ReFoReMo Day 26: Carrie Charley Brown Questions Everything

3/26/2016

ReFoReMo Day 26: Carrie Charley Brown Questions Everything

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?

But seriously, it goes deeper that. I need time to think about my own writing now. I'm willing to bet that you do, too. Therefore, I’ll need to ask you more questions to dig deeper. (This happens to me a lot…one question leads to another.)

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.

288 Comments

Linda Schueler

3/26/2016 04:26:39 am

Great questions! I'll ponder them for a while.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:07:14 pm

And often, Linda. :)

Deborah Allmand

3/26/2016 06:05:54 am

Carrie, thought provoking questions that you can ask yourself often. I have loved the posts this week and every week but this week especially. Character, plot with minimal words, lyrical nonfiction, etc. Now to keep this habit of reading as many picture books as possible.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 10:18:29 am

That's the spirit, Deborah!

Michele Manning

3/26/2016 06:29:45 am

I NEED to write.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:07:37 pm

Ready, set, GO!

Laura Renauld

3/26/2016 06:42:39 am

Thank you for these questions and for putting together such inspiring mentors and mentor texts for us to learn from.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:08:07 pm

You are welcome! Keep going! :)

Lori Gravley link

3/26/2016 06:43:40 am

I'm writing a draft a month this year, but with all the inspiration flowing, I've already written two this month. I'm trying to develop my ear so that I'll know which concept is best, and I need the patience to make my drafts the best they can be.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 10:20:44 am

There is never any harm in experimenting, Lori. Just get it on paper (or computer.) The revision is the process that matters most. :) And yes, some ideas will be left behind, but you never know which part of an idea might be used in a future draft later. Have fun exploring!

Lori Gravley link

3/28/2016 11:55:30 pm

Thank you. I love exploring! Look, there's an idea! Thank you so much for the challenge and all your hard work this month. <3

Cathy Breisacher

3/26/2016 06:45:58 am

Thank you for all of the time and effort you have spent in putting together the ReFoReMo challenge. I need to continue using what I've been learning when I am writing. :)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:08:52 pm

I believe you will, Cathy! And whenever you need a refresher, the posts will be here and the books will be there!

Sue Poduska

3/26/2016 06:50:09 am

Great questions, Carrie. The mentor texts helped me examine story arc and character arc in one pb, the voice and humor in a mg novel, and move forward with a nf pb. It's been a great month. Thanks.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 10:21:41 am

You are welcome, Sue. It sounds like you are really focusing in on your needs! Congrats!

Denise Engle

3/26/2016 07:02:20 am

Thank you for the amazing resources! Next step, writing!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:09:08 pm

Hooray for writing!

Manju Howard

3/26/2016 07:04:37 am

Happy Saturday, Carrie! Honestly, I need my frozen shoulder to thaw out so it's not so painful to write. So this month I focused on reading stacks of PBs and editing (left handed).

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:09:46 pm

Ugh, sorry to hear about your shoulder, Manju! Press on! (Just not too hard!)

Rebecca Colby

3/26/2016 07:04:58 am

ReFoReMo has been instrumental in helping me revise a manuscript that has been sitting in my desk drawer for over a year. Without the research of six key mentor text books and a brilliant post (there's been many but one specifically that helped me with my breakthrough), this manuscript would probably never have been dusted off and given a new life. Thanks so much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 10:23:07 am

That is AWESOME to hear, Rebecca! I hope you will consider submitting a post to our Revealing ReFoReMo series to share that revelation. :)

Rebecca

3/27/2016 04:18:55 am

Thanks, Carrie! I'm knee-deep in work for April but might be able to put something together after that.

Martin Segal

3/26/2016 07:07:35 am

Thank you for these questions, Carrie! I'm sure I will be rereading mentor texts and coming back to these posts as I focus on certain aspects of my writing. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful event!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:10:15 pm

You are welcome, Martin! Sounds like a plan!

joanne sher link

3/26/2016 07:12:06 am

Great questions, Carrie. ReFoReMo was fabulous, enlightening, and wonderful, but I need to whine. What I need most right now is MY NOTEBOOK! I believe I left it at the mall last night - it has all my notes from ReFoReMo (and other books I have studied this calendar year), plus a good portion of my picture book work, notes on my goals for the year and my 2016 theme word notes, among other things. I called, and the two stores (Barnes and Noble of course - and Claire's) hadn't seen it. Will head over there today. Please pray it is there! (Sorry for my tantrum) Deep breaths...

Sara Gentry

3/26/2016 11:19:15 am

Ack! That sounds awful! Hope you are able to find it...

Joanne Sher link

3/26/2016 12:09:09 pm

I DID find it - such a relief! Thanks :)

Melissa Stoller link

3/26/2016 12:40:38 pm

I am so glad to hear that you found your notebook. I just read your earlier post and I was feeling your anxiety!!

Sara Gentry

3/26/2016 03:49:18 pm

Woohoo!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 05:50:20 pm

So glad you found it and are benefiting from the challenge, Joanne!

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/26/2016 06:14:29 pm

Oh yay! I saw your comment and my heart sank for ya--losing things is unfortunately a plague in my life at times, so I know the feeling, especially losing precious notebooks full of info! So glad you found it!!

Lotus Ivak link

3/26/2016 07:17:17 am

Hi Carrie, great set of reflection questions! My notebook has become a treasure trove of great tips and advice from ReFoReMo which I keep going back to as I continue to write and edit.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 05:51:12 pm

A great resources, isn't it? And you can keep adding to it! (Or add more new notebooks. ;)

Terri Degezelle link

3/26/2016 07:29:48 am

Sometimes one of my manuscripts just needs time to rest and I have to put out to bed. it sleeps in a drawer until it is rested and ready to play nice again. Other times I need my rest, until I can play nice. Sometimes I just need to take time to clean off my desk this will often help my brain to think it has a clean sheet of paper to capture a new idea on. But what I like best off when I just need to take time to read a picture book new or an old time favorite, it doesn't really matter.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 05:52:17 pm

Letting a MS rest is so important! Sounds like you are on a great journey!

Celeste Gerard

3/26/2016 07:36:06 am

So many wonderful questions. I am very new to this process, and all that I have learned has really opened my eyes. Thank you

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 05:59:17 pm

Great to hear, Celeste!

Christine Rodenbour

3/26/2016 07:50:54 am

Yes, definitely going to start focusing on mentor texts that are specific to my style and genre. That's what I need right now.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 05:59:38 pm

Have fun exploring, Christine!

Linda Chavez

3/26/2016 07:51:02 am

Thank you for all of your work and dedication to this project! Your questions help me regain focus on the work at hand. I think what I need most is time, or at least a revamp of how I spend my time! Time to reflect and write!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:02:39 pm

Go for it, Linda!

Sue Heavenrich

3/26/2016 07:51:57 am

Great brainstorm/rainstorm idea.... what I need right now is some time "away" from writing PBs. I blocked out a couple months to work on other projects (articles, research). Now, at the mid-point, I feel a push to work on some specific PB manuscripts that need revision. And I know that some of the ideas gleaned from ReFoReMo will help me with voice, structure, POV...

