Inspiration | Cathy C. Hall Writes

You know how kids LOVE the do-over? With the way 2009 started, I’m thinking kids are onto something with the do-over.

I started the New Year with my computer being on the fritz, so it was pretty bleak around F & K…and pretty much everywhere else in my vicinity. On the upside, I managed to get sorta organized. And along those lines, I set my writing goals. Take a look at a few of my 2009 goals. Find one you like and keep it for yourself!

1. Keep up with trends in children’s writing by reading newsletters instead of waiting for them to pile up in the inbox (and then deleting them). Hint: Try Publisher’s Weekly or Library Journal for up-to-date publishing news.

2. Consider the benefits of joining a professional organization. (Is it time for me to give up winning a free membership and just pay the darn fee? ) Hint: See the biggest organization of them all: SCBWI.

3. Network, network, network. (But write, write, write, first) . Hint: Check out Jacketflap, the social network for children’s writers, illustrators, publishers and editors.

I think that’s enough to get us all started. Hopefully, we won’t need a do-over by February.

I’ve got a warm, good-all-over feeling right now. And, no. It’s not because I’ve won…or had an acceptance from a new market. But it does have something to do with writing.

E!Networks has teamed up with a bunch of wonderfully gifted children’s book illustrators to make a wish come true for fragile and ill children. And all you have to do is send an e-card with one of these illustrators’ wonderfully whimsical drawings.

Let’s see if I can remember a few. I sent Olivia the pig to my bohemian friend, Blake. (Thanks, Ian Falconer!). I sent a fiddling grasshopper to my librarian friend, aj. (Thanks, Eric Carle!) And I sent a blue, snowy scene to my water color artist friend, Deb. (Thanks, Debra Frasier!)

There are lots more cards that you can send, absolutely free! All you have to do is check them out at the E!Networks site here. Add you own message and send a card to your friends. You’ll be sending a chunk of change to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, courtesy of E!

You know, I just noticed I added three exclamation points in that last paragraph. But I guess that’s just how awesome this idea is! (Oops. There I go again)