Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

If you write for children, you probably have the childlike tendency to play games.  Playing Candy Land with my Mom was the best part of any sick day.  She even let me cheat most of the time.  I still love to play games (minus the cheating, of course.)

Many sites offer online events and contests which are great opportunities to get feedback on your writing, develop your skills, and practice writing.

Here are a few of my favorite sites for contests, writing prompts and events.

Tara Lazar hosts PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) in November, 

with registration starting October 24.   The idea is to come up with 

30 PB ideas in 30 days! 

Artwork by Sandy Tanaka

Paula Yoo hosts NaPiBoWriWee, a contest to write 7 picture books in 7 days (first week in May).  Each day also includes a great guest post for inspiration.  Exhausting but amazing!

Cynthea Liu hosts Red Light Green Light contests throughout the year.  You submit a small portion of your manuscript and she gives you a green light to send more or a red light to try a different manuscript.   

Write on Con is an online conference in August with a forum for critique from

other writers and roaming Ninja Agents.  There are also virtual presentations,

panels, and happy hours. (I can drink a LOT of virtual drinks and still make sentences.)

Kathy Temean hosts the First Page Picture Prompt each month. If selected, your 23 line submission will get a critique from an agent, editor, or consultant.  

Christie Wright Wild hosts the Lucky Clover Picture Book Contest

each quarter to win a free critique.

Artwork by Loni Edwards

Susanna Hill hosts Short and Sweet writing exercises throughout the year. Fun contests and great to get your juices flowing.

In addition to helping you with your craft, participating in these events is a great way to meet other writers.  I hope to meet you at one of these in the future.

Do you have other favorite online events?  Please share in the comments!