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:03:51 pm

Let it simmer, Sue. Great approach. :)

Amy Murrell

3/26/2016 07:52:06 am

I'm going to do your brainstorm activity this afternoon, Carrie. Thank you for the idea. I've already checked out a number of books in an area of my weakness, that's a great suggestion among many your post questions list. Thanks - Amy

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:04:43 pm

Great work, Amy! Keep it up! :)

Noelle McBride

3/26/2016 08:30:07 am

Thank you so much for this gift of a reflection month. I know I am a stronger writer (and reader!) because of it. I NEED to narrow down my ideas and let the ink flow!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:05:39 pm

Excellent, Noelle! And everything takes time in this biz...glad to see that you are embracing that step by step. :)

Robin Currie link

3/26/2016 08:43:59 am

I have made changes in both style and content this month - why don't I read 5 books a day all year? (Because I am exhausted!)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:06:00 pm

Time for a nap! :)

Jess Townes link

3/26/2016 08:44:42 am

I'm with you Carrie- what I need most is a vacation. Somewhere with a beach, preferably, and no interruptions so I can just read and write all day by the ocean. When are leaving?!

Great questions. ReFoReMo helped me pull a manuscript out of the proverbial drawer where it has sat for a year and retool it into an instruction manual type feel (while still maintaining a narrative arc)- I would not have done this without the mentor text. It also helped me identify gaps in other texts. It has prompted more revision than writing but that's a good thing!

It helped me identify the five manuscripts I most want to focus on at this time. I did write two new ones this month but unless something new just grabs me and won't let go, I'm keeping my focus on the five I'm trying to bring to submission ready level.

I also accrued a few library fines. 😉

My favorite "new to me" reads were Rabbityness and Infinity and Me. But there were so many great books! Thank you for organizing such a meaningful challenge.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:09:38 pm

The ocean is where I would go for sure, Jess! Either that, or to see the big redwood trees in Cali. But, I'll just have to imagine it for now. :) So glad to hear the ReFoReMo was great for you. This is just the beginning. Best wishes in all of your writing and research! Hope to stay connected year-round!

Natalie Rompella link

3/26/2016 08:48:01 am

I need uninterrupted time. My kids have been home on spring break. Although I think it was also good to have to step away for a while.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:10:25 pm

That's the right outlook, Natalie. We need reasons to commit and a challenge is a great way to motivate us! :)

Julie Burchstead

3/26/2016 09:12:01 am

Some great reflection questions!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:10:45 pm

Thanks so much, Julie! Write on!

Maureen Morrison

3/26/2016 09:15:18 am

My daily treks to the library were so much more productive thanks to the thematic lists you provided. My vacation from school is this week and I have a WIP to complete and stress over. (Ha!)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:11:51 pm

Don't let stress eat you up, Maureen. This is such a slow process. Take your time and give yourself permission to go bit by bit. :)

Sherry Howard link

3/26/2016 09:20:50 am

Thanks, Carrie, for a great month chock full of information and inspiration. With the research I've learned how few words are needed, but how critical the word choice is for PBs. Thanks so much for your work on this to support other authors!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:12:32 pm

You are welcome, Sherry! Glad to hear it is helping!

Ellen Leventhal

3/26/2016 09:23:21 am

Something to keep and read when I question where I am headed (which is often!) I can't thank you all enough!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:13:32 pm

You are welcome, Ellen! I question myself CONSTANTLY. :) Maybe too much, actually. :)

Marlene Rohr link

3/26/2016 09:23:29 am

Thank you Carrie and Kristine for this incredible journey through a land of PBs! I learned so much and was inspired by the variety of authors, illustrators and styles that exist. At times I almost felt overwhelmed, like I was on a marathon; and yet I have ended this challenge with a notebook full of my own reflections that I will continue to refer to as I embark on my own journey of developing and refining my own manuscripts.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:14:47 pm

Just like any conference or class, it is normal to feel overwhelmed with new or focused information. Take it slow, and focus on what YOU need most right now. But first, take a nap! :)

Karen Condit

3/26/2016 09:25:25 am

I need to review my notes then pull it in and focus!
Thanks for REFOREMO!!!!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:15:05 pm

You betcha!

Shelley Kinder

3/26/2016 09:27:23 am

Thanks for the great reflection questions! I have gained a lot from the research and posts this month. I'm always reading picture books, but you've inspired me to take more notes for each one. This past week, I seem to be extra focused on very short texts, 100 words or less, but with rich content. Thanks so much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:17:28 pm

Glad to hear, Shelley. I understand where you are coming from. As a former teacher, I read tons of picture books and analyzed them in different ways with my students. But as a writer, I have read and reread them over and over. Each time I read, I learn something new or see something different. Sometimes I even completely change my mind about a book. Rereading is powerful, especially when we try to look for different layers each time we reread. :)

Shelley Kinder

3/26/2016 07:17:56 pm

I totally agree with you, Carrie, about changing your mind about a book. Plenty of times, I thought a book was just okay, and then I read it again to find out I like it more the 2nd time. My hope is that I will become more aware of what is "good" in the minds of the editors, but even they have differences of opinions. I will just keep taking classes, reading, and writing :)

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/26/2016 09:28:55 am

I read nonfiction picture books all year long. I love ReFoReMo because for one intense month I read different picture books than I otherwise would. I love the way it expands my vision of what's possible in a picture book!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:18:28 pm

Goooo, Annette! And don't forget how helpful REreading can be, too. Open your eyes in new ways before each reread and seek out different elements. :)

Lori Dubbin

3/26/2016 09:30:04 am

Carrie, the thing I need to do most right now is tell you what a great teacher you are! Thank you for helping us ask the "write" questions and thank you for giving us another insightful March full of ReFoRe.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:19:05 pm

Awwwwe! Thanks so much, Lori!

Mary Worley

3/26/2016 09:32:43 am

I need to see a revision through to the end. I'm guilty of beginning too many ideas and not following through to a complete story. I get ideas for other WIPs when I read, and I start on those. So maybe I need to disconnect from everything but my own writing for a week. Thanks Carrie!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:19:50 pm

Sounds like a plan! Good luck! And then revise your revision! Over and over! :)

Sherri Jones Rivers link

3/26/2016 09:35:51 am

Thought-provoking questions, especially the one about reading more than writing. Ouch! Ya got me.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:20:34 pm

Listen to your inner voice. It will tell you when to write. It will grab you by the ears and lead you to the page. :)

AJ Irving link

3/26/2016 09:39:58 am

Thanks for another amazing ReFoReMo, Carrie! Mustache Baby was my favorite. I must have read it 20 times to my daughter. I mostly write humor so this was an excellent mentor text for me.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:22:10 pm

Super, AJ! I mustache you a question. Have you considered trying to write the exact opposite of humor as a writing exercise? Sometimes that can help bring new layers to the humor, also. Have fun!

Susan Deo

3/26/2016 09:41:17 am

Dear Carrie,
Thanks so much for all the work you put into this! It has been an amazing month of study and reflection. Like attending a workshop every day and just what I needed at this time. What I learned? Many subtle things, like exercise for my brain writing/composing muscles. I can't put my finger on any specifics and say "that's what happened" but I see a shift in my reasoning and way of thinking about the picture book genre. I want to let everything simmer a while and then get back to my writing--both existing and new manuscripts. My notebook is a treasure trove of sage observations from all the great guest "speakers." As well as my own thoughts on all the PBs we read.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:23:29 pm

Thanks for sharing, Susan! Simmer down, then power up! :) Sounds like good advice!

