It’s nearing the end of my writing year 2025, and there have been so many things to happen and celebrate during these months. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten into the habit of putting together an inspirational end-of-year publishing highlight board to keep me motivated and remind me of all the “wins,” big and small. Last year (2024), I started one, but never got around to finishing it. So this year, I wanted to try to resurrect this personal tradition.
Here’s a peek at some of the highlights and “wins” that I’m most grateful and excited for…
- Was a featured interview guest in CanvasRebel magazine.
- Was a featured interview guest in BoldJourney magazine.
- Was a featured interview guest on the YouTube Creator Series, hosted by my friend Brittany Wuthrich @writtenandillustrated.
- Hosted 12 Feature Interview guests on my literary blog.
- Participated in multiple book launch ARC promo groups for writing friends.
- Participated in the annual Storystorm writing contest.
- Participated in PitchDis writing contest.
- Participated in the annual worldwide PBParty writing contest.
- Received a winning spot in the PBParty finalist showcase with my manuscript!
- Got multiple requests for my winning manuscript during PBParty.
- Met my long-distance critique partner in person.
- Attended my first in-person writing conference ever- SCBWI Midsouth- with my critique partner!
- Entered my winning manuscript into my first-ever live first pages critique with SCBWI Midsouth, where it received incredible feedback.
- Had my first one-on-one critique with an agent, with that same manuscript.
- Received my first industry referral from an agent to query their agency.
- Got my winning manuscript polished even tighter.
- Got my first book deal with an editor independently- and it was a four-book deal!
- Sent my polished manuscript out to an agent for a special submission opportunity for conference attendees and caught the interest of another agent.
- Received a request for more work.
- Had my “agent call.”
- Received an offer of representation.
- Took the weekend to celebrate and carefully weigh decisions and pray.
- Accepted an offer of representation and signed with my literary agent.
- Visited local bookstore for author signing with City Square Books and Music.
- Helped organize a collaborative author event with local bookstore, Honey Rock Books and Cafe.
Things I’m grateful for…
- The kidlit writing community.
- My amazing critique group and accountability partners.
- My husband who has been supportive of my dreams.
- My family for always believing in me.
- My friends who, despite not sharing my crazy, passionate, hyper-obsession for kidlit, cheer me on at every turn!
What an amazing year, Chelsea! Congratulations! And thanks for all that you do in the writing community.
What a year! Congrats!!