ReFoReMo Day 29: Carrie and Kirsti Celebrate with You!

ReFoReMo Day 29: Carrie and Kirsti Celebrate with You! Plus, a Giveaway!

3/29/2016

You’ve done it! You have reached the end! (Go ahead…kiss the ground.) Was that couch beginning to swallow you up? Or were you at your desk most of the time? Whether you read one book or five each day, you are a winner! If you increased your reading research habits in any way, you are a winner! Even if one mentor text helped you revise a manuscript, you are a winner! The official reading period ran between March 7-27. As far as your reading goes, the goal is consistency and developing a new research habit. We are proud of each and every one of you!

Feel free to post your ReFoReMo Winner Badge on your blog, website, and social media profiles. Link the badge back to this address: http://www.reforemo.com/p/reforemo-mission.html
Thanks again to our incredibly talented resident illustrator, Lori Nawyn! The badge is beautiful!

As we mentioned in yesterday's post, ReFoReMo is moving to a new blog home! To celebrate the transition, we are offering this extra prize opportunity to EVERYONE, whether you are registered for ReFoReMo or not! There are two prizes in this drawing (see the little dots and arrows): one picture book critique (from Carrie) and one picture book (Kirsti's The Raindrop that Couldn't Fall). Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below to enter. All we ask is that you subscribe to the new site! That will enable you to continue receiving our weekly mentor text posts. You will enter your email in the right hand side bar of the new site (www.reforemo.com.) You will see a captcha box pop up after entering your email address, so please don’t skip that step. A verification email will come to your email inbox. Confirm that email and you will be all set to receive blog posts and enter the drawing. New options for extra entries in the drawing will be revealed in the Rafflecopter after you unlock the first step. This drawing is open between today and April 5. Please help us by spreading the news! (You are entitled to extra entries each day you share!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We will remain on this blog site until the end of March. All prize announcements and other posts in April and beyond will come from the new site. If you don't want to miss out, make sure you subscribe to posts from the new site at www.reforemo.com.

Please share your ReFoReMo achievements below and consider sending in a submission for our Revealing ReFoReMo series. This series is open to ReFoReMo participants who are interested in sharing the glory of mentor texts, research methods, specific revelations, or anything else related to your ReFoReMo experience. Submission guidelines can be found HERE.

Prize drawings for fully registered ReFoReMo participants will open tomorrow and only be available for one day. I repeat: ONE DAY. One entry will place you in the drawing for all of the prizes. If you enter more than once, you will be disqualified. There is magic in the number one: One Day. One entry. Rafflecopters will open at 12:00am CST March 30 and remain open only until 12:00am CST on March 31. Make sure you take advantage of your entry while you can.

You are eligible to enter the drawings if:

You commented on every ReFoReMo post.
You were properly registered by March 1 (Check the registration post)
You read daily.

Registrations and comments will be verified before announcing prize winners and the process may take us a few weeks.

See you bright and early tomorrow morning! If for some reason you have trouble with your Rafflecopter entry, refresh your browser and try again. Even if you are not eligible to enter, please join us as we celebrate the entire team (and you!) tomorrow.

Congratulations to everyone! Please share your success below.

166 Comments

Sharon Giltrow

3/29/2016 12:44:38 am

first comment yay me! Just registered for the new site. Thanks for a great challenge.

Lori Gravley link

3/29/2016 02:37:51 am

Registered for the new site and already looking forward to what Carrie and Kristi will arrange for us next year. Thanks for the challenge and the fun!

Lori Gravley link

3/29/2016 04:08:46 am

As to my accomplishments. I read nearly 200 picture books. I completed over twenty mentor text analysis pages for those books I found most compelling. I read and commented on the blog each day. I wrote two new picture books (and another one is stirring). I got great ideas for revising two existing picture books. I had tons of fun!

Natalie Rompella link

3/29/2016 01:22:46 pm

What do you mean by mentor text analysis pages? I'm interested in learning more.

Karla Valenti

3/29/2016 02:54:04 am

Looking forward to continuing on this great ReFoRe journey. Thank you for everything!

Joy Main

3/29/2016 03:18:26 am

Registered and looking forward to the weekly blogs, thank you. I'm also sussing out this mysterious new thing called a Rafflecopter! :)

Sherry Howard link

3/29/2016 04:02:57 am

Just registered at the new site. It has been a great journey with you and all of your lovely guests.

Janet Smart link

3/29/2016 04:08:53 am

Just registered at the new site. Thanks for a great month!

Mona Pease

3/29/2016 04:29:02 am

A great month for me. I hope everyone else fared as well. Thank you, again! Just signed up for the new site. Don't wan't to miss a thing!

