Is your head spinning? We have certainly put a lot of information and great books in front of you. So, for my reflection today, I want to ask you only one question:
What do YOU need most right now?
If you're me, it's a vacation! (I’m guessing some of you are also raising your hand.) Where should we go?
What are you working on right now?
Assess which projects call to you most.
If you’ve been reading lots and writing less, maybe you just need to start writing! Go for it!
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick brainstorm activity.
What did you love reading most over this ReFoReMo month?
Were you inspired to try something new?
Did reading reveal any new education or elements that you need to work on?
If so, check out only that type of book and do some focused research to enhance your writing skills.
What would make your manuscript different than everything else out there?
There's a lot more reading to tackle! Start with similar concepts. Research to make sure your idea has not been done and stands out as unique.
This is only the beginning. Hopefully, you have created a new healthy research habit for yourself. But, through it all, take time to reflect. I’ll repeat my initial question again:
What do YOU need most right now?
Carrie Charley Brown is the founder and co-coordinator of ReFoReMo, or Reading for Research Month blog & challenge. She eats, sleeps, and breathes picture books as a writer, professional critique mentor, and contributor on various blogs such as Writer's Rumpus and the Institute of Children's Literature. Carrie contributed as a 2014/2015 CYBILS fiction picture book panelist and donates a large part of her time to SCBWI North Texas as the Regional Advisor. She also produces kidlit videos and provides marketing services for authors and kidlit organizations. She has taught pre-k, kindergarten, first, and third grades. You can follow her writing journey right here on this site. |