OMG! Today is the LAST DAY before #12x12PB opens! Our grand finale prize is a pro #picturebook critique from one of our 12 x 12 Critique Ninjas. Comment to win. Members: Share something you've learned from a CN critique. Nonmembers: Do you have a critique group? #kidlit - ThreadSky

12x12challenge.bsky.social • 50 days ago

OMG! Today is the LAST DAY before #12x12PB opens! Our grand finale prize is a pro #picturebook critique from one of our 12 x 12 Critique Ninjas. Comment to win. Members: Share something you've learned from a CN critique. Nonmembers: Do you have a critique group? #kidlit

Comments

pecrosby.bsky.social•49 days ago

I belong to two: one through SCBWI and one through Storyteller Academy.

writtenbymegan.bsky.social•50 days ago

Yes, I have a critique group. We all met through a different pb class!

kimsz11.bsky.social•49 days ago

rozo wrote that she regularly re-reads ann whiteford paul's book.

garwuprivacypublications.com•50 days ago

No critique group yet, but would love to be in one. We've created a circle of reader friends that help with with reads at each stage of review/edits. But none are writing peers.

milsbee.bsky.social•49 days ago

I do not have a critique group but would love to join one. Thank you for your consideration.

bsenenman.bsky.social•49 days ago

I'm always fascinated by the CN's comments of others. For my MS, it was to really think about the MC's actions/reactions.

yashikamwriting.bsky.social•49 days ago

‪Yes! I have a critique group through InkedVoices and SCBWI Singapore! They’ve been so helpful and it’s so nice to start building a community ❤️‬

lisasbilla.bsky.social•50 days ago

I haven't had a ninja critique yet but I learned a ton from the critique group I found in 12x12!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

That's awesome!

jenngautam.bsky.social•49 days ago

I only have the best critique group ever! 🥰

angelgan.bsky.social•50 days ago

I don’t have a critique group.

svapnasabnis.bsky.social•50 days ago

I recently started working with a critique partner
I think we are too nice to each other:). I need a ninja !!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

Ninjas are great at getting to the root of what's needed.

monicaacker1.bsky.social•49 days ago

I love reading through CN critiques on other stories to up my critiquing skills! The information given is always so valuable and delivered so well.

loriwriting.bsky.social•49 days ago

Yes I have a critique group that had 5 members but now we’re down to 2.

winikat.bsky.social•49 days ago

I was in a critique group pre-kids and pre-pandemic. Right now I have a couple of high-value first readers whom I trust a lot. Wouldn’t be averse to finding or starting a critique group in the new year as a bonus, though!

cjhong-author.bsky.social•49 days ago

Yes, I have a critique group — having fresh eyes on my WIPs and kidlit writers to go through the ups and downs of the industry with is invaluable! 😊

jessieleh.bsky.social•50 days ago

Oooh nice! I learned about word count from the ninjas!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

Cool!

gingerburke.bsky.social•50 days ago

One of my ninja visits was super encouraging and put me on a track to learn how to write a more consistent voice.

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

We have so many success stories in 12 x 12 like that!

eoritokunaga.bsky.social•49 days ago

I'm excited to join 12 x 12 again after a few years! I don't have a critique group, but I hope to form a consistent group of friends!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

So glad you'll be back! You'll end up with more friends than you ever dreamed - and probably a critique group too. :-)

kimalarson.bsky.social•50 days ago

I learn something new from every Ninja critique I read. They're so informative!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

Yes! That's one of the huge benefits of 12 x 12 - you get to read all the critiques the CNs leave.

morganlau.bsky.social•50 days ago

I used to have several CGs but now I only have accountability partners that offer informal feedback. However, I hope to change that this year!

#12x12PB #kidlit

reaganlehman.net•49 days ago

I have an illustration critique group!! Haven’t pursued one for manuscripts yet. 😬 But hopefully soon!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

Many illustrators in 12 x 12 say that their writing improved a lot after joining because there are so many authors-only who provide feedback.

reaganlehman.net•49 days ago

I have no doubt! My illustration has improved immensely from critique, and I’m sure writing would as well.

lauramclam.bsky.social•50 days ago

I was in one that wasn't working well for my schedule, so I'm in search of a new one. Feedback is so important!

weyakindesigns.bsky.social•49 days ago

I had a very helpful CN help me with some of the pitfalls in my story, but also some of the parts that were working well. It gave me a good sense of the things to keep and use more of, but also things that could be adjusted.

amylizfs.bsky.social•50 days ago

Once upon a time! I hope to join another one soon. 🤞

robynnhyde.bsky.social•50 days ago

The biggest lesson I learned from a CN was about my rhyming MS - the advice was to rewrite it in prose to get the plot points/story arc set, then turn it back into rhyme! I would never have thought to do that and it really strengthened my story. Thank you CN/12x12!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

That IS great advice!

shdubis.bsky.social•50 days ago

I’m in a critique group formed last fall with mostly unpublished members. We’re learning together, and branching out.