DeLeon

3/29/2016 05:10:53 am

What fun has been to be part of this adventure!

3/29/2016 05:11:08 am

March was the perfect month for ReFoReMo! Thank you so much for all the inspired posts, along with titles of books I'd probably never read if they hadn't been recommended. You opened my eyes to the non-fiction world of writers and illustrators, too, which wasn't really an option for me before, as I have always written fiction. I also am more aware of "less can be more" and already have plans to revise many of my manuscripts by cut-cut-cutting words into a simpler version (and one which leaves more room for the illustrator to be imaginative.) What a lovely learning experience! And such a positive atmosphere here, too... I will miss it! =) But now I'm ready to get on with my writing--a bit more seasoned--thanks to you!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:35:29 am

Excellent, Vicki! We'll still be around once a week. :) (Tapping on your shoulder with more inspiration and support.) :)

Linda Schueler

3/29/2016 05:23:10 am

I analyzed and logged 87 picture books with still more to come. Thanks for another great ReFoReMo.

Lisa Connors link

3/29/2016 05:33:43 am

I already had a practice of going to the library to read picture books most weeks, but this challenge really upped the ante for me. In addition, seeing elements of the craft through another's eyes was quite educational for me. I read and analyzed 3-4 picture books each day. What a wonderful month!

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 01:22:58 pm

Yay! So glad!

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/29/2016 05:39:49 am

Good luck with the new site--hope the transition is super smooth!

Mary Boehmer

3/29/2016 05:43:43 am

Thank you for sharing with us! All registered and ready to roll!

Terri Degezelle link

3/29/2016 05:44:40 am

March flew by with all my reading, revising, writing and going for walks to mull it all over. An added bonus my librarian loves me. I even suggested a few new books for her to check out. Thank you for ask the effort and planning that went into this adventure.

Mike Karg link

3/29/2016 06:04:18 am

Thanks, Carrie & Kirsti!

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/29/2016 06:20:17 am

My librarians were at first puzzled, then amused, at me and my tote bag showing up once or twice a week to cart in, then out, dozens of picture books. Thanks, Carrie and Kirsti, for a month of great posts and guests. I know there is a TON of hard work behind the scenes to keep such a quality endeavor going.

Donna Cangelosi link

3/29/2016 06:20:20 am

Thank you so much for ReFoReMo! I feel recharged from all the insightful posts and dozens of mentor texts!

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/29/2016 06:24:19 am

I registered for the new site, posted about it on my FB page and copied the link although I am technically challenged all the way around so hopefully I got it right!
Thanks for this awesome event!
I have lost track of how many books I read but at the very least I read all but ten on the original list.
Now I have to go post that on the 1000 picture books in a year challenge!

Stephanie Gray

3/29/2016 06:24:19 am

I nearly set my library card on fire this month, but it was worth it!

Looking forward to checking out the new site.

PatHaap

3/29/2016 06:40:54 am

ReFoReMo was fantastic! Was happy to register for the new site!

Nancy Rimar

3/29/2016 06:45:05 am

I registered for the new site and I'm looking forward to continuing with Carrie and Kirsti.

Manju Howard

3/29/2016 06:46:07 am

Great job setting up a new ReFoReMo home so quickly!

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/29/2016 06:50:02 am

Just registered for the new website!
Congratulations everyone & much success to all!
Still catching up on reading many of the mentor texts.
Thank you Carrie & Kirsti!

Virginia Law Manning link

3/29/2016 06:53:41 am

Thank you, Carrie and Kirsti! I had a great month and definitely hope to continue reading at this accelerated pace. I'm thinking about writing a submission entry for ReFoReMo : ) Your blog has been very inspiring!

Traci Bold link

3/29/2016 07:04:08 am

Carrie and Kirsti, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to delve into research in ways I had not thought of to help me with my writing. I now have revised three stories using some of the mentor texts.

You two rock!

p.s. I like the new site.

Kathy Halsey

3/29/2016 07:11:52 am

I'll be done today. Learned so much. Thanks to all!

Alice Fulgione

3/29/2016 07:12:52 am

Thanks for a wonderful month!

Michele Manning

3/29/2016 07:13:49 am

Just registered, tweeted and ready to get to work on revising some manuscripts! Thanks for all that you do!

Denise Engle

3/29/2016 07:15:28 am

Registering for the new site! Footprints are moving forward on this journey toward book publication. Thank you!!!

Cathy Mealey

3/29/2016 07:23:48 am

Wow - in the midst of all this you arranged the launch of a new site? Incredible! Heading over to sign up now...

Lori Dubbin

3/29/2016 07:24:07 am

I'm registered and also catching up on my reading. ReFoReMo is awesome and habit forming :). Good luck with your new site!

