Testimonials
Hear From Members!
The 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge has changed the trajectory of the lives and careers of many picture book creators. Hear how in this video.
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Scholarship Recipient Success
More than half of 12 x 12 scholarship recipients have gone on to sign with agents and publish books. Hear about a few of their journeys in this video.
“What stands out for me about 12 x 12 are the comprehensive resources and being a part of a supportive kidlit community. Through 12 x 12, I’ve raised the level of my craft and met other writers to swap critiques and cheer successes. It’s telling that very experienced and successful writers are active, long-time members. There’s something for everyone no matter where you are in your writing career.”
Leah Schanke
2021 Scholarship Recipient
“At face value, setting a big writing goal and pursuing it in a public arena can be daunting. But there is no one way to engage with a writing community—the key is to start engaging, because you never know what will cross your path. A single writing friend you make, a needed confidence boost for your manuscript at the right moment, or one little nugget of gold from a guest presenter—any of these could be just the thing you didn’t know you needed for the next leg of your journey. They certainly were for me! 12 x 12 was the perfect gathering place of talented, like-minded, generous people to make those discoveries possible.”
Jack Wong
2021 Scholarship Recipient
“I truly appreciate your generosity in awarding me one of the 12 x 12 scholarships. It has kept me and my writing journey afloat while taking time to think of what extras I could afford since my husband’s death. For me, 12 x 12 will continue to be a gift from me to me. I hope one day to pay it forward to help another writer in need.”
Mona Pease
2021 Scholarship Recipient
I can say, without a doubt, that I would not have written all these picture book manuscripts if it hadn’t have been for 12×12. I might have done one, maybe two, but certainly not four. I am so excited to write up eight more. Some will stink, but if just one of them has enough promise to turn into a submittable manuscript, it’ll be worth it. Also, I’m sure my critique group appreciates not having to read the same story every single round!”
Julie Falatko
“I love 12×12 and can’t wait to do it again next year! I got a whole slew of ideas from Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo, plus I had a whole bunch of manuscripts already in progress, so between the two it’s been a busy year with 12×12! I came up with 5 or 6 brand new manuscripts, and spent the rest of the year revising 3 or 4 others. I queried most of the agents (with a few nice comments in return, but no takers), but loved that I could send my work out and see if anything stuck. I also started an online picture book critique group which has been fabulous. I purchased Writing Pictures Books by Ann Whitford Paul, read all of Julie’s posts, worked with the other writers, followed Emma Hamilton’s advice, and YES indeed I believe my writing has improved a lot this year – in fact, I think I’ve improved more this year than is the last several combined. Thank you so much, 12×12!”
Deb Dunn
“I wrote 11 Picture Book manuscripts/drafts this year thanks to 12 x 12. I also polished up a couple of old ones thanks to what I learned from my 12 x 12 buddies. Sending off submissions is something completely new to me and I couldn’t have gained the confidence to do so without my world of 12 x 12 buddies…I am so pleased I joined this group and could stop talking to myself. There is only so much one can say to oneself to motivate and inspire –thank goodness for you guys.”
Jacque Duffy