Joy Main

3/26/2016 09:50:39 am

Thank you Carrie and Kirsti, so many new books and the ideas that they've generated. I've been inspired to draft a dialogue-only MS and an epistolary one, as well as revising my others in the light of all this new information. What I need is clear uncluttered writing time - probably in the middle of the night!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:23:59 pm

Yep! Go get it, Joy!

Emily Johnsen

3/26/2016 10:06:04 am

Oh my gosh Carrie, what an awesome month! Thank you so so much for putting this all together and making it happen! I feel like I've learn a ton, hopefully my little brain will process all this excellent information and do something great with it! I love your thought provoking questions, I'll have to come back to this post often.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:24:36 pm

You are welcome, Emily! And the posts will be there to come back to anytime!

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/26/2016 10:20:02 am

Great questions, Carrie. I already knew an area in my writing that I wanted to focus on this year, and it was so interesting to read each day's post and mentor texts through the lens of that particular focus. I need a week of just thinking about it now, and then I plan to put together a plan for myself for working on it in various manuscripts (because it's not a thing limited to a specific genre/form, etc.). Thanks for a fabulous month!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:26:57 pm

You are welcome, Laura! The great thing about mentor texts is that they can help anyone at any level. I can't imagine ever leading a writing life without mentor texts. I am too in love with picture books to stop and it is always educational!

Lindsay Hanson Metcalf

3/26/2016 10:20:45 am

Carrie and Kirstine, thank you so much for an awesome month! You have given us so many books and writing styles to consider, and personally, I have started a spreadsheet of books read that I hope to continue adding to. This is an invaluable resource that will help me find publishers that would be a good fit for my own work. I was sick for a week in the middle, so I fell off the wagon participation-wise, but I still got a lot out of the challenge.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:27:59 pm

Glad to hear it was beneficial and you can always come back to the posts when you need them. :)

Sheri Radovich

3/26/2016 10:27:23 am

Thanks Carrie and Kristine, Focus is what I need to have most to sit and think about all the mentor texts and what I liked best about them and use some of the templates from last year. Then start writing new things with new structures and revise the old things that I am stuck with. Non-Fiction was surprising to me and a new interesting idea. I do have one ms that could go that way but ... start thinking it over and stop using but.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:29:09 pm

Oooo! I love to hear that nonfiction snuck right into your heart! Cool!

Alan Elliott link

3/26/2016 10:28:29 am

Carrie -- the posts provide a lot of inspiration. I've gone through some manuscripts and "updated" them. Now a final polish and submission -- yikes! Submission, that's a weak point that I need to work on.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:29:57 pm

Good luck, Alan! Keep trying new things, too! :)

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/26/2016 10:31:15 am

I need to do two things, Carrie. One is to focus instead of jump around all over the place. The other is to get BIC and write. Thanks for a fantastic month!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:30:39 pm

Jumping all over the place is necessary, Kirsti. :) Especially with all the joy and excitement PBs bring!

Charlotte Dixon

3/26/2016 10:33:22 am

Carrie and Kirsti, this has been a fab month of reading and analyzing the work of other authors. I've done some writing and revision based on the books I've read and the bloggers suggestions. It is a lot of info and I need to give myself time to revisit this past month of ReFoReMo. Thank you both for all your hard work!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:31:35 pm

You are welcome, Charlotte! Take your time and revisit often. :)

Judy Cooper link

3/26/2016 10:34:38 am

I have been "reading lots and writing less". I loved participating in ReFoReMo, but I feel like my brain is on overload. I need to declutter my brain and my workspace and get back to writing & submitting. Thank you for presenting this project. It has been so educational.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:32:36 pm

It is definitely a lot of information to take in! It requires a slow and steady pace for sure and can be explored again all year long. :) Enjoy!

Cathy Mealey

3/26/2016 10:37:08 am

It's been such a terrific month of inspiration!
What I need most right now is a brainstorming session with my critique group to hash over ideas that could or couldn't work, could be simplified, or could be combined. Definitely seeing new themes that I plan to work on.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:33:41 pm

Sounds like your mind is on fire! Woohoo!

maria gianferrari link

3/26/2016 10:38:15 am

Thanks for the thought-provoking questions, Carrie, and for all the insightful posts this month. Digging deeper now (and hopefully out of the hole) :)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:34:13 pm

Oh my goodness, Maria. Out of the whole is right! :)

PatHaap

3/26/2016 10:38:22 am

These mentor texts and the blogs have really helped me focus in on what I need to do in my writing. I've been inspired to start a new story that's been buzzing around in my head.Thanks to all of you!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:34:36 pm

Awesome to hear, Pat! Go get it!

Sharon Putnam

3/26/2016 10:52:51 am

First I want to say a huge Thank You for all of the time and effort you have spent in putting together another terrific ReFoReMo.

For now I will be revising 6 of my picture book manuscripts, then 2 of my chapter books as well as my middle grade novel focusing on those mentor texts that match my voice and writing style.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:35:06 pm

Wow, Sharon! Best wishes!

Rachel Hamby link

3/26/2016 10:54:11 am

I need to reflect. There's been so much great info over the past few weeks. I need to take a step back, look at the big picture, and decide where I want to focus my efforts as I move forward.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:35:36 pm

Sounds like a plan, Rachel! Best wishes finding your desires!

Bev Baird

3/26/2016 11:02:28 am

After all this reading - and there is still more I want to do - I need to reflect and I definitely need to write. To carry many of these ideas and inspirations into my writing. Thanks so much Carrie for an inspiring month. Loved it, learned a lot!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:36:19 pm

You are welcome, Bev! Reflection is so important!

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/26/2016 11:07:13 am

Thanks for the great questions to ponder, Carrie. We've been on spring break this week and so I've had a little time away from my writing. With all I've learned from ReFoReMo, I am super anxious to get back to writing! Thank you for a great month!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:37:59 pm

It's so nice when breaks come. :) My spring break came and went without a break! How did that happen? I need to give myself permission to step away, too. Happy writing!

Sara Gentry

3/26/2016 11:17:09 am

Thank you for organizing this event. ReFoReMo was most helpful in introducing me to current texts across many genres. I had no idea there were so many lyrical and creative non-fiction texts. I am thinking I might like to try one of my own.

What I need now is sleep. And to get some writing done. Between all the reading, having sick kiddos, and unexpected travel for a funeral, there hasn't been much time for writing. But I am also reminded that life happens, and it is ok to not feel guilty when I can't produce the way I would like.

The books that I loved most that were new to me: Exclamation Mark, Infinity and Me, Swan, Locomotive, the beautiful illustrations in Gravity, and my favorite, Boats for Papa.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:40:54 pm

Sounds like you had a super experience, Sara. I am sorry to hear about the icky parts, but your attitude is great. I am trying to teach myself not to feel guilty about paying attention to myself and my family. They really should come first, and its time to get life set straight again. Sounds like you are already on that correct path. Glad to have you in the ReFoReMo family!