Darlene Koppel

3/29/2016 07:25:22 am

Thank you for a month of fun and education! Looking forward to the new site.

Anita Banks

3/29/2016 07:38:01 am

WooHoo! Thank you, thank you, for an awesome month.

Amy Murrell

3/29/2016 07:39:47 am

Going to register now. This month has been great for me. I hadn't taken weekly trips to the public library in years, since having little kiddos in my home over 10 years ago. That pice alone has been delightful. I've learned a lot too. I have a manuscript very close to sending. Thank you!

Juliana Lee link

3/29/2016 07:44:35 am

Good luck on your new site, Carrie and Kirsti! I'm following via email, but I do hope you'll continue to post on FB as well.

Mary Worley

3/29/2016 07:45:07 am

Thanks for the push to read consistently. After last year's ReFoReMo, I made a goal to read a picture book or poem every day. It's a lovely habit to have. I managed to read 86 books this time around, and I still have a stack of 20 or so waiting.

Celeste Gerard

3/29/2016 07:50:15 am

What an adventure it has been. Thanks!

Jaclyn Kruzie

3/29/2016 07:58:29 am

Registered and shared! This has been a fun challenge :)

Melanie Ellsworth

3/29/2016 08:01:50 am

Learned a lot by focusing on how text leaves room for illustrations. Also used the mentor texts to help me with my how-to book structure - making sure it reads like a story rather than a list. Thanks again, Carrie and Kirsti!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:38:43 am

Wonderful new focused discoveries, Melanie! Keep exploring!

Sara Gentry

3/29/2016 08:04:15 am

I read 127 PBs. Entered each in my reading log, and decided to write down publishers, date of publication, and word count as well. Hoping to make a spreadsheet of this info. I also paid extra attention to opening and closing lines. But my favorite stat is that at one point I had 55 books checked out from the library. Couldn't believe it.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:40:37 am

Thanks for sharing, Sara! Great job! We have a fee templates for spreadsheets that people have shared in the FB group. (See the files section.) If you need help, tag me in the group.

Joanne Sher link

3/29/2016 08:12:30 am

I read, reread, and analyzed 110 picture books from your recommended list (along with maybe half a dozen to a dozen not on the list) and learned so very, VERY much. This has been a fabulous challenge for me. Thank you so VERY much!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:41:16 am

Excellent, Joanne! Keep up the great research habit! :)

mary warth

3/29/2016 08:13:56 am

Thanks again for a wonderful month. I have stacks of books all over the house, some of which I read many times. I don't want to return them all to the library. I think I'll click renew one more time!

debra daugherty

3/29/2016 08:14:39 am

The winner badge is super! Thanks for a month of learning and fun.

Linda Chavez

3/29/2016 08:24:02 am

Wow! Time for a deep breath. This has been so much fun and such a challenge. I read 103 books. Logged them all into an excel spreadsheet with noteworthy details. I've got books sitting all over my apartment. There might even be one buried in my cat's litter box (teasing!) I used this timely learning to wrap up a new manuscript and submit it for an SCBWI WIP Grant. Thanks again for this wonderful learning experience! Now I need to go find the new site!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:42:14 am

Woo hoo! 103! Keep it up, Linda! Great job!

Linda Chavez

3/29/2016 09:02:48 pm

Thank You!

Christine Rodenbour

3/29/2016 08:27:39 am

Hooray for ReFoReMo!

Andrea Mack link

3/29/2016 08:27:59 am

I completed my personal goal of reading & analyzing one book per day (all I could manage with my work & writing schedule) and I am looking forward to continuing for another couple of weeks on my own, since I still have a stack of the suggested picture books from the library. I almost didn't sign up because I didn't think I'd have the time, but I am so glad I did!! Thank you for putting this together!!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:43:43 am

I love that you set a personal goal and achieved it! Any progress is good progress and will benefit you in the long run. And now you have a regular habit created. :) Keep it up, Andrea! :)

Debbie McCue

3/29/2016 08:28:17 am

I read 115 books and wrote study sheets on many. Before I started I went from the smallest ringed binder to the next larger size for my mentor text study sheets. Now, I have written so many new sheets that it is time again for the next sized binder! I have added many picture books to my list of favorites and I'm playing with many techniques and ideas posted by the presenters. I believe all the ideas and inspiration I picked up from this month of ReFoReMo will keep me writing until March 2017!

Thank-you for making this a meaningful, worthwhile experience.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:44:25 am

Soooooo amazing to hear this! Way to go, Debbie!

