I hope you’re finding 2025 as a time of new beginnings and finding ways to encourage those who need it…and ask for help when you’re in need.
Typical for me, the month of January has been full of work and emotions. I am also trying to be more intentional with my phone usages and scroll less—while also pursuing quiet. On social media, I recently shared some good books I had recently finished—along with my first woven creation: a basket. It’s small and quite imperfect, but it’s also sturdy and my first try.
(Here’s what I shared about the books in the stack. From the bottom up...
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright. I love her suspense books! Always recommend!
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark comer helped me to consider more of what I already knew: I need to slow down and put the phone down. Interestingly, I was a couple chapters into this book when my pastor mentioned a different book by Comer.
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace is a book I read every year and can't get enough of. This time I'm preparing for a book discussion, too! Cannot wait!
The Other Side of Tomorrow by and illustrated by JJ Lee is the very first graphic novel I've read. I loved it though it was at times a difficult read. Korea is a complicated place to be, and the story takes place there. I believe this is Tina's first non-picture book. This is middle grade. Can't wait for more!
Forge by has been on my list for years! I can't believe it took me this long to read a book set in the Valley Forge winter camp from the Revolutionary War. I learned this is part of a series. Yes, I want to read more! This is a middle grade historical fiction book.
A basket: I made my very first coil basket! It's definitely not perfect, and I still have a lot to learn, but I enjoyed making it. I don't know how long it took me to make it, but definitely more than ten hours. I'm guessing between 15-20...and it's the size of a candy bowl! (I learned from YouTube!)
Behind-the-Scenes
During January, I submitted my historic middle grade proposal two to editors who expressed interest in seeing the topic explored as a middle grade after they saw the project as a picture book when my former agent submitted it. I also shared it with a bonus editor who I have worked with on other projects. One editor has already kindly rejected it. So now I wait.
I’d love to send it to more editors, but right now I’m quite busy fulfilling contracts for some work-for-hire books. (I suspect I’ll be saying this all year.) This week I’m beginning the research for a project that I am co-authoring in the same series I’ve written three other books for. (This will be my first co-writing experience!)
And the school visit season is underway which will keep me busy. Currently, I have visits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey scheduled. I also have plans for some librarian conferences—including in Erie, Pennsylvania and Houston, Texas.
I haven’t shared a hint of this on social media: A few weeks ago, I was contacted by an organization who told me I won an award (the type where you need to give an acceptance speech). I am absolutely thrilled and honored to receive this award. The writing life can be quite difficult, for so many reasons. I actually cried and cried when I learned about the award. I look forward to sharing more here when the award is public.
If you’re looking to learn more about getting kidlit writing assignments, I’m teaching a workshop of interest. AND it’s only $10…including replay…at https://www.athomeauthor.com/monthly-webinars .
Celebrate Curiosity
Have you heard any owl calls recently? We’re most likely to hear them in the late winter. That’s when they’re most vocal as they defend their territories and call to potential mates.
Good to Know
As writers, we must submit W9s to get paid for some projects and events. If you’re like me and don’t want to share your social security number, you can get an Employee Identification Number in just a couple of minutes. Use this on your W9 instead of your SSN. Learn more>> https://www.irs.gov/businesses/employer-identification-number
If you want to learn more about writing nonfiction for children, I HIGHLY recommend you sign up (by subscribing) for NF Fest. Every February they share huge amounts of information with writers. It’s like a free writing conference—all in your inbox. Learn more» https://www.nffest.com/
My Recent Blog Posts
How to Create Writing Samples for the Educational Market>> https://www.annettewhipple.com/2025/01/how-to-write-samples-for-educational.html
My Year as an Author (or how I spent my year working)>> https://www.annettewhipple.com/2025/01/an-authors-year-writing-2024.html
45 Activities for Little House on the Prairie>> https://www.wildercompanion.com/2025/01/45-activities-for-little-house-on.html
Upcoming Schedule
Where will I be? Maybe in your community? I love to excite all ages about literacy, science, and history. Schools, libraries, and community groups have been thrilled with my presentations. Can I help your group celebrate curiosity? Contact me now for future events!
February 3: Hopewell Elementary, Oxford, PA
February 7: Wrightstown Elementary School, Newtown, PA
February 11: Get Your Foot in the Door: Work-for-Hire Writing, online
February 28: Penn Bernville Elementary School, Bernville, PA
March 3: Newell Elementary, Allentown, NJ
March 4: Charles Street School, Palmyra, NJ
March 5: Jordan Bank Kindergarten Center, Oxford, PA
March 5: Elk Ridge Elementary, Oxford, PA
April 1: TLA, Houston, TX
April 4: PSLA, Erie, PA
July 13: Barnes and Noble, Vestal, NY
July 14-18: Montrose Christian Writers Conference, Montrose PA
September 6: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA
Thanks so much for reading and celebrating curiosity with me!
Happy reading! Happy writing!
Annette
Connect with Annette Whipple
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