Pamela Courtney

3/26/2016 11:21:06 am

I can't believe we're at the end already. This event was/is MAJOR in so many ways. So to answer your question, what I need now is to continue with my group that was started because of this wonderful event. What I need is to continue delving into books, studying their structure, finding the ones that resonate with my work. With that, I'll need experienced, educated eyes on my work. I feel I've found that with the group of women I met during your ReFoReMo event. We're already writing, sharing, revising. Because of ReFoReMo, our ability to research areas for strengthening parts of our stories is being realized. THANK YOU!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:42:37 pm

So glad to hear that, Pamela! I hope you will stay connected with our large group, too. You have lots of good ideas and discussion to bring to the group. :)

Joana Pastro

3/26/2016 11:27:47 am

I have so many ideas. I have to filter and figure out which ones to work with, and start writing.
Thanks so much for an amazing month of learning and reading and researching!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:43:28 pm

Yay, Joana! You are welcome!

Lynn Alpert link

3/26/2016 11:28:02 am

I just need to write! Every time I start another story, Self-Doubt invades my body to convince me that I don't know what I'm doing. This event has given me confidence to tackle my latest story that has been floating around in my brain and kick that jerk Self-Doubt to the curb. Thank you so much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:44:59 pm

So happy to hear this! AMAZING! Consider giving your self-doubt a name. If she ever comes back, you can look her right in the eye and tell her where to go! :)

Monique Wakefield

3/26/2016 11:33:09 am

Thanks Carrie.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:45:32 pm

You are welcome! Best wishes finding what you need most, Monique!

Anita Jones link

3/26/2016 11:34:45 am

I can't express enough how great I think this experience has been. I wasn't sure I could do it, but I'm so happy I DID!! I've been telling many of my writing and reading friends about this group! Thanks Carrie and Kirsti for all the hard work you do to be able to offer this!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:46:15 pm

Hooray! You did it! Keep up the great work, Anita!

sue twiggs

3/26/2016 11:58:21 am

Carrie and Kristi,
What a wonderful month this has been! you've introduced me to many types of PB's and i am looking at them in a whole new way. i haven't read them all but I will. What i need now is to keep practicing free writing along with the multiple writing MS I have going. Your exercise is the perfect thing.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:46:50 pm

Yes! Just let it flow, Sue! :)

Maria Marshall

3/26/2016 12:17:44 pm

Carrie, I'd love to join you for time on the sand reading and writing! It's been Spring Break here too, so I am looking forward to going back through a few of the posts in more depth next week. I have a notebook of the posts and my notes on the books. The posts on heart and voice really resonated and I can't wait to use them in two of my MS. Thanks again for a wonderful month! :-)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:47:33 pm

Awesome to hear, Maria! Keep exploring! :)

Darlene Koppel link

3/26/2016 12:23:46 pm

I've learned a great deal - I printed many of the educational posts out so that I could re-study them. And I've developed a new permanent habit of studying Picture Books. Thank you so much Carrie!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:48:12 pm

Amazing! I love to hear such positive progress!

Dee Leone link

3/26/2016 12:29:23 pm

Carrie, thanks for organizing all the great authors, editors, etc. for this fantastic ReFoReMo 2016, and for the great questions to contemplate. I appreciate all you've done for the writing community. This past month has helped me tremendously.

As far as what do I need right now … more sales! Ha!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:48:57 pm

Ha! That WOULD be nice, wouldn't it?! You are welcome, Dee! Keep on!

Linda Kujawski link

3/26/2016 12:37:08 pm

Carrie, a vacation sounds wonderful...and look at that blue water in the picture you posted! Can't thank you and Kirsti enough for this amazing PB study event. The posts have all been helpful. Very helpful! The sometimes questionable northeastern month of March has blossomed into spring while I was busy reading 100+ books. Never really noticed when winter ended, but glad it did. Happy spring and many, many thanks. ReFoReMo is fantastic!!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:50:00 pm

Yay, I love to hear this, Linda! And so happy to be part of your journey! I'll be ready to see your newest MSs! :)

Melissa Stoller link

3/26/2016 12:51:05 pm

Thank you Carrie and Kirsti - as a newcomer to ReFoReMo, I can definitely say that this month has changed my writing path! I feel like I am part of a friendly and supportive community and I have really enjoyed reading all the comments from other participants. The guest posters have been outstanding. I will take away so many great lessons about voice, leaving room for the illustrator, low word count, lyrical writing, back matter, and so much more. Also, you and Kirsti are true inspirations and I truly appreciate all the time, dedication and expertise you have put into creating a stellar program. Thank you!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:51:23 pm

Thank you so much for that thoughtful examination, Melissa! We love having you as part of the community!

Virginia Law Manning link

3/26/2016 01:23:49 pm

Today I reached 100 books for the month of March!!! Yeah! I find I'll make time to read and write but have a much harder time sitting down (and staying down) to draw. But I'm at the point where I REALLY need to finish up one dummy so I can move on to the next. What will motivate me to draw? Hmm. . . I really need to think about this. I think part of the problem is the clutter in my office area. Ugh!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:53:20 pm

I totally get the clutter thing, but with a busy life, that's the thing that I struggle with most. I think if it wasn't there, I might feel lost? :) Ha! Not sure... I just don't know when I'll have time to declutter if I want to get more writing and submitting done! All of my decluttering will be done through revision. :)

Karla Valenti

3/26/2016 01:30:36 pm

I just want to say thank you Carrie and Kristi - what you have put together here is incredible! You brought together an incredibly talented roster of experts who pushed us to think and grow and create in truly inspiring ways; you've created a community of bright, talented, and wonderful people; and you've gathered a veritable treasure trove of resources for all writers. I am deeply grateful to you both. This month has been one of tremendous growth and inspiration for me. THANK YOU!

Sydney O'Neill

3/26/2016 01:53:45 pm

I was introduced to books I might have overlooked if not for ReFoReMo, and the grouping makes them easy to find when a specific kind of mentor text is needed. Thank you, everyone involved in making ReFoReMo so interesting and informative.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:54:01 pm

And there are more books where those came from, Sydney! Have fun exploring!

Kathy Halsey

3/26/2016 02:21:02 pm

How can I pick just one thing that I loved? The discussions that popped up on the FB page would be one. The way the mentor texts were divided up by certain "categories" so I was focusing on one aspect of craft. Thank you for this wonderful experience.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:54:34 pm

You are welcome, Kathy! So happy to have you in the fam!

Ali Bovis

3/26/2016 02:36:34 pm

What an incredible opportunity this has been!!! Oh my goodness, thank you SO much Carrie!!! And thanks as well to all the amazing contributors!! I've got a book full of notes and lessons that I can refer to all year long. As soon as my kids are back to school from spring break, I can't wait to go back through it all and get back to writing!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:55:19 pm

Hooray for notes! Have fun forming new ideas with your newfound knowledge!

