They help you navigate the ups and downs, stay focused on your goals, and remember why you started writing in the first place. Becoming a successful author isn’t just about finishing a book; it’s about who you become in the process. Writing challenges you to grow, to think deeply, and to persevere. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dream of becoming a published author. Take Action: Your 21 Days of Writing Inspiration If you’re ready to put these four pillars into action, I have the perfect resource to help you get started. My 21 Days of Writing Inspiration video series is designed to give you the daily motivation, expert guidance, and support you need to build momentum and finish your book. This free program includes: Daily Motivation: Short, actionable videos sent straight to your inbox to help you develop a consistent writing habit. Expert Guidance: Proven strategies to overcome writer’s block and stay focused. Support and Encouragement: Because writing a book is easier when you don’t feel alone. These tips helped me write the first draft of my debut novel, stay on track during revisions, and finally finish my book—and they can do the same for you. Sign up for your free 21 Days of Writing Inspiration here. Remember, every great author started right where you are now. Embrace the journey, nurture these four pillars, and watch your author success unfold. You’ve got this!
 A Writer's Holiday Tale ‘Twas the month of December and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, except for…the writers. (I know it doesn’t rhyme. Just having fun here…) With edits and plots twists, their minds were a ‘racing, With characters, storyboards, page turns and pacing! “I should query some more!” one kidlit writer cried. “Or perhaps, now, revise,” her critique partner sighed. “I have some down time. I will write something new! Or perhaps I should overhaul draft fifty-two!” (Would that, technically, become draft fifty-three?) And after some eggnog, one writer did grouse, “I still haven’t heard from that agent. The louse!” (Just kidding! We love you, agents!) “Take a breath,” said a calm voice from nearby the tree, “Look around and enjoy what the season brings thee.” Then the writers did ponder and wonder and reason, “We should try to slow down, find the peace in the season.” So they packed up their laptops and notebooks and pens, Filed their manuscripts, gathered with friends. “For now, we will celebrate, offer good cheer, Get rested to write afresh in the New Year! But you all should behave as you shop, wrap, and cook, ‘Cause the antics you do might go in our next book!” (Like Santa, writers are always watching!)
 Our 2024 Guest Bloggers have transformed into gift elves and suggested the perfect writing gifts to share during the holiday season. They helped us compile a fabulous 2024 Writer's Holiday Wish List! It's full of items that will provide nourishment, offer comfort, and become much loved practical tools along every writer's journey. Grab a few for yourself and the writers in your life.
 Cedar Pruitt is the author of the lyrical nonfiction picture book Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape (Capstone Editions, 2024), illustrated by Chiara Fedele and the upcoming What Marcel Found: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2026), illustrated by David Litchfield . She is represented by Great River Literary and can be reached at cedarpruitt.com.
 Kristi Mahoney is the author of Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians (Gnome Road, 2024) as well as its upcoming sequel, Owls Make Terrible Teachers (Gnome Road, Spring 2026). Kristi is a regular contributor to 24 Carrot Writing. She can be reached at www.kristimahoneybooks.com.
 Pam Vaughan is the author of Missy Wants a Mammoth (Pixel+Ink, 2024), illustrated by Ariel Landy and Tenacious Won’t Give Up (Knopf, 2025), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, which will launch in 2025. Pam lives in Massachusetts, directs the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and is co-assistant regional advisor for NE-SCBWI. Learn more about Pam here.
 Susan Lynn Meyer is the author of three middle-grade novels and four picture books the two most recent being A Sky Full of Song (Union Square Kids, 2023) and a co-authored project with Jaya Mehta titled Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree (Beaming Books, 2024). Visit her online at www.susanlynnmeyer.com.
 Jaya's newest book is Nisha’s Just-Right Christmas Tree (Beaming Books, 2024), co-authored with Susan Lynn Meyer. You can learn more about Jaya at jayamehta.net.
