2018 Successes
Each year, I love to reflect on all the things that I’ve done. For the past several years, I have participated in Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas for Writers program. It’s a great way to reflect on the year that has passed. Each year we make a list of SUCCESSES instead of resolutions. To see previous posts from years past, click on the year.
2016–I skipped this year.
Big, Big Exciting News for 2018
1. I got an agent. In May, I signed with Roseanne Wells of Jennifer De Chiara Agency!!!!
2. I did 7 work-for-hire books this year.
Three books are supplementary titles for some educational materials.
Four books in a series are forthcoming in February 2019 from Children’s Press, a school library imprint of Scholastic.
3. I sold a picture book! More information on that is forthcoming very soon (stay tuned).
4. I made money from book sales and speaking engagements!
By the Numbers
5 new picture book manuscripts written.
6 picture books manuscripts revised (most of them multiple times)
5 revisions on my YA novel in progress (and more to come)
28 submissions
14 rejections
7 writing workshops (SCBWI NYC annual conference, SCBWI Mid-Atlantic, 3 workshops at the Writer’s Center)
2 writing retreats
17 webinars
7 Research Trips (local and farther away)
397 picture books read (not including what I read at school for my day job)
65 middle grade books read
20 YA books read
8 NF adult books read
19 Writing Craft books read
22 Adult books read
1 morning spent getting professional headshots done
Presentations
1. I was a keynote speaker at the Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute at Roanoke College. I was honored to be asked to speak about writing.
2. Meighan Sharp and I directed our 5th Hollinsummer Writing Program!
3. I did a full day of workshops at my former school on writing.
4. Moira Rose Donohue and I presented at FAME (Florida Association of Media Educators) on Nonfiction Writing.
Professional Community
1. Storystorm participant
3. Attended 6 different book launch or bookish events for friends
4. Participate in a critique group
5. Volunteer as the speaker care coordinator and the nonfiction event coordinator for our region’s SCBWI
6. Guest Blogger for ReFoReMo and Picture Book Summit
* ReFoReMo post on Big Ideas: Deep Concept Books
* Margarita Engle Author Study Blog Post
* Picture Book Summit Author Study on Kate McMullan
* Picture Book Summit Author Study on LeUyen Pham
* Picture Book Summit Author Study on David Shannon
I’ve been writing diligently for many years, and sometimes it’s hard to see if any of the work is paying off at all. I still have so much I want to do as a writer, but I can honestly say that today I am a better writer than I was in December 2017.
My mantra for 2018 was RUTHLESS REVISION. I’ve done a TON of revision this year. I look forward to 2019. There will be lots of words written, even more words revised, and hopefully, even more good news.
What are you celebrating as we close out 2018?
16 Comments
Tina Cho
A great list! Congrats on having an agent + your wfh books!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Tina!! 🙂
Julie A Hedlund
What an amazing and inspiring list, Marcie! And your headshot is beautiful. Thank you for sharing!!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thanks, Julie! The 12 Days of Christmas for Writers is always a highlight of the end of my year.
Stacy Jensen
Love this post and all you have accomplished. Looking forward to your stay tuned news too!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thanks, Stacy! I’m looking forward to the stay-tuned news too. 🙂
Renee LaTulippe
Brava, Marcie! I’m exhausted just reading this list, but awed by your dedication and determination. Onward to great things!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thanks, Renee! 🙂
Kathy Halsey
Marcie, wow, you got all that wiring done, all that reading, all those workshops and webinars, and were a speaker, too, AND you still have a day job. YOU are a success! You are one of my writing heroines. Love yo new headshot and CAN NOT WAIT to here about this PB deal!!! 2019 is the year of MARCIE. WOOT
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thanks, Kathy! Thanks for being such an enthusiastic supporter and friend!
Laura Purdie Salas
Congratulations, Marcie, on everything! I love your Roundup post. I might steal that idea, if it’s ok with you? I love numbers and lists like that!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Absolutely! I did it based on Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas for Writers. Feel free! I can’t wait to read your list!
Joanne R. Fritz
LOVE this post, Marcie! You are one inspiring woman! And I agree with your friend Rene — this list wore me out just reading it. SO happy you sold a picture book, AND got an agent. Congratulations! Because of my illness I did no writing this year at all, but I’m determined to get back to it in 2019. Happy New Year!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Joanne, I wish you health and happiness this year!
Teresa Robeson
That is a long and impressive list of accomplishments, Marcie! I am certain 2019 will be just as successful for you!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thanks, Teresa! I’m looking forward to 2019!!