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

That's a great way to do it. Then it's fun when everyone starts getting published!

cvblais.bsky.social•50 days ago

I'm happy to say that one of my surprising successes in 2024 was to find a local critique group specifically for children's writers. I'm so happy!

mdwillustration.bsky.social•49 days ago

Would LOVE a reliable critique group! ✏️✏️

veeantonayak.bsky.social•50 days ago

Looking forward to taking advantage of the ninjas in 2025 and working with my new critique group!

xichenillust.bsky.social•42 days ago

I'm a illustrator recently thinking about making PB myself. English is not my native language and I need writing assistance in general. Will take a serious consideration for this program. Is the prize still available XD?

jvsmithauthor.bsky.social•50 days ago

I do!! And one of the members became a critique partner 😁 always looking for more !

jvsmithauthor.bsky.social•50 days ago

I do!!! And one of the members and I broke off partners as well but always looking for more !!

jenhb.bsky.social•50 days ago

I like to keep it short and spare, but I learned from a ninja critique that there's such a thing as too spare!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

Ahh, there's the rub, right? Nothing applies to 100% of stories.

hajarlines.bsky.social•50 days ago

No! I don't have a critique group, I've been hoping to find one..

acknoyes.bsky.social•49 days ago

I have been part of some wonderful critique groups in the past, both in person and online. I’m hoping to make a new crit group part of my life in 2025!

jynhall.bsky.social•49 days ago

Always great notes from CNs! My CN this year had a fantastic comp for me. It was a PB I’d been meaning to read but hadn’t yet. And it was right over the plate. I also appreciate how 12x12 makes sure we WILL get a CN crit if we want one. (Yes, always, yes!) 🥷

anneleblanc2.bsky.social•49 days ago

I have a writing group but we focus on writing, not critiquing.

bookyhall.bsky.social•50 days ago

I've never had a CN critique, but I have the best crit grp ever.

dianenewcomer.bsky.social•49 days ago

I love my critique group and they’ve helped me so much.

yaya6o9.bsky.social•50 days ago

I have 3 critique groups! Two meet weekly. One meets monthly.

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

Wow! You're a superstar.

sburdorf.bsky.social•49 days ago

What I love about a CN critique is that I learn what I am doing right, and what I am doing wrong and both are so important!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

Yes! Both are essential.

nferg.bsky.social•49 days ago

This is so true! I've been helped so much and so kindlyby CN critiques. I read as many of them as I can because I learn from each one.Thank you Julie.

claudiasloan.bsky.social•49 days ago

Improved my story pacing, among other things, in one of my drafts reviewed by a CN!

melissamurray.bsky.social•49 days ago

#12x12 Ninja critiques are always so helpful! They’ve helped me tighten up the word count with suggestions like using onomatopoeia instead of more complicated sentence structures, changing from 1st person to 3rd person POV and focusing in on the main character’s emotional journey more. #kidlit

mermaidwriter.bsky.social•50 days ago

Yes

juliebarnett17.bsky.social•49 days ago

I’ve learned so much from CN visits! They zoom in on the exact parts of my writing that aren’t quite working…yet. Then they provide options and perspectives that I haven’t thought about. My writing has only become better after learning from CN visits. So thankful for them!!

lenoratodaro.bsky.social•50 days ago

Haven’t had the privilege of a CN read because I didn’t feel my ms. was ready—but it is now thanks to 12 x 12 support and critique group.

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

This is your year!

lenoratodaro.bsky.social•50 days ago

Not sure what that link is that showed up with my comment. Pls. Ignore.

lindsayamoretti.bsky.social•49 days ago

I do have a critique group! These ladies have been essential in helping my writing grow.

mikkimcfeve.bsky.social•49 days ago

Ninja critiques point out parts of my story that still need some finessing. And usually it is confirming some line or some aspect that I was already not feeling 100% confident in. So it validates what I need to play with some more!

abbywordsandwhimsy.bsky.social•49 days ago

I love the CN feedback on my work and on other writing. It helps me to broaden how I look at the manuscripts, including mine. It can be validating and can also raise questions that make the revision process interesting and even fun. Thank you! This is a wonderful place to share and grow.

jennifertarr.bsky.social•49 days ago

My critique ninja critique last year sent my story in a new and unexpected direction, and taught me a ton about how to think about revisions generally. I also love reading the critique ninja critiques of other stories and comparing to my own thoughts to learn more too.

suemt.bsky.social•49 days ago

Ninja critiques are THE. BEST!!

suemt.bsky.social•49 days ago

Treehouse and April’s are just as AMAZING!! 😍

mornasg.bsky.social•49 days ago

I learned so much from my CN and it was very validating as well. You only need to hear certain things- enough times- to realize- “ Hey, that really does need to be changed” Thank-you Critique Ninja but also 12x12!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•49 days ago

This made me chuckle. You almost always already know what needs to be changed. But hearing it from someone else is key.

jennberney.bsky.social•50 days ago

I've got a critique group and some great work-sharing friends, but none of them are picture-book focused. This is why I'm excited to join 12x12!

12x12challenge.bsky.social•50 days ago

And we're excited to have you! We'll get you hooked up with a critique group.

dinahodara.bsky.social•49 days ago

I have learned that I need to be more careful though drafts and be sure to take things out from previous drafts if they no longer make sense!

janalyssa.bsky.social•49 days ago

I’ve learned to make sure all my language is kid-friendly and relatable! Thanks, ninjas!

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply