Happy New Year, Everyone!
I find something energizing about January first, don't you? It's a lot like a blank page - a fresh start full of possibilities!
At the beginning of the New Year, I feel inspired to try new things... and totally overload myself with projects and commitments of all kinds :) Everything seems so interesting! I've got a number of school/library/book festival visits scheduled already. I'm taking an 8 week writing course starting a week from today. I'm going to do the Picture Book Marathon in February, and PiBoIdMo again in November, and I intend to write at least one novel this year (do not laugh!) in addition to my usual writing. Plus the blog. Plus the marketing/publicity work that mid-listers like me find it important to pursue. Plus my writing group. Plus life in general. I hope you're beginning to understand my fondness for caffeine :)
But now I've found another fun, worthwhile thing to do and I invite you all to join me! A couple of my fellow bloggers are doing it, or did it last year. Over on Home Girl's Book Blog a 100 Book Challenge is being issued. The Goal: read at least 100 books this year! The challenge says any book counts, including crossovers from other challenges should you happen to be doing any. I plan to stick to picture books, MGs and YAs because that's what I write (or hope to!)
Here's my theory: yes, reading is time-consuming, but if you're going to write, there's an awful lot you can learn from reading talented authors in the genres you're interested in. For me, making a serious attempt at a MG or YA novel can only be helped by learning from example. Also, it gives me a good excuse to read a lot of great books :)
So who's with me? Anyone else want to give it a try? Eventually, when I figure out how, I'll put a button in the sidebar, but for now, the link above will work. Comment below if you decide you're in - I'd love to have some company! I don't know if I'll make 100, but I plan to give it my best shot. I'm thinking of starting with Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater. Right after I finish this post. And do some writing. And laundry. And take the dogs for an outing. And make a fresh pot of coffee :)
