Just 11 DAYS left until #12x12PB opens for 2025! The countdown continues with prizes thru 1/9. To win today's prize - a set of 12 x 12 pens, comment before midnight ET and tell us whether you write your first #picturebook drafts by hand or on a device/computer. #kidlit #kidlitart - ThreadSky

12x12challenge.bsky.social • 60 days ago

Just 11 DAYS left until #12x12PB opens for 2025! The countdown continues with prizes thru 1/9. To win today's prize - a set of 12 x 12 pens, comment before midnight ET and tell us whether you write your first #picturebook drafts by hand or on a device/computer. #kidlit #kidlitart

Comments

kimsz11.bsky.social•60 days ago

google docs by computer

garwuprivacypublications.com•60 days ago

There are 2 of us at GarWu. One writes only online and the other writes in a notebook first and then transfers to our shared online documents. 😂 #kidlit #PB #Picturebook

bsenenman.bsky.social•59 days ago

Depends on where inspiration hits. If I'm out of the house, by hand. Otherwise, my trusty computer.

jennmoudahi.bsky.social•60 days ago

I usually write in a google doc so I can type from my computer or phone. If I have a thought, I can quickly make a note/edit in the doc no matter where I am!

theliahutchinson.bsky.social•60 days ago

I use my laptop

angelgan.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write my first picture book drafts by hand =)

artgardner.bsky.social•60 days ago

I do the same!

chelseybahe.bsky.social•60 days ago

By hand. I need pen and paper for my brain to work.

lisafurness.bsky.social•59 days ago

Both! Depends on the story and how it comes to me.

svapnasabnis.bsky.social•60 days ago

I do my first draft by hand. Sometimes I start with illustrations. I had painted this picture of my mom and my son and it gave me an idea for my WIP “When You Were New” #authorillustrator #pb #kidlit #kidlitart #historicalfiction #partitionofindia

12x12challenge.bsky.social•60 days ago

What a sweet illustration!

svapnasabnis.bsky.social•60 days ago

Thank you. This started my very first picture book manuscript. Now all I need is an agent :)

ljrwritenow.bsky.social•60 days ago

Laptop 💻
I may have notes on paper, or write things out later but what I call a first draft is always on my laptop. #12x12PB #kidlit

monicaacker1.bsky.social•60 days ago

Usually my first drafts are written on the computer but sometimes I mix it up and write something new out by hand. The first draft of BRAVE LIKE MOM was typed into the notes app on my phone!

laurimeyers.bsky.social•59 days ago

By hand!

winikat.bsky.social•60 days ago

I'm definitely a notebook kind of writer, especially for things that have rhythm, rhyme, and meter. I'll write prose on a laptop in a first draft, but anything that needs lilt needs the physical rhythm of the pen on the paper.

shristivaidya.bsky.social•60 days ago

Always on my device… but sometimes I jot down ideas or brainstorm story structure on paper 🥰

ilonakidscribe.bsky.social•60 days ago

Laptop. At least I no longer need to use voice-activated software, since I definitely think through my fingers.

jessieleh.bsky.social•60 days ago

I do a sort of hybrid of hand writing, drawing and laptop.

vschultz.bsky.social•60 days ago

By hand with colorful pens!

gingerburke.bsky.social•60 days ago

I start with notes, but I don't think I've ever finished a draft on paper. It doesn't seem to come together until I start typing.

emilystarr.bsky.social•60 days ago

Laptop! Hand cramps are a real thing...though so is carpal tunnel from too much typing. :-)

heroncovedsw.bsky.social•59 days ago

Like so many others, I do both. While traveling or away from my desk I keep a notebook handy. There is something about the direct mind to hand connection holding a pen or pencil that often speaks loudly. At home, I will go either way, depending on how flushed out my idea is at the time.

faeriescout.bsky.social•60 days ago

I will jot down notes by hand when I have thoughts about a story. I write my first draft on my laptop.

wyszguy70.bsky.social•60 days ago

Always by hand, because a pen and paper are easy to transport anywhere. My typed versions are my "revisions."

rachelgozhansky.bsky.social•60 days ago

My first drafts are a little bit of both hand written and computer. I do a lot of revising/rewriting/trying alternatives as I write so there may be 10 versions before I have a completed first draft.

thefelttippen.bsky.social•59 days ago

Both!! It just depends on my mood and location! But, if I'm using my paper notebook, I'm definitely using a Flair Pen -- hence my social media name!

