I'm in the middle of NaPiBoWriWee so there's no time to talk!!!

Actually I do have a little bit of time because I'm shocked to say National Picture Book Writing Week is getting a little bit easier. In this my third year of NaPi, I cooked for my family twice (so far) and cleaned the house yesterday! (usually we fall into a state of squalor during this week)

NaPiBoWriWee is a challenge to write 7 PBs in 7 days with Paula Yoo and guest posts to inspire you. This year's theme is diversity in kidlit. Even if you can't participate in the challenge stop in and read some of the posts. If they don't grease your writing axle, I don't know what will.

5 Reasons NaPi is easier this year

I have notebooks of ideas from PiBoIdMo and my wanderings throughout the year.

I'm less chicken about research which I've learned even the most fictional picture books still require some digging.

I have a better handle on picture book structure. So these early drafts are like puzzles - get the frame done, sort the colors, and call it a good start.

I don't freak out when my mind goes in a MG direction. I enjoy writing MG and no one cares if a MG short story slips in there with my PB drafts.

Most importantly, I've accepted that I'm a really ugly first draft writer. Of course accepting this means accepting the following months (years) of editing.

Knowing how you write makes you feel a little more comfortable in your skin. 

I better get back to draft 5!