 Janet Costa Bates is the author of the Rica Baptista chapter book series, illustrated by Gladys Jose (Candlewick Press), Time for Bed, Old House, illustrated by AG Ford (Candlewick Press, 2021), and Seaside Dream, illustrated by Lambert Davis (Lee and Low, 2010). Next up is Rica Baptista: The Box of Possibilities, coming Fall 2025. Learn more at janetcostabates.com
 Annie Cronin Romano is one of the co-founders of 24 Carrot Writing and is a published picture book author. In addition to her love of kidlit, she also writes adult fiction, works as a bookseller at an indie bookstore, and is a literary associate with Olswanger Literary. Learn more about Annie at www.anniecroninromano.com.
 Kelly Carey is a 24 Carrot Writing co-founder and an award winning children’s fiction author. Her picture book, How Long is Forever? (Charlesbridge, 2020) was named a MUST READ by the Mass Center for the Book and her poetry can be found in the Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures (December, 2023). To learn more about Kelly, visit here.
 Amanda Smith is a co-founder of 24 Carrot Writing. Her poems can be found in the Writer's Loft Anthologies, Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures (December, 2023) and Friends and Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children and in Bless the Earth (Convergent Books, 2024). To learn more about Amanda, visit here.
 Hope Lim is the author of I Am a Bird (Candlewick, 2021) illustrated by Hyewon Yum; My Tree (Neal Porter Books, 2021) illustrated by Il Sung Na; and Mommy's Hometown (Candlewick, 2022) illustrated by Jaime Kim. She lives in San Francisco, where she spots the yellow flowers of sourgrass every spring. To learn more about Hope visit her website.
 Colleen is the Sibert Honor author of The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Simon & Schuster, 2021). Her upcoming book Firefly Song: Lynn Frierson Faust and the Great Smoky Mountain Discovery (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2025), illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim, is available for preorder now. Sign up for Colleen’s newsletter at www.colleenpaeff.com.
 Nancy Tupper Ling is a children’s author, poet, book seller and librarian. Her latest books are Hearts in my Pocket (Union Square Kids, 2024) and Bless the Earth (Convergent Books, 2024) with co-editor, June Cotner. Along the way her work has received various honors including the Writer’s Digest Grand Prize, Delaware Diamond Award, Northern Lights Book Awards, and a Golden Scroll Award Finalist. To learn more about Nancy visit her at www.nancytupperling.com.
 Guest blog by Alison Goldberg One of the places I look for picture book inspiration is the creative process itself. Whether reading a writer’s essay on the story behind a story, watching an artist present their sketches for a work-in-progress, or listening to a musician talk about how they wrote a song, I love learning about how people approach making art. In addition to the very practical lessons this can offer for how to move a project from start to finish—and the reassurances that time, patience, and revision are often crucial for completing works—these conversations can reveal clues about the role of art in people’s lives. I often wonder about questions like: Where did they find their initial spark? What inspired them along the way? Did they seek out books, art, or music to guide them? Did they look to their family or friends? History? Culture? The natural world? Were they creating the artwork for someone in particular? Was there a feeling they hoped to convey? Did they work alone, or did they involve other people in the process? What were some of the big decisions they had to make while moving their project toward its finished form? How did they make those decisions? How does all of this relate to the completed artwork? What meaning does the artwork carry because of the way it was created?  As you can see, I have a lot of questions on this topic, so it might not be a surprise that my last two picture books explore them. In my nonfiction biography, Bottle Tops: The Art of El Anatsui, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Lee & Low Books, 2022), I had the opportunity to research an extraordinary contemporary artist and highlight some of the lessons he shared about creativity. I loved learning about how El Anatsui experiments with media, and how he considers the stories of the materials he works with to create art that evokes his history and environment. (Read more about Bottle Tops in this post.)  Learning about the creative process inspires me to create! With Bottle Tops fresh in my mind, I reflected on my own process, and this led me to write my newest picture book, Eighteen Flowers for Grandma: A Gift of Chai, illustrated by Jesse White (Red Comet Press, 2024). This story looks at art through the eyes of a fictional character, Sadie, whose grandmother will soon graduate from college. To celebrate, Sadie wants to make Grandma a unique gift.  In her art-making journey, Sadie grapples with many of the questions I’ve listed above. Her initial spark is Grandma, and she draws on a Jewish cultural tradition and looks to the world around her for creative inspiration. She wants her gift to remind her of Grandma. To move her project to its finished form, she makes several attempts (time, patience, and revision). In this story, art is an expression of the special bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother.  Investigating the creative process is a common thread in these picture books, and it has also been a way for me to identify some guiding questions to ask myself about other projects too. So in this post-of-many-questions, I’ll leave you with a few more: How does learning about the creative process of others inspire your work? Which writers, artists, or musicians do you look to for ideas about how to create? What questions about creativity do you ask yourself when you write? Alison Goldberg is the author of the award-winning picture book Bottle Tops, a biography of the Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. Her newest picture book, Eighteen Flowers for Grandma: A Gift of Chai, was inspired by her own grandmother, who graduated from college at the age of seventy-eight. You can visit her online at alisongoldberg.com.
