Life has happened, things have changed. I'm not writing picture books (at the moment, at least-- Never say never!). I wasn't writing at all, except the occasional journaling for quite a while. In October of 2018, I read a novel I loved so much that when I finished it, I started over and read it again. I've only done this a few times in my life. It was As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti.

I've tried to write a novel before, but never got past writing a few short stories and a few random scenes that never turned into anything. It took me a while, but in January 2019, things started clicking together. I had a genre I liked. I had an idea germinating. I started to WRITE. I put it all in caps because for the first time I felt like I was going to finish the novel.

I had one great day of writing. Day two was a nonevent. Writing sounds so easy, but in actual practice, it's so hard. My story idea wasn't working. I didn't know what to write. All I had was a character and no plan for what might happen. I did some soul searching and some praying. I realized my story needed trouble to make it into something worth reading. And writing for that matter.

This is hard for me. I don't want people, even imaginary people to have problems. But in life we have difficulties, and while they aren't pleasant, they can be agents of growth if we allow them to be. "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (New King James Version Romans 5:3-4)

Anyway, I will skip ahead to say, I've finished a draft of that novel and have started on a second and third book. I have a ways to go yet, but I hope to be published someday.

I was fortunate enough to meet a book coach, Sam Tyler. Her coaching was so helpful. If you're struggling with your writing or even if you think you're ready to submit (like I did, doh!) you should hire her. I have work to do on my first novel before submitting, but I now have the tools to do it!

I'll be posting ideas and hints that I find helpful as I progress on my writing journey. Happy writing and happy reading!

And Last, But Certainly Not Least, the Final Two ReviMo Prizes!

Final ReviMo 2016 Prizes:

Keila Dawson

*  Alayne Kay Christian's writing course ART OF ARC or Critique  *

Maria Marshall

*  Susanna Leonard Hill's Making Picture Book Magic Class  *

Congratulations ladies! I will be in touch with you, via email, about collecting your prize. If you don't see my email, check spam folder or contact me!

But wait!

Just when you think the fun is over.... Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting the First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Contest! Sounds like fun and a chance at more awesome prizes! Keep writing and having fun, everyone!

Second Set of Winners!

More ReviMo 2016 Prizes:

Mona Pease

* Skype Critique with Marcie Colleen *

Judy Rubin

* Linda Ashman's eBook The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books *

Congratulations ladies! I will be in touch with you, via email, about collecting your prize. If you don't see my email, check spam folder or contact me!

Be sure to check out the CafePress Shop! All proceeds (through Fri. Jan. 22nd) will go to Reading is Fundamental. http://www.cafepress.com/megmillerwriterartist

STAY TUNED! MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED!

First Two Winners!

ReviMo 2016 Prizes:

Alayne Kay Christian

* Critique from Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary *

Joanne Sher

*Critique from Deborah Warren, East West Literary Agency*

Congratulations ladies! I will be in touch with you, via email, about collecting your prize. If you don't see my email, check spam folder or contact me!

I wish I had prizes for everyone!

Be sure to check out the CafePress Shop! All proceeds (through Fri. Jan. 23nd) will go to Reading is Fundamental. http://www.cafepress.com/megmillerwriterartist

STAY TUNED! MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED!

We're Wrapping Up ReviMo - Rafflecopters for Prizes!

First of all . . . 

A HUGE THANK YOU!! to ReviMo Guest Bloggers and Sponsors. I couldn't do this without you! 

WHAT a wonderful week! I hope you pushed through on some days when you didn't feel like revising and were empowered by it. I know it might also make you pull out a few hairs or perhaps curse ReviMo and it's little creator too, but overall I hope you had fun! Thank you for joining me in revising! :D

Please Read Carefully, lots of info!

To enter Giveaways, for those who have revised at least 4 days:
1. Scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget(s) in this post  You have until Sunday midnight CST January 17th to enter. Each prize is in a separate Rafflecopter, enter all that you would like to win.
2. Under the prize listings, CLICK on the “I Revised 4+ Days During ReviMo 2016” button. If you revised 6 or 7 days you may also click to enter for the bonus points.
3.  Click ENTER and you're entered. Remember you are on the honor system. :D
4. Be sure you commented to be eligible. (I know some peeps had trouble with the blog, so FB comments can count.)

******Did you revise 4 or more days??******
(If you've not used Rafflecopter before, you can check out a how-to here). 

Repeat after me, I pledge that I made significant revisions to manuscripts for 4 or more days the week of January 10-16th. Now enter away!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

For everyone who revised this week, a winner badge for your website, blog or wherever! 1 day or 7, you are all winners in my book! If you'll link it back to my blog, I'd appreciate it!

If you want it any ReviMo schwag, don’t forget to stop by the shop. Proceeds from this week and the next few days will to go Reading is Fundamental. In 2014 and 2015 we donated $50!

Thank you all! This week has been fun and productive! 

Meg