Picture Book Inspiration Julie Hedlund — Plus a Prize!
Julie Hedlund is just fantastic. She not only creates picture books but she has some wonderful programs to help writers to create their picture books. I have met most of my current critique group members (for both writing and illustration) though her 12×12 event. The 12×12 is a year long challenge that helps picture book creators to write 12 manuscripts in 12 months. On top of this she has helped create the Picture Book Submission System (which I have and it’s wonderful) and the Picture Book Summit!
Julie Hedlund’s 12×12: http://12x12challenge.com/
Dani Duck: What’s one thing that all writers should do?
Julie Hedlund: Write. And write and write and write and write and write. Yes, there are plenty of other things that will help you become a better writer (reading, taking classes, etc.), but the only way to truly improve and hone your voice is to write. A lot.
Dani: How does the 12×12 help picture book creators?
Julie: Speaking of the advice above to write,12 x 12 is a place that provides accountability to get the writing done by setting the goal of completing one picture book draft per month. It’s also where accountability meets massive amounts of support. There’s a Facebook group to get questions answered immediately, a Forum to get feedback on manuscripts, and monthly webinars to both inspire and inform.
Dani: What’s your favorite thing about the 12×12?
Julie: The members! It’s amazing to be surrounded by such lovely, generous, talented people who are on the same journey. Their energy keeps me going through my own writing slumps.
Dani: How is the Picture Book Submission system different than other courses out there?
Julie: The Complete Picture Book Submission System is the only step-by-step, soup-to-nuts guide to crafting standout picture book submissions. Picture books are a unique format that require different things in submissions than do longer, un-illustrated works. Everything in the System is specific to picture books – how to format different types, how to use art notes, finding agents who represent PBs, finding picture book specific comp titles, etc.
Dani: Why should people take part in the Picture Book Summit?
Julie: It’s a blast! Seriously, though, it’s the only full-day conference of its caliber I know of that is entirely online (saving travel costs and time away from home), It includes submission opportunities AND gives you access to the replays from the entire conference for a full four months afterward. You don’t even have to attend live and you still get everything. Plus we have dance parties. How do we do that online? Join us and find out! 😉
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Follow Julie:
12×12 Challenge website & blog: http://12x12challenge.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieFHedlund
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieFHedlund
Website: http://www.juliehedlund.com/
The Complete Picture Book Submission System: https://picturebooksubmissions.com/
Picture Book Summit: http://picturebooksummit.com/
My Love For You is the Sun: https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Sun-Julie-Hedlund/dp/0989668835/r
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Prize @%@%@%@%@%
One lucky winner will win a copy of “The Coloring Book for Writers” by
Linda Faulkerson! This prize is generously donated by Becky Aren’t!
To win this prize:
Tell Julie how you liked her post in a comment.
Also be sure to thank Becky for this prize in your comment!
6 Comments
Debra M Daugherty
Thanks, Julie, for your inspiring post. You have helped so many writers with 12 X 12 and the PB Summit. Thank you for all you do.
Also, thank you, Becky, for the prize offered today.
Lauri Meyers
Julie, you sure keep busy in the wonderful world of kidlit! Thank you for all you do:)
Bari Olson
Thanks, Julie for everything about this interview, and for the whole 12 x 12 program, and for each and every Picture Book Summit. I’m a believer.
Thanks, also, to Becky for her generous offer.
Keep on writing, everyone.
Jay Reece
I’m a big fan of Julie Hedlund. Her 12×12 challenge has helped me to grow in confidence. The Complete Picture Book system is comprehensive and helps me to focus on what aspects of PB writing and submitting I need to work on. I’m aiming to sign up for my first Picture Book Summit this year! Can’t wait. Thank you Julie for all you do for the writing community.
Mary Ann Cortez
Thanks, Julie. You do so much helping writers learn and hone their craft. The support in 12×12 is incredible. The people are amazing. We appreciate everything you and your team do for us.
Kelly Vavala
Wonderful interview! I follow and read every post from Julie as her advice is superb! I love her easy to follow instructions and I will someday participate in 12 x 12! Just love her!