 Kristi Mahoney, a regular 24 Carrot Writing contributor, is a powerhouse of humor, writing skill, and marketing prowess. She may shun the spotlight and deflect exuberant praise, but she is worthy of both. As she launches her debut picture book, Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians (Gnome Road, October 2024), we will ask her to step into the spotlight, for just a moment, as we reflect on the wonderful things we have learned from Kristi. LESSONS WE'VE LEARNED FROM KRISTI  Write with Head and Heart Kristi once shared that on rainy days she won’t pull her car down the driveway until she has moved all the wiggly worms crawling across the blacktop. It may be that one of her kids insisted on this practice, but I have no doubt that Kristi was a willing participant. Love for the animal world explodes in Kristi’s writing as she often chooses animals as her main characters and peppers her fiction work with animal facts. Her ability to share fascinating tidbits about animals comes not only from thorough research but from a true love of her subjects, and readers feel that heart in her work. In addition to heart, Kristi uses her head and leans into her talent for making readers laugh. She has a skill for writing humor and smartly lets it shine as she structures her stories around this stellar attribute. She makes wacky jokes, delivers hilarious one-liners, and creates characters that will make readers guffaw. Kristi could write lyrical prose, animal non-fiction, or frankly any genre she desires; however, by combining her natural proclivity for making readers laugh with her great passion for animals, she has created a signature style that makes her work easily recognizable. Learn from Kristi and embrace head and heart in your work. Be A Generous Critique Partner Kristi’s ability to be a committed member of multiple critique groups is inspiring. I often struggle to complete four or five critiques a month, but it is common for Kristi to do eight to ten. She recognizes that writers need thoughtful feedback to improve their manuscripts and repeatedly steps up to help. Those of us fortunate enough to use her comments as a springboard to revision know that she is generous with her praise, kind in her delivery, and smart in offering alternative ideas and direction. I will always be grateful for Kristi’s skill in providing feedback that sparks productive revision. I’m sure many of her critique partners feel the same. Learn from Kristi and be generous in offering thoughtful feedback to your fellow writers. Lean on Past Experience Before making fantastic books, Kristi worked in marketing. She leans into her marketing background to inform everything from website design to networking to book promotion. Her initiatives and knack for recognizing interesting hooks are remarkable and everything she does is polished and professional. We might not all have a marketing degree, but we do all have other careers to draw from. Learn from Kristi and recognize skills and experience from past careers that can inform and transform your writing career. Play with Words Kristi is 24 Carrot's resident pun queen. Just read any of her book picks and her wordplay will have you in stitches. Whether she is reviewing a book, cooking up a story, or sending an email, she always has a pun or two up her sleeve - and I'm not talking about the lame dad-joke kind. Kristi's are original! Learn from Kristi and allow yourself to have fun with words. Kristi - We wish you a joyful launch. We are sure you will ALPACA-lotta fun into this year, and we are thrilled to be a part of your publishing journey. -- The 24 Carrot Crew
 It's our 10th Anniversary! 24 Carrot Writing started as a four person accountability group of pre-published KidLit writers who met monthly at a coffee shop to share goals. Amanda Smith wondered if a wider swath of authors might benefit from the topics and tips we shared. Did we dare? It felt daunting. But after months of research and preparation, we launched the 24 Carrot Writing blog on September 29, 2014. Since then, all four members of the original group have become published authors, we’ve written 219 blogs, interviewed 69 authors and industry professionals, hosted 93 guest bloggers, reviewed 87 mentor texts, and expanded our community of four to hundreds. On this momentous milestone, we’ve reflected on the most significant takeaways from ten years of hosting and invited members of the carrot patch to share what they love about 24 Carrot Writing.  