Jane Buttery link

3/26/2016 02:40:44 pm

Carrie, you look so calm and yet,in the middle of all your work, youcan inspire us even more to awrite.
I have loved being educated and discovering that I am not writing the right way for really early picture books. I have learned so much from many I have read. I think you do us all an important service through these mentor texts you have collected and now with the questions.
I know I have to get back to revising my latest effort on 12x12. It is a foltale about adragon and I want to get more of the right feel. I've read dragon stories suggested( very good and rather modern),I've read retold fairytales and folktales delightful. I can't seem to get humour into my storyas the two dragons wake up and fight each other. the winner is now on the Welsh flag.Ther is more to it. I keep wondering if I have to stick to all the mythological details! So that's what I willface later today.
Many thanks for waking up an old aldy's 79 year old mind.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:57:54 pm

Me...calm? Ha! That is so very sweet of you! I'm a ball of anxiety most times with all that I do, but I try to do my best. :) It is so great to hear that you are rethinking things. Just listen to your heart. It will tell you what to write. :)

Jane Buttery

3/28/2016 03:57:36 pm

Thanks for replying and for your kind comment. I will move in the way my heart and God tell me.
Jane

JEN link

3/26/2016 03:39:13 pm

Thanks to a VERY successful ReFoReMo this March, I have a polished picture book. What I need now is to work on the query so I can submit!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:58:29 pm

Go, Jen, Go! Best wishes on new projects and future revisions, too!

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/26/2016 03:54:46 pm

Yes, a vacation! Just arrived in Dubai and what I need is a little break and a new culture to inspire new perspectives. ReFoReMo is just what I needed. I am now hooked on popping by the library and loading up a bag of picture books and finding the treasures - the ones that take your heart on a journey. What I need next is to study more of those, and review the last 25 days so the lessons sink in! Thanks Carrie and Kirstin and all the instructors!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 06:59:27 pm

Enjoy your break! Are you really in Dubai or just in your mind? Either way, enjoy!

Charlene Steadman

3/26/2016 04:09:29 pm

Thank you very much for helping us in so many ways this month. I'll miss reading these daily inspirations!! I am a retired elementary teacher and LOVE all the nonfiction books that are SO much better than most of the books that I had available during my career. I want to work on writing more nonfiction. The way that the words are so concise and brief and still share so much information is amazing! Time for me to get back to writing after reviewing all this information. THANKS!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:00:35 pm

Yes, Charlene! Picture books have changed so much over the years! Glad to hear of your motivation!

debra daugherty

3/26/2016 04:13:28 pm

Carrie, you're doing a wonderful job with this! Your questions are great and some I need to think about, but what I need most right now is to heal from a surgery and then get back to writing.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:01:14 pm

Thinking of you, Debra! Heal well. :)

Linda Hofke

3/26/2016 04:34:32 pm

great questions. And yes... I will definitely be making a few changes to my WIP. ReFoReMo was a great help. Living overseas, it is hard to read current books but this challenge forced to find great books and read read, read. Thank you!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:02:22 pm

Glad to hear, Linda. Curious to know if having your group helped you with exposure to more groups? Feel free to PM me. :)

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/26/2016 04:49:21 pm

Besides a vacation . . . I need to get back to more writing! I will continue to read, read, read, in between! Last year was my first trying ReFoReMo and it really got me in a groove of reading PBs regularly. I am proud to say I kept it up all year long, so this year's challenge was a continuation of my habit with wonderful posts to supplement my research. Thanks for another challenge and for helping to establish a healthy reading habit.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:03:51 pm

It's great reinforcement, isn't it? And to see the experience through varied perspectives is priceless. :) Glad to have you as part of the family, Heather!

Mike Karg link

3/26/2016 04:55:31 pm

There are things I want, but I really have everything I NEED. I have a great life and family, time to write and I love doing it.

OK, I do need for my computer virus situation to be resolved soon. It's a real bugaboo.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:05:45 pm

Always such a philosopher, Mike! I love your perspective! And I hope the virus situation flies south soon. And disintegrates! :)

Karen Brady link

3/26/2016 05:43:14 pm

One thing I've realized over the past few weeks is how much I love nonfiction. What I need now is the belief that I can do it!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:06:20 pm

You CAN, Karen! Start today! And then just keep trying! I'm rooting for you!

debbie mccue

3/26/2016 05:45:18 pm

I definitely need to reflect and sort out all the ideas that have flowing around me in the PBs I've been reading this month...and, I need to write, write, write! Thanks to ReFoReMo I'm gettin' my "mo" back!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/26/2016 07:06:51 pm

Very cool! Hope you get your "jo" back, too!

Sharon Giltrow

3/26/2016 05:51:08 pm

Thanks Carrie time for some reflection and to apply some of the great things I've learnt.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:16:08 pm

Go, Sharon, Go! :)

Beverly Marsh

3/26/2016 05:52:35 pm

Thank you for the wonderful month of reading, pondering and now it's on to applying what I have learned to my writing.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:16:32 pm

Have fun exploring, Beverly!

Sandra Jenkins

3/26/2016 06:01:42 pm

I have a new habit of reading consistently. I'll revisit these texts again and dig deeper and write and write and write. Thanks, Carrie for an inspiring month!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:17:04 pm

You are welcome! And yay for digging!

Trine

3/26/2016 06:04:01 pm

Thank you for these questions. I have written them in my ReFoReMo notebook and will thoughtfully and honestly answer them. You're the best!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:17:40 pm

Great dedication, Trine!

Mary Boehmer

3/26/2016 06:11:43 pm

Thank you so, so very much for this ReFoReMo experience! Great questions to consider, I am inspired to move forward with my project and have found some new writing friends:)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:18:16 pm

Lovely, Mary! So glad you are part of the ReFoReMo family!

Val McCammon

3/26/2016 06:30:16 pm

Great questions to move us forward. The reading list will continue to be valuable as I draft and revise. Thanks, Carrie.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:18:54 pm

And there is a HUGE world of books out there waiting for you! Spread your wings. :)

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/26/2016 06:34:44 pm

Carrie, all I can say is, YOU DA BOMB. ReFoReMo has been a fantastic challenge and I have truly read some precious gems this month that have opened up the creative juices. It has been so helpful to have posts focused on genres I've been interested in (or intimidated by!) with REALLLLY good mentor texts to compare. I still have a stack of books I want to go over in more detail, and several new ideas to start building on. Thank you so much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:19:49 pm

Awww, Jen! You are always so sweet to me! I am so thrilled to hear that ReFoReMo was helpful for you! :) See you soon!

Linda Thomas

3/26/2016 06:47:17 pm

Great question , Carrie! I enjoy switching from reading to writing and back again. The reading keeps me inspired and the writing improves my skills. I will continue working through the list of mentor texts as my library is able to track down copies for me. I've substituted many books, often by the same authors, while I patiently wait for those on the list. And discovered many other gems in the process :-)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:20:42 pm

Oh, yes! There are so many to explore! Substitute the just-right books that you need to research for your WIP! :)

Shelley Marshall

3/26/2016 06:47:58 pm

Carrie .... Thank you for artfully structuring our thought process during and at the close of this wonderful new PB reading habit that we've all benefited greatly from.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:21:37 pm

You are welcome, Shelley! Have fun exploring and writing!

dfrybarger

3/26/2016 06:59:29 pm

I'm ready to write more!! Thank you for all you've done to help us learn about mentor texts and by providing so much inspiration!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:21:56 pm

Hooray! Write on!