Ellen Leventhal

3/29/2016 08:29:58 am

Thank you so much, Carrie and Kirsti! "Forcing" me to read so much has become a wonderful habit. I'm not sure I took as many notes as I should, (some notes were things like "great voice!" or "no art notes? Yikes!") but just reading all the books and logging them has been a great help! Good luck with your new site. Thanks!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:45:37 am

Sometimes a reread at just the right time, during targeted research, will make the pencil scratch more notes. :) Best wishes pursuing your exact needs, Ellen!

Susan Deo

3/29/2016 08:38:51 am

Carrie and Kirsti: What a month! I have read over 120 picture books, taken over 30 pages of handwritten notes and am still absorbing all I gleaned from questions, new and old books, and guides through the books. Now to writing!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:46:14 am

Wowzers! 120! Great work! Keep it up...you won't be disappointed with the results!

Sue Poduska

3/29/2016 08:42:55 am

Sharing the love with our great community.

Laura Renauld

3/29/2016 08:56:09 am

I read and took notes on 105 picture books. The ones I didn't care for were just as interesting to analyze as the books I loved! Thank you for a challenge that focuses some of our writing energy on recognizing and, ultimately crafting with, various structures, literary devices, and formats. Congrats to all!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:47:52 am

I love this reflection! Super results, Laura! Thanks for sharing!

Anita Jones link

3/29/2016 09:01:51 am

What an experience! ....and just when I thought I knew it all!! (just kidding!) I loved the reading, the mentor texts and the facebooks shares! I loved it all...and now...off to writing!!

Patricia Nozell

3/29/2016 09:03:32 am

Thank you Carrie & Kirsti for a month+ of wonderful inspiration. Why the "+"? Not only do I believe that the insights and skills gained will stay with me for much more than a month, true confession is that I have loads of catch up - ReFoReMo coincided with 2+ weeks of business/pleasure travel; while I read every day (including in Universal Theme Park, while the family rode rides), I couldn't bring along the mentor texts, several of which are still awaiting my eager eyes. I look forward to savoring these, and rereading the blog posts, over the next several weeks.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:49:44 am

Great job, Patricia! ReFoReMo is meant to become a habit, so the + is perfect! We hope you will carry it with you always, revisit often and stay connected to the weekly posts, too!

AJ Irving link

3/29/2016 09:04:07 am

Hooray for ReFoReMo! I'm looking forward to next year!

Joana Pastro

3/29/2016 09:14:16 am

Will I still be able to access ReFoReMo15 on this or the new site? I'm planning to go back and take it once I'm completely done with ReFoReMo16.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:51:01 am

Past ReFoReMos will stay on this site, Joana. :) There will also be a link to them from the new site, too. Great plan to go back and take last year's challenge, too. It's nice to do it at your own pace. :)

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/29/2016 09:16:02 am

This was a grand adventure into the world of PBs. Thanks for all you have done to make this happen!

Deborah Allmand

3/29/2016 09:17:25 am

Loved the month and can't wait for the new blog.

Lisa Morgan

3/29/2016 09:22:58 am

As a newer writer, I can say that this is the smartest thing I've done for my writing self. I can't begin to thank you, Carrie and Kristi. What a wonderful experience. THANK YOU!!!

Sue Heavenrich

3/29/2016 09:33:10 am

I read more than 100 books (stopped counting them) and, like others, took countless pages of notes. As always, learned much from closely reading - and looking at illustrations - so many picture books. Love doing this and it's something I do over the whole year, but not quite so many books at once!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:52:19 am

Yay, Sue! It is nice to do it at your own pace, isn't it? Glad to hear you have a regular habit. :) Great job!

Susan Zonca

3/29/2016 09:43:40 am

Deep bow of gratitude. Applause!

Karen Brady link

3/29/2016 10:01:31 am

Thank you for a great month of ReFoReMo! It was a fabulous way to push me to read more children's books and think about what kind of books I'd like to create myself. I read 80 books and have a list of about 40 more to still to go. Throughout the month, I discovered a true affinity for nonfiction, and a love of beautifully-illustrated literary texts. With this in mind, I feel I have a better sense of direction in terms of where I want to focus my efforts. Thank you to Carrie, Kirsti and all those who contributed to ReFoReMo!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:53:29 am

Hooray, Karen! Keep reading all year long. :) Thanks for sharing your results and best wishes achieving all your writing/illustration goals!

Joan Swanson

3/29/2016 10:08:28 am

Thank you for doing this, it helped tremendously! I have signed up for the new site and posted it on my twitter!

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/29/2016 10:11:02 am

All registered!

