Congratulations to all of you who have made it to the halfway point in the 12 x 12 in 2012 challenge. I know I'm proud of myself, so you should be too.
Some months were easier than others, and I wish I had the time to really polish each manuscript each month rather than just squeak out a first draft in most cases. But it's an accomplishment.
Last year at this time I had just one finished draft under my belt that I had been working on for the previous two years. This year I have 3 polished manuscripts, at least 2 other revised manuscripts and a handful of first drafts too. Then there's last year's idea pool from the PiBoIdMo challenge. I'm not sure I'll feel like a 'real' writer even when that first book gets published, but I no longer sit down to write feeling like a complete imposter.
If you're doing the challenge, congratulations. And keep on going. More stories are waiting.
Isn't it great to look back on where you were last year compared to this year? I sure think so! Thanks for partying with me and for joining the challenge!
Posted by: Julie Hedlund | July 01, 2012 at 05:19 PM
You are, most definitely, a "real" writer. You've accomplished a lot! And you're writing, consciously and conscientiously -- that makes you a writer, does it not?
Happy Half-Way There, and here's to the next six months!
Posted by: Beth Stilborn | July 01, 2012 at 06:25 PM
Congratulations, Gina, on all your accomplishments!
Posted by: Tina Cho | July 01, 2012 at 09:22 PM
You should be proud. I am excited to feel like a writer! It's hard for me to say to someone that I'm a writer because they want to know what books I have written...and by written...they mean, what's published! Nothing! But I get to hang out with all of you who know how hard we writers work! 12 x 12 is just what I need and so is the support I feel from fellow 12 x 12ers! Party!!!!!
Posted by: Penny Klostermann | July 01, 2012 at 11:57 PM
good job keep going!
Posted by: corrine | July 02, 2012 at 12:48 AM
Keep going!!! I love how so many have accomplished so much more after discovering 12x12in2012 Picture Book Challenge! Wishing you a very productive second half!
Posted by: Sheri | July 02, 2012 at 08:54 AM
Ah, but the imposter thing doesn't go away, even when you're published. It just changes it's tune and sounds something like this: It was a fluke you ever got published, some day they'll figure out you can't really write, that's the last good idea you'll ever have... So, welcome to the club! Writers are people who write!
Posted by: Deb Lund | July 02, 2012 at 03:49 PM
That is great that you've grown over the years. That is a mark of a writer! Congrats!
Posted by: Romelle Broas | July 02, 2012 at 04:42 PM
I have many manuscripts written but none of them are polished yet. Congrats on getting so far! :) Happy Halfway! :)
Posted by: Rebecca Fyfe | July 02, 2012 at 06:11 PM
Wow. I'm blown away by the support from the 12 x 12 gang. Thank you. I'm proud to be part of this new club, fellow writers!
Posted by: Gina | July 02, 2012 at 08:51 PM
What a difference a year makes! Congratulations.
Posted by: HeatherNewman12 | July 02, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Gina, I understand about the imposter thing .. I am very selective about who I tell that I write. :)
You are doing great. Don't stop believing.
Posted by: Lynn A. Davidson | July 03, 2012 at 12:14 AM
Hi Gina...no imposter are you!!!!
It's lovely to connect with you via 12x12...thanks again, Julie, for making this all possible. :)
Is that your artwork on your banner? If so, you are AMAZING! Sometimes it is difficult to believe in yourself...perhaps that is one of the best things about a challenge like 12x12...it links you up with a group of supporters who cheer you on...Hip hip hurray!!!!
Best of luck in the second half and happy writing!
Posted by: Vivian Kirkfield | July 03, 2012 at 02:13 PM
I think pb writers feel like imposters because it is so much fun, how can it be work and yet it is really hard. Congrats!
Posted by: Catherine Johnson | July 03, 2012 at 03:50 PM
Amen to what everyone else has echoed here...and your own excellent advice, keep on going!
Posted by: Carter Higgins | July 03, 2012 at 09:02 PM