Why Blog?

Well, I have known for quite some time now, that if I want to be a serious writer, I NEED to blog.

I've been avoiding it though, because I didn't want to put myself out there. I haven't wanted to tell people about my desire to be a children's book author because, what if I couldn't do it? Getting a book published  is a LONG, complicated, confusing road. However, I realized that keeping my writing under wraps and not telling people was holding me back.  Editors and agents these days want their authors to have a blog and a website. (The website will follow, eventually) If I want to be taken seriously, I need to bite the bullet and tell the world my intentions:

I know I have great ideas for picture books, and I know that someday through my hard work and persistence, my name and my work will be in print for children to read and enjoy.

I am hoping this blog will be my way of communicating with everyone about what I am working on and where I am in my writing process. I am hoping to share with you when I start a new picture book idea, when I am really working hard to put the final touches on a piece. I want you to all cheer me on when I put manuscriptions in for submissions and when I get rejection letters. There will be rejection letters, probably a ton of them. But, that's okay. From the time I have spent being involved with the Houston chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) I have learned that it takes time, and that very few success stories get a contract right off the bat.

Now, in addition to blogging about my writing, I am going to be sharing other things that I am up to as well. I chose the name "What's Next?" because I am a bit of a busybody and I am always looking for something to do next.  I really love looking at the ups and downs of being a wife and mother of two boys, while trying to find the humor in it all. I also enjoy traveling, fitness, sewing, crafting, gardening, photography, cooking, and organizing. So, look to see a bit of this and that scattered throughout the blog. Basically, I want to do it all, and I want to share it all with you. I hope you will follow along to find out What's Next?