Open Hearts and Supportive Hands Founding Member Amanda Smith I am not naturally a brave person. I tend to be a wallflower, side-liner, introvert-chicken. But 24 Carrot Writing has taught me to be brave enough to say “yes.” Saying yes to a coffee invitation by a fellow NESCBWI conference-goer led to my writing family – women who always encourage me to stretch myself to be braver and better. Saying yes to a vague idea for a blog about carrots led to a community we love and cheer and celebrate. Saying yes to illustrator spotlight and a graphic novel series led to interviewing numerous marvelous illustrators and creators even though I was intimidated to no end by their brilliance. (And the joy of interviewing Matthew Cordell mere months before he won the Caldecott for Wolf in the Snow.) Brave yesses included spotlighting debut authors and boosting those new to publishing, and experiencing the joy of seeing them take off and soar, some becoming household names. Book birthday and cover reveal yesses meant being part of the jittery excitement of launching a book baby. And through all this saying “yes” I learned that others also like saying “yes” - that open hearts and supportive hands reach in all directions. That our writing community is generous and kind. Making even this introvert chicken a little braver.
 Patience, Young Grasshopper Founding Member Annie Romano Okay, so I may not be young—and I am most certainly not an insect—but patience has always been a challenge for me, so stick with me on this. Writing as a career is a long game. Very few published authors are overnight successes, despite what it might seem like from the outside looking in. Being a part of 24 Carrot Writing’s kidlit community since the beginning has been a vital reminder that patience is of the utmost importance. It can be tempting to throw in the towel after several or dozens (or even hundreds) of agent rejections or a few tough peer critiques. And writing that next book draft can feel like climbing Everest when the ideas simply aren’t flowing. But as I’ve read the posts and experiences of the members here—their winding roads, perseverance through passes and unpublished manuscripts, craft advice, and cheers of support—I have been reminded to be patient, not only with my writing journey but with myself as a human (grasshopper!) as well. Giving myself the room to step back when a mental break is needed and feeling the openness to jump into writing again when my writing spirit is ready is key to maintaining the joy I find in writing. And, ultimately, that’s what writing should do: bring you joy. Whether it was a post about goal-setting, a blog on brainstorming, an inspirational book pick, or advice on how to handle a book event (even an unattended one!), the content and enthusiasm I have found being a member of the 24 Carrot Writing community has been a beacon on my most challenging days and a pat on the back on my best. I have been able to play the long game and enjoy the journey—being patient with the process—because of this vibrant group. Thank you for 10 wonderful years!
 Brave Honesty Resonates Founding Member Kelly Carey One of the biggest lessons I have learned from ten years of hosting the 24 Carrot Writing blog, is that the most honest and raw posts become the most popular. The posts that share fears, faults and failures become the most loved. The 24 Carrot Writing blog has taught me to embrace my writing journey and to be open in sharing it with my fellow writers. Artists are told to draw what you see and not what you think you see. In blogging, the same is true. I have learned that sharing what you think will impress folks or what sounds professional is not as impactful as sharing my true experiences – the silly, the embarrassing, and the cringy. The benefit of brave honesty is that it allows us to find community. A community of folks who nod their heads in agreement and who validate our feelings by showing us their matching moments. I think that’s a lesson for our writing too! When we write with unashamed candor, our readers see the heart of our story and it makes the work magical. Ten years of 24 Carrot Writing has been magical and I’m looking forward to more tricks and tips to come!