My wins:

Signed up and stuck with it through the end!
Read over 160 books.
Figured out how easy it is to reserve and pick up a stack of picture books online after my first super squat workout trying to pull the entire booklist in one day.
Discovered lots of new favorite picture books.
New ideas on sparse text.
Discovered inspiring new non-fiction books.
Studied lots of back matter.
Developed new ideas on voice.
Thinking deeply on the messaging in each MS.
Loved being part of an online PB community.
Discovered wise new instructors.
Feeling gratitude for all the hard work it took to put this on!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:54:21 am

Holy cow! Excellent, Sue! Way to go! Keep on truckin'!

Tracey Brown

3/29/2016 10:17:37 am

Can't wait for the new blog! Thank you, Carrie and Kirsti, and all of the wonderful mentors, for this amazing month.

Sharon Putnam

3/29/2016 10:24:34 am

I just registered at the new site. 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.

This has been a great month of reading, writing and learning. I’m a little behind in my reading as my tiny town library did not have all the books on the Reading List, but I am slowly working my way through them as they come in by Interlibrary Loan.

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

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:55:41 am

Awesome, Sharon! Awesome! Take as it comes...it's all good stuff no matter when it happens. This business has a way of waiting, doesn't it? ;)

Linda Thomas

3/29/2016 10:28:32 am

Signed up at the new blog site! Need to add up how many books I read this month...All I know is that it was many, many more than I would have without ReFoReMo! So thank you again, Carrie, Kirsti, and all the guests :-)

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/29/2016 10:28:51 am

Carrie and Kirsti, congrats on the new site!

Thanks for a wonderful month of inspiration and information. I feel excited to try some new techniques and new types of PBs, including non-fiction. The posts have helped me think about how to add lyricism to my writing and how to keep my reader in mind as I write. I think every single post this month had at least one suggestion or pearl of wisdom that was new to me. Thank you!

Carrie Charley Brown

3/29/2016 10:56:53 am

Totally awesome, Gabi! Thanks for sharing! So happy to have you in the family!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/29/2016 10:53:10 am

Just registered. Thanks!

maria gianferrari link

3/29/2016 10:59:34 am

Will check out the new site ASAP :).

Alan Elliott link

3/29/2016 11:08:14 am

Carrie and all the other talented people involved in Reforemo - thanks for your work in putting this together -- what a great experience.

Ali bovis

3/29/2016 11:10:23 am

Thanks again for an amazing month!!!! Can't wait for the new site!! What an incredible resource. Thank you for all the time and work that went into this!!

Shelley Kinder

3/29/2016 11:15:43 am

This month has been a month of learning for me, for sure. ReFoReMo was helpful in so many ways, and I'm also taking Jodell Sadler's Pacing class right now (one class to go). Thanks so much for all you have offered this month! I'm on my way now to register at the new site.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/29/2016 11:24:01 am

Just registered at the new site. I have almost made it through the list of mentor books. A few more to go! Thank you!!

Heidi Yates

3/29/2016 11:56:52 am

This was my second year participating in ReFoReMo. I continued reading throughout the year, though not at the same volume. This month I was really inspired by the posts and reading. I now have some new ideas for revisions I'm working on, plus a new manuscript rough draft. Thank you Carrie and Kirsti!

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 04:50:32 pm

Yay Heidi!!!

Donna L Martin link

3/29/2016 12:03:29 pm

I read most of the ones on the recommended list as well as about 70 others I grabbed on my weekly visits to my local branch library. They would think I'm ill if I didn't grab at least a stack or two every time I go in there...;~)

Thanks Carrie and Kristi for putting together such a great program! This is my first year participating and I've already got it on my calendar for next year...lol

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 04:51:10 pm

Whew! That's a lot of books! Glad you enjoyed ReFoReMo!

Bethany Roberts link

3/29/2016 12:11:34 pm

This was a full month! I found/read/analyzed all but 5 books on the reading list, took loads of notes, revised one manuscript, and wrote two rough drafts. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Melissa Rutigliano

3/29/2016 12:33:47 pm

I was doing research back in February in the children's section of the library when I was overheard by a mother asking the librarian questions. The mother chimed in with some advice, and then asked out of curiosity what the root of all my questions were. When I told her I was in the process of writing a children's picture book, she told me about Reforemo. Needless to say, I am so glad I happened to be in the library at that time and opened my big mouth with questions. I am thankful this kind stranger introduced me to this wonderful group! And I am thankful to you, Carrie and Kirsti! And I am feeling very proud of myself at the end of this month :)

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 01:24:32 pm

We're so glad you participated!!!

Charlotte Dixon link

3/29/2016 12:49:02 pm

Thank you Carrie and Kirsti for a great month of research and community. I have read and analyzed 51 books. I am not finished because I will keep this up on a regular basis. Thank you to the amazing gifted guests who shared with us. I have joined the new website, posted the info on my FB,Twitter, and Blog. You ladies rock!