Keila Dawson link

3/26/2016 07:21:22 pm

Oh the wonder. The challenge to ponder while reading helps us really think about books, why we like them, why the language resonates or the topic or, or, or. I will certainly keep reading and questioning, the ReFoReMo way. Thanks for a wonderful month of inspiration and books!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:23:18 pm

Cheering for your dedication and drive, Keila! So happy to have you on this journey with our ReFoReMo family!

Lisa Connors link

3/26/2016 07:25:14 pm

Valuable questions Carrie! Thanks.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:23:40 pm

You bet, Lisa!

Anna Forrester link

3/26/2016 07:26:01 pm

Reading more and writing a bit less -- yes. But I have a problem of putting too much pressure on myself to PRODUCE, so thanks for the great excuse not to!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:26:09 pm

I find that producing is a multi-step process. Reading is part of producing. Thinking is part of producing. Writing is part of producing. They are an integral part of the process, and without one, the system springs a leak. Great job committing to all steps!

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/26/2016 07:29:34 pm

It has been a great month of reading and thinking for me... I learned so much about picture books and found the entire month inspirational. Thanks. (I thought we were all done... I'm pleased to find out we have a few more days....)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:27:56 pm

You are welcome! The schedule is here: http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/schedule--coordinators.html Give it about 15-20 seconds to load if it does not pop up right away. :)

Stephanie Gray

3/26/2016 07:31:22 pm

Thank you for such a great resource for this month and beyond. It's been really great to be introduced to so many new mentor texts. And to look at old ones with new perspectives. Lots of questions as you point out, but lots of answers too.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:29:50 pm

You are welcome, Stephanie! Read and research on!

Donna L Martin link

3/26/2016 07:51:55 pm

I've had a few directional changes in my writing this year...ended a working relationship with my agent, shifted my writing focus toward creative nonfiction chapter books, and completed one of the books in my young adult fantasy trilogy. Taking the time to participate in ReFoReMo this month has given me time to think about all my picture book manuscripts to make sure they have their best chance of capturing the interest of agents or publishers.

Thank you for this opportunity to delve deeper into mentor texts and for all you do for the writing community!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:30:57 pm

You are welcome, Donna! So glad to hear that it has been helpful. I hope this continues to guide you as you write more, too. :)

Susan Zonca

3/26/2016 08:50:06 pm

I can relate! I have so enjoyed the MANY books, but I have felt paralyzed when it has come to my own writing. I have kept a limited stack of my favorite books to analyze in depth and plan to write utilizing your brainstorming activity and writing prompts I have found online. I do feel as if I need a vacation...alone...with pen and paper.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:31:47 pm

Have a GREAT vacation with your pen and paper!!! Perfect idea! :)

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/26/2016 09:12:52 pm

Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put in to ReFoReMo and for this post. So many great questions to ponder. For me...it's time to write!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:32:10 pm

Hooray for writing! Best wishes!

Angie Quantrell

3/26/2016 09:39:32 pm

Everything! I need more time, to start writing, to research more, to consider what inspired me, to consider my writing...and to write, write, write. This has been a fantastic month of learning! Thank you!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:32:46 pm

If only there were more hours in a day? :)

Lenne' Musarra

3/26/2016 09:43:53 pm

Thank you so much for all your time and effort. This ReFoReMo month has been fabulous! I have enjoyed searching for listed books and finding other titles and authors that peak my interest and are now on my reading list. I particularly loved the selected humorous, NF, HF and rhyme books that we've read. I'm inspired to resurrect and tweak a few of my old stories written for The Children's Literature Institute. I need to find a writing critique group and to play word games and get comfortable making choices and stop waiting and relying upon divine inspiration!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:35:39 pm

Sounds like you've given this some GREAT thought, Lenne'! As far as critique groups go, I always recommend SCBWI first. http://www.scbwi.org/ And a great supplement for extra critique swaps is KidLit 411 Manuscript Swap: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KIDLIT411MSswap/

Bethany Roberts link

3/26/2016 09:55:39 pm

What do I need most right now? I need time to write! All that reading helped me re-think a few manuscripts and also inspired me to try a new type of plot. This really was an incredible challenge- thanks sooo much for all that you do to put this together!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:36:23 pm

Oooo! I love to hear that you are experimenting with new styles and structures! :)

Lynn Davidson link

3/26/2016 09:56:26 pm

Carrie, first I have to thank you for opening my eyes to the many new and wonderful picture books already out there.

What I most need is sleep, long uninterrupted sleep, which I hope to experience at least once this coming week. My sleep is often broken up because of always "listening" while I'm on my week of caregiving. It has become a habit for my every other week off, too.

A place of restoration for me is the ocean, or the lake where my daughter lives. I'm hoping to get there more in the warmer weather and be inspired.

ReFoReMo has shown me new ways of writing picture books. I've learned what really appeals to me, what I'm not interested in, and what I love. There's so much I could chatter on about that I've gleaned from this, but I'll just say that I have new ideas for my writing that I'm going to try. Thanks, Carrie.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:39:38 pm

So awesome to hear, Lynn! Yay and hooray! Stay connected...it's great to have you in the family. I appreciate the comments and questions you contribute to our FB group!

Ashley Bankhead

3/26/2016 09:56:31 pm

Great questions. Thanks.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:40:09 pm

You betcha, Ashley!

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/26/2016 10:51:00 pm

Hi Carrie Charley Brown!: THANK YOU for the WONDERFUL questions to help us dig deeper within ourselves to get to the heart of our stories. I am posting these where I can refer to them DAILY!!! And I must say: YOU HAVE THE COOLEST NAME E-V-E-R-!-!-! Charlie Brown is MY HERO, and Carrie Charlie Brown is MY HERO for starting the AMAZING REFOREMO!!!! THANK YOU and all of the guest bloggers for this AMAZING journey this month! I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH and will continue to do so by applying the skills I have gleaned here!!! I have also learned A LOT from other participants' comments and the WONDERFUL Facebook community!!! THANK YOU, EVERYBODY!!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:44:04 pm

Awwwwe! That's so sweet of you, Natalie! I have to tell you a little story about my name. In HS, when I was just Carrie Charley, I was so embarrassed by my name! Little did I know that I would one day marry a Brown and appreciate the kidlitishness of the creation! :) Thanks for sharing how much ReFoReMo has helped you. :) That makes my heart happy!

Heidi Yates

3/26/2016 10:55:45 pm

Carrie, Thank you for another amazing year of ReFoReMo! Now I need to focus on writing, and work on revisions. All of the reading this month has given me a lot to think about, and hopefully I can incorporate what I've learned into my writing. :)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:44:43 pm

I am sure you will, Heidi! I'm rooting for you!

Jena Benton

3/26/2016 11:10:28 pm

Well, I was inspired to try something new! =)

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:46:07 pm

And I hope it was helpful, Jena! :) Trying new things is a great way to learn and I hope that philosophy will work its way into your writing, too.

