Welcome to our MG/YA Opportunities post! In 2022, the MG/YA Opportunities post has taken on a new structure but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find all of the monthly opportunities on the MG/YA support page! All opportunities listed are available to anyone with an internet connection.
REFLECTION ON FEBRUARY
Lexi’s MARCH GAME PLAN
LOOKING AHEAD
Does your local writing organization, SCBWI region, etc. host virtual events that are available to anyone with an internet connection? Would you like them listed here? Please share the info in the comments, or use our Contact Form.
To see all the monthly opportunities, what’s available all year long, and what’s coming up the rest of this year, visit the MG/YA SUPPORT resource page.
Hi All-
Lexi here! I’m Ready to jump into March with another actionable writing plan in hand! Remember, this year I invite you to:
- Pick one resource or opportunity. Think about what you’re working on right now and pick something that will help you make progress with that work!
- Share your experiences with resources over the last month and what opportunities you want to pursue in the next month in the comments!
Will you join me on this journey?
REFLECTIONS ON FEBRUARY
In February, I did not manage to participate in the Valentiny Writing Contest… I’d like to blame all of my preschool and toddlers’ Valentine’s that needed writing, but I know I could have fit the contest in with a bit of planning.
I did, however, submit a middle-grade entry to Kalie Pew’s 1st Annual Kids’ Choice KidLit Contest! I am looking forward to hearing about the other amazing writing that was submitted and what the kid judges decided on!
Now, you might be wondering why I haven’t also admitted to skipping the #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge… I didn’t miss it, and neither did you! Hear more in my MARCH GAME PLAN!
What did you accomplish this month? Don’t forget to share in the comments!
Lexi’s MARCH GAME PLAN
I am going to participate in the #50PreciousWords. It’s already in my calendar so if life gets hectic, I won’t forget I’m committing to this one! I will also submit the beginning of my MG WIP to Four on 400.
- #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge (free) Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words. Dates to come for 2022. Hosted by author Vivian Kirkfield.
- Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers) March 4, 2022.
I have my eye on three other opportunities, but I don’t want to overcommit. I teach fourth grade and March is always a long month (my fellow teacher/writers know what I mean). Maybe I’ll find time for these…
- Madness! Poetry (free)
“March Madness” tournament for writers of children’s poetry. Write up to six original poems based on prompt in three weeks. Full information here. Sign up to be notified when registration opens here (scroll to bottom). Hosted by kids’ poet Ed DeCaria of Think, Kid, Think! - Line Editing Your MG or YA Novel This six-week online course offers the skills to revise and enrich your novel, and features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting.
- Making the Personal Universal: Representing Your Unique Lived Experiences in Children’s Literature How do you transform your worldview into a story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds? The key is tapping into universal themes and emotions that we can all relate to— a love for animals, family, celebrations, loss, fear, and more.
What opportunities will you sign up for this month? We’d love to celebrate your plans in the comments!
REGISTER IN MARCH, HAPPENING LATER:
None for me this month! What about you?
Keep an eye on some APRIL opportunities you might want to register for early:
HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION COURSES($)
- Whole Novel Historical: A Virtual Course for Historical Novelists The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 80,000 words) read with written feedback provided. This online program focuses on the Historical Novel
THE LOFT ($) The LOFT LITERARY CENTER offers a variety of courses each month, but not all are specifically for kidlit writers.
- Characterization in Fiction: Flatness and Intuitive Depth
- Building Vivid Worlds in Your Creative Nonfiction
- The Art and Craft of Writing Disability
- How to Write Believable Dialogue
Alright! Now it’s your turn. Share your reflections on January and game plan for February below in the comments!
Does your local writing organization, SCBWI region, etc. host virtual events that are available to anyone with an internet connection? Would you like them listed here? Please share the info in the comments, or use our Contact Form.
Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Lexi Donahue Featured Image Line Art by Valenty, Can Stock Photos
WRITERS' RUMPUS 
Thanks, Lexi!
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Oh my goodness, thank you, thank you. I always learn about something I have not heard of before.
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