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 01:25:15 pm

Wooo hooo!!!

Sydney O'Neill

3/29/2016 12:58:49 pm

It's been a great month for researching picture books. Thank you! Wishing you a smooth transition to the new site.

JEN link

3/29/2016 01:19:29 pm

Yay! Over 30 books read during the reading period this month. Wonderful challenge, and now I have a manuscript I believe is ready for submission!

Kirstine Call

3/29/2016 01:24:54 pm

Congrats, Jen! Doesn't it feel wonderful?

Natalie Rompella link

3/29/2016 01:24:49 pm

This challenge opened me up to the wide variety of text out there. I also found it fascinating how my children didn't always have the same favorites I did. It just goes to show how taste is subjective and why getting published is so difficult! I plan to map out concepts in my WIP and find mentor texts that will assist moving me forward.

Bev Baird

3/29/2016 01:27:22 pm

Just registered. What a great month - read so many wonderful books and blog posts. Thanks so much!

Lauri Meyers link

3/29/2016 01:58:13 pm

Exciting news!

Sandra Jenkins

3/29/2016 02:00:01 pm

I read every book on the ReFoReMo list (plus a couple dozen more) that my library has and requested they purchase the ones they don't have. I thought at this point I'd cut back on my library requests, but I there's a stack of books waiting for me to pick up. This habit is sticking! Thanks for inspiration to feed my imagination and to shape a more thoughtful journey in writing. I'm all registered on the new site. See you there!

Judy Cooper link

3/29/2016 02:04:18 pm

Here's my success: Embarrassingly, I had not ever heard the term, "mentor texts" used before I was introduced to ReFoReMo. I had often heard that it was important to be aware of what was in the pb market, but never had a strategy for actually or regularly doing it. Now I do. Thank you for such a valuable educational month.

Myrna Foster

3/29/2016 02:07:41 pm

I tried to register for your new website, but it wouldn't let me. My son's Google account kept popping up instead. I've never had that happen before. I'll try just try another time.

Myrna Foster

3/29/2016 02:10:12 pm

Never mind. When I signed him out of the account that kept popping up, it worked. :)

Keila Dawson link

3/29/2016 02:10:28 pm

When one door closes, open another one! See you on the other side!

Lynn Davidson link

3/29/2016 02:14:26 pm

I don't know how many places and how many ways I can say ReFoReMo was a positive, educational, fun experience for me. :) I learned a lot; I want to try new ways of writing a story (thanks to guest posts); I plan to rewrite a 40+ word manuscript to see how it works without "said mother" and such; I read over 80 books for this challenge and have most to analyze yet, but I'm working on that before I have to (sadly) return them to the library; I have more books on hold for me that weren't available earlier in the month, so this will continue for me for awhile yet.
This is my year of change ... and it keeps surprising me! :)

Lydia Lukidis link

3/29/2016 02:32:11 pm

This is fantastic!! I'm on the new site bow and looking forward to more posts...

Lenne' Musarra

3/29/2016 02:52:11 pm

I did ReFoIdMo in November and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't going to sign up for ReFoReMo, believing that I didn't have time. But I did it anyway, knowing that whatever I did, would be better than doing nothing. Again I am so overjoyed at being apart of a writing community that inspires and mentors writing success in todays market. We don't have to invent the wheel if we just study the details that are out there and relate that knowledge back to our "story of the moment". Thank you so much for this rich experience. I'm registered and ready to move forward.

Val M

3/29/2016 02:54:10 pm

Thanks for all the posts, reading recommendations and ideas -- totally inspiring!

Denise Benavides

3/29/2016 03:22:14 pm

Thanks for all your hard work, and for your great sense of humor :)

Suzy Leopold

3/29/2016 03:55:52 pm

This is my second year participating in ReFoReMo and I am feeling grateful and know that I have grown as a writer. Through the many excellent blog posts (written by a team of authors/illustrator/educators) and the recommended reading lists of stellar picture books, I am feeling more confident with my writing voice. Thank you, Carrie, Kirsten, Janie and the ReFoReMo faculty. The ReFoReMo badge by Lori Nawyn is so creative.

Rosie Pova

3/29/2016 04:04:20 pm

Got it and done--moved myself over to the other site :)

Robin Currie link

3/29/2016 04:11:12 pm

What a great month - read and wrote! Thank you so much!

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/29/2016 04:45:04 pm

ReFoReMo was great! It helped with a ms I had been stuck on for months. I've been taking more and more stacks of books from the library since the reading period has ended. Thank you so much for this and I can't wait for the new site to be up and running!