Carol Cole link

3/26/2016 11:13:10 pm

Carrie, I've learned so much this month. Thank you for a great experience. I've really enjoyed all the different types of PB's. I'd love to try one based on letters. Also reworking some of my old stories with some new twists.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:46:45 pm

Wooo hooo! Great, Carol! Go for it!

Tracey Brown

3/26/2016 11:20:03 pm

Thank you, Carrie. I've loved ReFoReMo for the thought-provoking posts.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:47:14 pm

Sounds promising! Ponder and dig deep!

DeLeon

3/26/2016 11:53:25 pm

Thanks Carrie!!! Thanks to ReFoReMo I will continue to Read for Research and separate the books I love into the classifications I have learned.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:47:52 pm

Perfect! Explore on!

Myrna Foster

3/27/2016 01:24:47 am

I need to write. :) I've really enjoyed ReFoReMo again. Thanks so much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:48:34 pm

Happy writing, Myrna!

Mary Warth

3/27/2016 06:58:07 am

Such great questions! I been focusing on gathering great ideas so right now I need to apply them!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:49:08 pm

Great, Mary! Application is such a joy!

MD Knabb

3/27/2016 07:16:44 am

Carrie, ReFoReMo has been even better this year- insightful posts matched with perfect examples. Knowing how to reserve books got me over the 100 mark earlier than expected. I like your reflection questions. They help me focus on the writing ahead. Many thanks to you, guest bloggers and others who made it work so well.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:51:48 pm

Great to hear that it was great two years in a row! And even better this year? Well, I guess that means I can write sequels? :) Best wishes! Stay connected!

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/27/2016 08:36:01 am

I started writing. Now I have a WIP and a new identity.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:52:38 pm

Hooray for writing, Lucky! Keep writing more!

Denise Engle

3/27/2016 08:50:03 am

Dear Carrie,
Thanking you from my heart for this sunny contribution to our writing community. I can only imagine the great personal sacrifice it takes to commit your time and resources to this project. What a gift of yourself to other writers!!! ❤️ I hope you have a big vacation planned! We appreciate you and your amazing team. I look forward to meeting you in the future! Happy Easter!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:54:08 pm

You are so sweet! I hope to meet you, too, Denise. No time for a vacation now, but I sure do need one! :)

Nancy Rimar

3/27/2016 09:05:36 am

Thanks Carrie and Kirsti

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:54:28 pm

You are welcome, Nancy!

Valarie Giogas

3/27/2016 11:14:22 am

I need to pull more books from specific days to dig deeper. I am encouraged to try something different. I have a new idea rolling around in my head so...

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:55:25 pm

And don't be afraid to venture outside of the list! :) There are so many great books out there.

Janet Smart link

3/27/2016 11:16:06 am

I love writing. I got inspired to write a 'how to' picture book this month and it is being revised and revised again and again.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:56:11 pm

Sounds good, Janet! I wrote a how-to, also! Fun!

Jaclyn Kruzie

3/27/2016 11:38:47 am

Great questions Carrie! I really enjoyed reading books with back matter and was inspired to write a non-fiction pb 😊

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:56:45 pm

Excellent, Jackie! I love to hear that you are trying something new!

Kelly Rice Schmitt link

3/27/2016 12:16:47 pm

I need to take some of these fantastic mentor texts and WRITE! Thank you for such a great list.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:58:13 pm

The list is just the beginning. Have fun creating your own list of texts that help you learn where you need it most!

Andrea Mack link

3/27/2016 01:07:54 pm

Thank you -- these are great questions to think about!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 08:59:17 pm

Welcome! :)

Amanda Sincavage

3/27/2016 02:00:55 pm

What do I need most...time to let everything sink in while I write, write, write! I was definitely inspired to new things and (fingers crossed as I await feedback) it helped me rewrite a MS that has had me quite conflicted. Thanks for all the inspiration and education!!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:00:55 pm

Very cool, and you are welcome!

Linda Carpenter link

3/27/2016 04:34:02 pm

A really great post and really hit home!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:01:32 pm

Great, Linda!

Lisa Williams

3/27/2016 05:21:56 pm

Nooo! I can't believe it's over already! I also can't believe how much I learned in just a short time. I'm always thinking, "I'll write on summer break." This month has shown me I only need a little time each day (a HABIT!) to finish what I've started. I'm so looking forward to taking that time for myself each day (that's what I really need right now).

"What are you working on right now?"
What is calling to me right now is the historical fiction picture book I started. However, now I have so many different formats to try that I may actually get this story told instead of giving up because it doesn't seem to be working in the format in which I started it. Thank you!

"What did you love reading most over this ReFoReMo month?"
It's so hard to choose a favorite. I so loved the VARIETY that's out there in picture books. Even as a school librarian I didn't really grasp how much variety is really out there. I also loved just realizing that no matter what I want to write, there are mentor texts out there that I can learn from.

"Were you inspired to try something new?"
Yes! Every single post was inspiring and made me want to try new things.

"Did reading reveal any new education or elements that you need to work on?"
Yes! I'm going to be doing a lot of researching and writing in the coming months. I'm very excited about this. This project renewed my excitement about reading and writing picture books. I didn't even realize I'd lost the excitement of it.

"What would make your manuscript different than everything else out there?"
Think, think think...read, read, read...WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! Thank you for everything. This past month has been fabulous!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:04:06 pm

Thank you SO much for sharing, Lisa! You rock! Sounds like ReFoReMo affected you deeply. You should consider submitting to the Revealing ReFoReMo series! http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/blog-submissions.html

Patricia Nozell

3/27/2016 06:36:48 pm

Great questions, Carrie! Right now, I need to revise manuscripts that I love, in concept, but just aren't working, aren't quite there. Hopefully, all of the reading will enable me to revisit these stories with new eyes & a better awareness of what works. I tried something new this month - an all-dialogue story, something I would not have tried had I not read some of these this month. Thank you - for all of your efforts on our behalf during ReFoReMo!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:05:29 pm

Sounds like you know right where to go, Patricia! Keep on keepin' on! I love trying new things and then trying them again!

Brenda Huante

3/27/2016 07:24:59 pm

Yes, my head is spinning!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:05:52 pm

Time to rest and let is soak in. :)

Rosie Pova

3/27/2016 07:29:03 pm

The more I read the more willing to experiment I am with different ideas and forms, even if they don't stick. At least I know I've tried them to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else. I still get an answer and some practice out of it :) It's always a good idea to try as it stretched your writing muscles! Thanks for the questions, Carrie!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/27/2016 09:07:08 pm

You are welcome, Rosie! Sounds like the challenge has been helpful for you! That's what I like to hear! :)

Juliana Lee link

3/27/2016 08:33:28 pm

Great questions to ponder as we begin the next part of the journey. Mentor texts can only get you so far... Where do you want to be in a year? What do you need to do to get there? See you around next ReFoReMo! Wishing us all much success in reaching our goals this year!

Claire Noland link

3/28/2016 12:17:54 am

This challenge has given me the opportunity to read and I've enjoyed every minute. There's so much to think about! Time to write.

maria gianferrari link

3/28/2016 07:08:27 am

I'll take that view (instead of the dreary rain) :). Thanks, Carrie!

