It's the start of a new year and with that comes new year's resolutions. I'm not usually big on new year's resolutions but I decided to take some time this new year to sit down and think about where I'd like my writing and illustration career to be in one year's time. I've written down four goals (complete with monthly milestones!) that will help me advance as a writer and illustrator in 2026.
- Write twelve new manuscripts: I've joined 12x12 for the 4th year and I'm going to make this year the one where I buckle down and actually write 12 manuscripts. They don't have to be submission-ready, or even good. They can be first drafts so bad that I'm too embarrassed to show my critique partners, but I'm going to write them. In order to help me actually accomplish this goal, I've also committed to completing Storystorm this January, that way I have a list of ideas to use as starting points for when writers block enevitably hits. I learned about Storystorm a few years ago but I always remember it's a thing in like... March. I'm excited to be participating along with all the other writers this year.
- Create twelve new illustrations: I need to get back in the habit of creating pieces for my portfolio. Between the baby and finishing two books, I was completly consumed in 2024 and a little burnt out in 2025. I didn't create much new art and I feel like my portfolio's become a little stale. Any finished, portfolio-worthy piece counts here. I'm planning to work on some new book dummies (although I haven't made a specific goal for that because it seems too daunting). Finished pieced for my dummies count. I plan to leverage some of the monthly prompts put out by SCBWI for the Draw This! challenge as inspiration, and I want to create some pieces just for fun.
- Read 60 new picture books: I want to read at least 5 new picture books a month to expand my knowlege of what's current in publishing and help me improve my skills as a writer. I want to focus on books that have come out in the last year or two, but older books still count towards my goal, as long as they're new titles to me and I take the time to read them with a critical eye. This goal will get easier as my daughter is quickly growing into the picture book age range and wants to start every morning with a book. I'm excited to learn through reading and share my love of picture books with her.
- Get one book deal: This one's a hail mary, and I'll admit, not completly within my control to complete, but I'm putting it out there anyway.
If you see me at an event or around the internet this year, hold me accountable and ask me how my goals are coming along! I've started a little notebook for my goals and Storystorm ideas that I'll use throughout the year to draft, take notes, and write down my thoughts. I can't wait to see ALL my little boxes checked off in twelve months time!