Angie Quantrell

3/29/2016 05:17:10 pm

Yay! We almost made it (should I tell you I am STILL waiting for a few books from the library???). I know they will come. Registered at the new site, too. Thanks for a fantastic month!

Jill Jeffries

3/29/2016 05:34:39 pm

My head is spinning! I was nearly overwhelmed with all the reading and my own writing (and the rest of my life!) But it was a great way to make reading mentor texts a part of my writing process. Thank you for all the inspirational posts. I too would like to look back at previous years' lists.

Brenda Huante

3/29/2016 06:12:14 pm

I am logged into the new site.

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/29/2016 06:33:18 pm

Ah, it's been a grand month for picture books! Let's keep the mojo flowin'. Keep the flag a-blowin'. And keep the crowd a growin'!

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/29/2016 06:43:02 pm

Hooray!

Julie Burchstead

3/29/2016 07:04:40 pm

Thanks again for a great month of inspiration that will resonate and feed my writing for the rest of the year!

Jess Townes link

3/29/2016 07:16:55 pm

Heading over to check out the new site now! I love the badge, thank you! Will add to my blog. :)

Amanda Sincavage

3/29/2016 07:23:29 pm

What a month! 172 books read, researched, and recorded. Thanks for the amazing resources, education & inspiration!

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/29/2016 07:35:40 pm

Where do I even begin??? This has been a WONDERFUL and WONDEROUS month of research, creativity, and inspiration! Even before ReFoReMo, I have been researching children's literature on a daily basis. However, being a part of ReFoReMo really spurred me on to newer heights of awareness, being introduced to different writers/illustrators and genres, and reading books I might not have picked up otherwise. I have learned that you can ALWAYS learn SOMETHING from EVERY book on the library shelves! I don't know how many books I read this month (while researching the ones on the site, I would find another . . . and then another . . . So at this point, I have lost count -- which is BEAUTIFUL!!!!). I also lost count on how many new book ideas I came up with through the inspiration I received on a daily basis. And then there are the NUMEROUS ideas on how to make my already "completed" stories even better (this especially rang true for me with so many comments on the marriage between illustration and writing, and even white space and writing). Taking part in ReFoReMo has also provided me with a "support" group. I TRULY enjoyed all the comments made on the web page, and especially the community atmosphere created on Facebook. For the first time EVER, I posted a question on Facebook, and was ASTOUNDED by the responses I received. I THANK my fellow ReFoReMoers for allowing me to learn from them during this AMAZING month! The suggestions given have opened up new ideas for me to explore in my own writing. I AM SO EXCITED to give them a go! THANK YOU! And to all those FANTASTIC writers, illustrators, editors, and publishers who took the time to inspire us with messages of encouragement and guidance -- I say a HUGE THANK YOU! Even when the blog posts were short, I learned SO MUCH! And having book recommendations from all of these different folks really gave a great array of the kinds of books out there. To see the books through the eyes of others helped me see things in a new light -- inspiring not only my research techniques, but most especially my writing and illustrating! THANK YOU!!!! And to Carrie and Kristi and everybody who helped make ReFoReMo such a success, I say THANK YOU!!!! It has truly been an INSPIRING time for me! I CAN'T WAIT for next March!!!

Maria Marshall

3/29/2016 08:02:11 pm

This has been an excellent month! I gained a few mentor texts (even one I didn't know I needed) and then discovered exactly what I needed for two other MS when I was at the library! One of the most fun aspects of ReFoReMo was having multiple posts examine one book in multiple ways. Thank you Carrie, Kristi, and all the Guests for their insight, encouragement, and challenges.

Cindy Cornwall

3/29/2016 08:21:58 pm

Registered on the new site. Will be playing catch up with a few books...and taking a mini vacation before I dive into writing/illustrating again. Thanks Carrie and folks!

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/29/2016 08:54:29 pm

I've subscribed to the new website and posted my winner badge on my website. Thanks for another year of great recommendations, posts and motivation. I can't seem to get the raffle copter to work for me, but I'll keep trying.

Cassie Bentley

3/29/2016 09:29:35 pm

Thank you so much. I've learned bunches again this year.

Dina Ticas

3/29/2016 10:28:47 pm

Again...issues with wi-fi so I'm reposting. I'm signed up of the new website. I will most definitely do this again.

Anna Forrester link

3/29/2016 10:57:33 pm

I did not keep count. But (with tail between legs) I must admit that partway through the month I began checking out books on my KIDS' library cards in addition to mine b/c it was getting hard to keep track all on one card...
Thanks guys.