 Growth Happens When You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Regular Contributor Kristi Mahoney I’ve been a fan of 24 Carrot Writing since discovering it in 2016. At the time, I was a wall-flower member that sipped the fantastic writing advice like tea from the comfort of behind my screen. However, in 2021, after becoming critique/accountability partners with some of the 24 Carrot founding members, I was asked to become a regular blog contributor. If I’m being honest, my first thought was –I’m not qualified. I knew the 24 Carrot Writing community was filled with many seasoned authors and illustrators and providing any sort of writing advice/info was way out of my comfort zone. Not to mention, 24 Carrot Writing is all about setting writing goals which, at the time, wasn’t one of my strong suits. Yet, I said yes. And once I saw how this yes inspired growth in every aspect of my writing, it inspired me to say yes to other things too. Would I like to go to an incredibly intimidating (yet fabulous) in-person book event? Count me in. Should I sub to a publishing house because it’s one of my monthly 24 Carrot Writing goals? Absolutely. Should I continue to submit to agents despite the possibility of another rejection? Yes. They do say that you miss 100 percent of the chances you don’t take. I have learned countless tips from 24 Carrot Writing since discovering it almost a decade ago, but perhaps the biggest lesson is this – sometimes the biggest growth happens when you do things you think you’re not ready for. Because sometimes... you really are ready.
 Be True to Yourself Regular Contributor Megan Litwin I've been reading the 24 Carrot Writing blog posts for years now, appreciating the honest, funny, and inspiring advice. I was even fortunate enough to be a regular contributing member for a while, relishing the chance to write some "Book Picks" - book recommendations with ideas on how writers can use the titles as mentor texts. The blog offers a little something for everyone, and more than once, it has offered up exactly what I needed in the moment. That’s what happened when I read Amanda Smith's post here - a post about how we sometimes need to step back in order to move forward. She writes: "In the beginning of this new year, it is worth asking yourself whether your writing routines and goals still serve you and to strip away the excess until only the necessary remains." At the time, I was feeling pulled in many directions, between my writing and book promotion and blogging and school visit work. Amanda’s words reminded me that all I really need to do is what is truly necessary. That will look different for everyone, of course. But for me, I immediately knew it meant consistent writing and strong work in schools. Those were MY necessary. And so I stripped away some things…including my regular presence as a blogger here, preferring instead to remain an enthusiastic reader. Among so many other things, the gracious, generous, insightful 24 Carrot Writing Crew has helped me to define who I am and where I want to go in this beautiful book world.
so much over the years. I find that the articles, while short and quick to read (which I appreciate!) go beyond surface advice.I always learn something new when I read a post on the blog. One that I’ve referred back to a number of times is Anika Denise’s post Marketing Beyond the Book Launch Party, from 2018. I learned so much from it when I was getting ready to launch my first picture book in 2020, and still refer back to her timeline and tips. Thanks for that post, and so many more!
Thank you to all our contributors, guest bloggers, and mostly to you, our readers and supporters. Whether you are new to 24 Carrot Writing, or whether you’ve been rooted in our patch from those very first tentative blogs, we are so grateful that you are part of this nourishing community.