Holly Samson Hall

3/28/2016 08:18:41 am

Thank you so much for putting all of this together. My head is definitely spinning, so I'm taking a bit of a rest before diving back into writing. I'm excited to tackle some old projects with a fresh perspective!

Lisa Morgan

3/28/2016 09:06:21 am

Thank you. I feel that your posts are so important to my journey as a writer. I have loved every minute of learning from you, and all involved, this month. I wish I had more time!! (I am on vacation in FL and guess what?! Rain, rain and more rain. At least the view is good and I am working, working, working on my research and writing!) Thank you for putting this challenge together, is is very valuable!

Kathy Mazurowski

3/28/2016 10:15:49 am

Thank you so much. I am so inspired.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/28/2016 10:39:40 am

After spring break, I need time to write. But thanks to ReFoReMo there's no shortage of ideas.

Anne Appert link

3/28/2016 10:42:10 am

This whole experience was great! Overwhelming at times, and I still have to catch up on the reading, but I learned a whole lot, and read a lot of books I may never have otherwise. Thank you for organizing this!
I will definitely be sitting down with a notebook later and asking myself these questions. Thank you again!

Cindy Cornwall

3/28/2016 10:58:34 am

This is the first year of ReFoReMo for me and I'll admit, I went into it thinking: This'll be fun....no problem! Well, it was work, hard, but rewarding work. Amassing and organizing my piles of books, keeping track, reading posts, making comments, taking notes, looking at the book yet again etc. Yikes! But I learned to look and listen to what others said about the book and what the book was trying to say to me. Some favorites will travel with me down the road, and others that I missed will be picked up. Thanks so much, Carrie and crew, for the crazy and rewarding month!

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/28/2016 01:10:12 pm

I'm needing to dive into the mentor text piles I constructed for each of my WIP and get to work!

Anita Banks

3/28/2016 01:56:51 pm

Thank you for the questions.

Suzy Leopold

3/28/2016 03:12:25 pm

What do I need right now? . . . As a writer under construction I want to continue the habit of reading, writing and creating every day. I recognize it's virtually a given that rejections will take place. Rejections are expected and are all part of the learning process. Yet, sometimes it is easier said than done. There are times when feelings of discouragment take over. Remaining confident and upbeat can be a challenge. Rewriting and rethinking my many fiction and nonfiction manuscripts will hopefully equate to a published story that I write and enhance a relationship between the reader and the child. Thank you, Carrie, Kirsten, Janie, and the outstanding staff for a sUcCeSsFuL ReFoReMo.

Katelyn Aronson

3/28/2016 04:18:11 pm

I need to continue getting as many polished manuscripts under my belt as possible, employing the different picture book structures we've studied. Thanks for the rich experience!

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/28/2016 05:57:13 pm

I have been writing all along because of 12 by 12 and the newspaper I free lance for so I need to review, reassess and revise!

Still contemplating if Picture Books is my thing but I am giving it until at least after the conclusion of 12 by 12....
Thanks for the encouragement!
Gabrielle

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/28/2016 06:28:31 pm

This is my first year, and I can't begin to express how helpful reading the posts and mentor texts has been for me. I needed to take a break from writing and just learn and reflect. I find I have all sorts of new ideas to explore. Wow. Thanks so much!

Lydia Lukidis link

3/28/2016 06:51:57 pm

A million thank-yous for this eye opening experience!

Maria Johnson

3/29/2016 09:33:44 am

What interesting things to think about every day for days that has me writing with new thoughtfulness. Thanks.

Susie Sawyer link

3/29/2016 12:43:02 pm

As always, my problem (and my answer to your question) is...I need more TIME! Especially now that I have such a wealth of information and dozens of new favorite mentor texts! I've collected several new ideas from this process, two of which I'm totally psyched about, and I love the connection I feel with my fellow PB writers. Thank you so very much - AGAIN - for this. I need to digest and then apply all this wonderful information.

Lauri Meyers

3/29/2016 02:01:55 pm

I have scribbles everywhere. I need to consolidate these post it notes into a clear mentor text reading plan for each manuscript I'm working on. I've been doing that hit or miss, but I think tackling one ms at a time would be easier!!

Lauren Kerstein link

3/29/2016 05:33:44 pm

Thank you for these excellent questions and all of the educational opportunities this month!

Dina Ticas

3/29/2016 09:53:23 pm

I need some time off to process all the reading and my notes. I do have spring break coming up, but I don't think it'll be "down time". Most likely, "take us here and there" time. I could also do with a scribe. Or even a secretary.

Kimberly Marcus link

3/30/2016 07:05:44 am

Thank you so much for a jam packed reading month with incredible mentors and mentor texts. I love all of your questions and will take the time to answer them in my writing journal when I am finished here. What do I need most right now? To spend time processing and writing. I did learn a lot, tried something new and am inspired to write a manuscript I am working on in a new way. So again, thank you so much. This was a true pleasure.

Brook Gideon link

3/30/2016 07:43:51 am

My brain needs to absorb all of this wonderfulness! Thank you for an amazing learning experience!

Karen Bell

3/30/2016 09:25:37 am

I am on a mini-vacation. I am at my sons where I can relax, think, read, write and plan. I have also begun Alayne Christian's Art of Arc independent study workshop. I have discovered as I have read and attempted to write that some basic education is needed. I am excited to work on my writing skills and continue to work on my ms. Thank you for this wonderful experience~

Cheryl Kim

3/30/2016 11:54:39 am

This was my first time participating and in a country where I had access to only one small school library. But even out here, I was able to access a couple dozen books and each time I found a title, it was like finding treasure! Taking the past month to just read and learn has been invaluable in my writing journey. When I take a trip back to America next month, I will be at the public libraries reading the rest of these great mentor texts! In the meantime, I'm inspired to press on writing, learning, and revising my manuscripts. Thank you, Carrie for allowing us to be a part of ReFoReMo!

Christie Allred link

3/30/2016 05:10:18 pm

The biggest thing that I noticed during ReFoReMo 2016 is that my focus shifted to non-fiction, and it's been fun. :)

Ann Magee

3/30/2016 07:07:19 pm

There's a permanent rectangle mark on my carpeted floor for my stack of PBs. When I return one stack to the library, it's only to be replaced with another :)

Sadee Schilling link

3/30/2016 08:08:36 pm

I'm a writer-illustrator and I need to focus now and finish my two latest wip dummies. I've used mentor texts to help write both of them (THANK YOU!!!) and I'm equally excited about my words AND my art in each. I feel like I've hit the jackpot and already can't wait to submit once they are finished!

Chana Stiefel link

3/30/2016 08:59:35 pm

Yes, my head is spinning. And I sure HOPE I commented on every post! I read every single one, I loved every single one, I learned from every single one. But did I comment? EEK!

Kristen Browning

3/31/2016 10:18:43 am

I realize I'm too late to the comment party, but I want to finish the challenge. I have been overwhelmed with moving preparations this month (they happened sooner than I had anticipated). I have done zero writing this month, but have managed to keep up sort-of-well with reading for ReFoReMo. Anyway, so now I need to write, write, write. I got a couple ideas for my WIPs that I'm excited to try out. Thanks for the challenge!

ReFoReMo Day 26: Carrie Charley Brown Questions Everything

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