Ashley Bankhead

3/29/2016 11:19:22 pm

I have learned so much from this challenge. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I was able to really focus on mentor texts that coincide with what I am working on now. It has been a very informative month.

Dee Leone link

3/29/2016 11:47:50 pm

Thank you for organizing this and for conducting the giveaways. What a great experience!

Jena Benton

3/29/2016 11:55:50 pm

Once again, I thank you for a wonderful and inspiring experience. It was my first time doing this. I foresee doing this again in the future. =)

Trine

3/30/2016 12:11:41 am

Tons of fun this month with all of you!

Claire Noland link

3/30/2016 12:48:29 am

Thank you for your generosity and encouragement. It was inspiring to read these fabulous books along with the insights of each person who wrote a post.

Rebecca Colby

3/30/2016 04:32:05 am

You gals are so generous! Thanks so much for a wonderful month of learning! I've now registered at the new site.

Lotus Ivak

3/30/2016 05:59:56 am

Registered on the new site! Thank you!

Kimberly Marcus link

3/30/2016 07:21:53 am

Happy to put the Winner! on my website. What a satisfying month. Thank you!

Linda Kujawski link

3/30/2016 08:35:35 am

Wow! Amazing work Carrie and Kirsti! I've signed up.

Karen Bell

3/30/2016 09:09:53 am

Thank you Carrie and Kristy for your hard work in putting together this month of researching children's picture books. It was quite a pace but I managed to get it done and am so glad I did! I have come away with "new eyes" when reading picture books and a renewed appreciation for the skills required to produce good children's literature.

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/30/2016 09:10:58 am

Not only did I get all this wonderful picture book study done, but I also got amazing photos of my new kitten with stacks of picture books. Fun all month and beyond!

Lauren Kerstein link

3/30/2016 09:39:13 am

Thank you for an enriching month! I truly appreciate all of your hard work and dedication!

Anne Appert link

3/30/2016 09:45:30 am

This was a fantastic experience. I still have a pile of books to read! I was introduced to books I may never have just picked off the shelf, and I learned so much from all of them. Thank you so much for organizing this month!

Valarie Giogas

3/30/2016 11:32:10 am

Yay team. Thank you so much to everyone for your hard work - especially Kristi & Carrie.

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/30/2016 11:41:18 am

Thank you for a wonderful and challenging month! The rewards of this month's reading are already showing in my writing.

Martin Segal link

3/30/2016 11:57:41 am

Thank you for an amazing month, Carrie and Kirsti! I discovered a lot of new authors and books through ReFoReMo this year (too many to name!). I think I averaged about 2 books per day, I'm looking forward to going back to the posts from this year and last year and reading more texts :)

Katelyn Aronson

3/30/2016 12:16:35 pm

Awesome! THANKS for everything!!

sue twiggs

3/30/2016 01:38:41 pm

wow! I have pages annotating all these great PB's and I know much more about the genre's too.thanks

Lynn Alpert link

3/30/2016 03:00:29 pm

Thank you both for the great event (and the kick in the pants it gave me on my new story!)

Brook Gideon link

3/30/2016 05:18:17 pm

What an amazing month!! I read 115 mentor texts and have one more on the way to the library. That will be all of the 116 different books recommended by all of the participants over the month! I've learned so much and cannot wait to apply it to my writing. Thanks to each and every one of you and especially Kristi and Carrie!!

Christie Allred link

3/30/2016 05:19:04 pm

May you have no tech glitches on your new site! :)

Noelle McBride

3/30/2016 06:28:55 pm

Thank you all so much for your support this month. Life changing!

Ann Magee

3/30/2016 06:38:19 pm

So many new books on my library reserve list. I can't tell if the librarians love me or hate me :) You have instilled a wonderful new habit for us all.

Carol Cole link

3/30/2016 07:06:38 pm

I've registered for the new site and am looking forward to next year. This has been an incredible month. I was able to find at least 99% of the books at the library system near me - had to go to at least 6 different libraries. I'v learned a lot and am already putting ideas into practice with my stories.
Thank you again for all the valuable information.

Holly Samson Hall

3/30/2016 07:09:22 pm

I'm registered and looking forward to new updates. Thank you!

Lisa Williams

3/30/2016 10:16:56 pm

Registered! Thanks!

Kristen Browning

3/31/2016 10:30:11 am

Love the badge and can't wait to put it on my developing website. Sorry I missed out on the prizes, but very happy to have completed the challenge. Thanks for all of your hard work and thanks to all of the author/educators who provided such inspiring posts.

Therese Nagi

4/5/2016 05:35:13 am

I'm registered!

ReFoReMo Day 29: Carrie and Kirsti Celebrate with You! Plus, a Giveaway!

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