germinate, while Jaya, whose hours are quite different, would greet her dogs and have her coffee. Then we got on Zoom together at a set time and said hello. We each wrote silently in our homes for an hour or two, turning the sound back on at the end to read our work to each other, offer commentary, and talk over stuck points.  Working together like this kept us to task, eliminated procrastination, and eased the loneliness that writers suffer from--that everyone suffered from during Covid. It was joyous, and we each sprinted through a draft of our novels that spring, summer, and fall. Susan’s completed novel, A Sky Full of Song (Union Square Kids, 2023), has since won many honors, including the Sydney Taylor Honor Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award. Jaya’s novel manuscript won a LitUp fellowship for diverse women writers from Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. When the two of us talked over our novels-in-progress, we often talked about other things too, of course. One day Jaya told Susan a story about being a very small child in Brooklyn and choosing a Christmas tree for the apartment. She wanted a BIG tree and her stepfather wanted a SMALL tree—and in the end they happily settled on one each thought was just the right size. Susan was charmed and said immediately, “That should be a picture book!” Jaya, who was then working on a young adult novel, said, “I don’t write picture books.”  Susan was more experienced writing picture books, so she played around with the idea and wrote a draft of the story. Jaya read it and changed it, Susan tweaked it again, and so on, back and forth. We talked it over sentence by sentence and word by word, and that’s how our co-authorship started! The book became Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree (Beaming Books, 2024). Susan suggested a preliminary authors’ note that she later thought wasn’t so good. Jaya wrote an alternate one, which Susan loved, explaining things about cultural mixing in her family of origin. (Jaya is the child of one Hindu parent and one Christian parent.) Susan loved it as it was, but Jaya knew that Susan also came from a culturally blended family, and she urged Susan to write about cultural mixing in her own family for the authors’ note. Now there’s a story in there about—wait for it!—the French word for “grapefruit” and how it embarrassed Susan once as a little girl! We encouraged readers to think about various forms of mixing that happen in their own families. How We Collaborate Now Since then, the two of us have written two more picture book manuscripts. Now we work a bit differently. For the most recent one (which is again about Nisha), we brainstormed together about story situations, chose one, and in conversation worked out some of the broad outlines of the plot. Then, separately, we each wrote a story draft. We emailed them to each other and talked them over on Zoom. We talked about what we liked most about each other’s drafts and, sentence by sentence, we worked out a combined version with the best parts of each. Over several sessions we revised and tightened the story. It was a lot of fun and intensely collaborative. Now it is with our agent. Fingers crossed that she likes it! Challenging Aspects of Co-Authorship Susan: We are both the kind of writers who care about every word. Sometimes we each think our own version of a passage in a draft is better. For the partnership to work, you have to decide what really matters to you and be willing to let go of the parts that don’t. Jaya: Since we have known each other so long and so well, it is a temptation for our “check-ins” to become full-blown conversations, and the actual writing gets short shrift. We often have to reign ourselves in and get back to work! Susan: BUT it was during one of those digressions that Jaya told me the story that became Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree! So maybe there’s no wasted time after all! Benefits of Co-Authorship Jaya: We have continued to work together ever since. We know each other’s work intimately. We have very similar writing styles and values, including emotional honesty, respect for historical and cultural accuracy, and regard for the nuances and cadences of language. Over the last five years, we have each learned an enormous amount from the other, and our vision and our writing is far better for it. Susan: It isn’t you alone with the empty page! Your ideas bounce off one another. You come up with things you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. Your literary world stretches and expands. You have someone else encouraging you, or even pushing you, to do something you wouldn’t have done on your own.  Last Thoughts on Collaboration Jaya: If the first kind of partnership is like paddling two kayaks in sight of each other but on separate sides of the river, the second is like being in a double kayak, navigating the river together. Susan (who loves kayaking): Ooh, nice metaphor! Jaya Mehta has a Ph.D. in English literature from Yale University, and taught both English and Indian literature as a college professor. She won a LitUp Fellowship from Reese's Book Club for a YA novel manuscript in 2022. She is the co-author, with Susan Lynn Meyer of Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree. She lives in Chelmsford Massachusetts, among all the animals left behind by her college-aged twins. She loves observing wildlife, cuddling with her two dogs, attending storytelling events, travelling to foreign countries, and playing board games with her family during which her husband and son cheat madly. To learn more about Jaya visit her website.
Susan Lynn Meyer is the author of three middle-grade novels: A Sky Full of Song, Black Radishes (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2010), and Skating With The Statue of Liberty (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2016). She is also the author of four picture books: New Shoes (Holiday House, 2015), Matzah Downstairs (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2019), Matthew and Tall Rabbit Go Camping (Down East Books, 2008). Her works have won the Sydney Taylor Honor Award twice, the Jane Addams Peace Association Children’s Book Award, the New York State Charlotte Award, and the Western Writers of America Spur Award, as well as other honors. They have been chosen as Junior Library Guild selections, included among Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and translated into German and Chinese. Susan is Professor of English and Creative Writing at Wellesley College and lives outside Boston. Visit her online at www.susanlynnmeyer.com. To purchase Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree click here. |
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