Recharging in the New Year

by Christine Liu-Perkins
 
​Are you finding it hard to get back into writing like I am? After the holidays, traveling, a mild case of Covid-19, and several rejections, my writing brain is unfocused and under-motivated. How to get recharged? Here's some things I'm doing that might help you, too.

• Take stock of your writing life. Where are you now and where would you like to be? What can you do to close the gap between the two? If you could only complete one project this year, which one would it be?

 

• If you find keeping resolutions or goals frustrating, consider Allison K. Williams' suggestions on making small steps or try something like Jennifer Swanson's FUN Fridays.

 

• Discover new mentor texts. Here's links to some end-of-the-year "Best Books" lists where you can identify titles for inspiration: 
  • Betsy Bird's "31 Days, 31 Books" lists, including multiple categories of nonfiction
  • School Library Journal Best Nonfiction 2021
  • Orbis Pictus Award
  • NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12
  • Horn Book Fanfare (scroll down for nonfiction)
  • Kirkus Reviews Best YA Nonfiction, Best YA Biography and Memoir, Best Middle-Grade Nonfiction, Best Middle-Grade History, Best Picture-Book Biographies and Best Informational Picture Books

 

• Add to your craft skills. Choose a book and practice its suggestions, maybe together with your critique group. Or sign up for a workshop or a webinar or a conference; here's a few to consider:
  • Highlights Foundation Workshops
  • SCBWI Regional Virtual Events, Digital Workshops, or the Winter Conference
  • The Writing Barn Workshops

 

• Don't forget Nonfiction Fest, starting February 1. Join in for a full month of inspiration, education, and support!

 

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