paljes.bsky.social•60 days ago

I have used the Notes app on my iPhone for many of my manuscripts. I have my phone with me all the time and inspiration does not follow a schedule 😊 I then transfer the draft to my laptop and take it from there.

karanewhouse.bsky.social•60 days ago

Definitely by hand! The beauty of picture books being short :)

robynnhyde.bsky.social•60 days ago

Always via device - usually my PC so I can type it out!

santiagocasares.bsky.social•60 days ago

I used to do it by hand, but lately it’s been in my phone/ipad 😬

cvblais.bsky.social•60 days ago

I've done both. Sometimes, my hand can't keep up with my brain and I can't read my own writing when I go back to it. So, typing on my computer proves safer for me.

katepetroskey.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write on a laptop. I find the words flow faster that way.

jessicafgwrites.bsky.social•60 days ago

Typically on the computer, though I’ll jot the start of a manuscript anywhere (notebook, phone notes, restaurant napkin) if that’s not an option!

vanessakaybooks.bsky.social•60 days ago

Usually by hand - BUT sometimes if an idea strikes and I’m already at a computer, I’ll open a new Word doc or email to myself and get typing!!

cherylajohnson.bsky.social•60 days ago

I used to do my 1st draft by hand, but I now do it all on my laptop.

acknoyes.bsky.social•60 days ago

Both! But typically by hand for draft #1 feels more organic.

anneleblanc2.bsky.social•60 days ago

I use a computer!

sarahmead.bsky.social•59 days ago

Ideas and drafts are always written by hand (usually in a car or at an orthodontist while waiting for one of my kids) and then I'll type it out and send to CPs. But revisions are usually by hand too during critique sessions and then polishing happens on the computer. 🥰

buchetbooks.bsky.social•60 days ago

Device! Unless it's summer & I'm poolside; no one likes a wet tablet. #12x12PB #kidlit

thoggatt.bsky.social•58 days ago

Always on the laptop - I had a hand injury that I only got addressed a year and a half ago so it's habit. And somehow it's easier for me.

mpray495.bsky.social•59 days ago

I take notes by hand but I do draft my PBs via my computer.

kimlyoungwrites.bsky.social•60 days ago

Pen and notebook!

mcusolito.bsky.social•59 days ago

Always pen. Specifically a Pilot P700. Black.

mcusolito.bsky.social•59 days ago

Oh, no! That's a lie! I wrote my first really bad draft of FLYING DEEP in the notes app on my phone. I was out for a walk when inspiration hit and I had forgotten my notebook and pen.

sburdorf.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write on the computer then print it and edit it by hand on paper

ronnidiamondstein.bsky.social•60 days ago

I always write by hand.

gigimatlack.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write my first drafts on my laptop. Then make sketches to see who those characters really are!

afrancis211.bsky.social•60 days ago

By hand… and in cursive 🫣

mermaidwriter.bsky.social•60 days ago

On a computer. Typing or dictating.

mvickers3.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write all my picture book drafts by hand. Thanks, Melanie Vickers

karilavellewrites.bsky.social•59 days ago

If it's wordier nonfiction, I'm on my computer. I love starting drafts by hand though - the possibilities of the blank space!

bethvolkmann.bsky.social•60 days ago

By hand 100% of the time. 😊

patbrownbooks.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write my first draft on the computer, but I would love these pens! 🥰

robertagibson.bsky.social•60 days ago

By hand is the only way. Once I have an idea, then I mind map. Mind maps are best freehand. After that, I make word lists to get the vocabulary in place. Finally, a draft, all by hand.

jpuglow.bsky.social•60 days ago

I write my ideas in a hand-crafted curiosity journal and write my drafts in Google Drive docs.

janycampana.bsky.social•60 days ago

By Hand -- Of Course!

meilinc.bsky.social•60 days ago

Both! If I'm drafting to explore, I do it by hand. If I have the shape of the story in my head before the first word, I do it on computer 🙂.

mornasg.bsky.social•60 days ago

I typically story map first. Mind you I have not gotten disciplined enough to have a consistent method of recording those lightbulb ideas YET ( using notebooks and post its) but I story map and then go to the laptop. For some reason the paper, the mapping and the strong visuals are key for me.

jennberney.bsky.social•60 days ago

I do both!

auntaly.bsky.social•60 days ago

notes & first draft (or at least the bulk of the first draft) is written by hand. then the rest is on my computer!

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