12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast
Podcast for picture book writers by picture books writers with the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge founder Julie Hedlund and co-host Kelli Panique www.12x12challenge.com
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018 - Julie Travels Down Under
05/07/2026
018 - Julie Travels Down Under
G'day, Mates! Our fearless leader, Julie Hedlund, recently returned from a month down under in Australia. Of course, there were stunning beaches and beautiful sights to see, but what we really want the tea on are the bookshops, libraries, and other fun literary adventures! (Seriously!) Julie discovered a vibrant book scene in Sydney, and she's ready to dish. Listen in to discover: What took Julie to Australia Who she met while she was there Why we say you're never alone as a 12 x 12 member How submissions to Australian publishers work The differences she noticed between the Australian and the North American kidlit markets Meeting the local SCBWI RA The Library of New South Wales Literary icon Pamela Allen How travel inspires creativity Picture book topics and trends in Australia The interactive Pamela Allen museum exhibit A read-aloud of by Pamela Allen The literary field trip to a winery-restaurant-bookstore Her visit to P.L. Travers' house and the Mary Poppins statue Which American authors' books she saw in Australian bookstores Books by authors mentioned in this episode*: by Pamela Allen by Sheena Garg by Sheena Garg by Susanne Gervay and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub by Mem Fox and Ronojoy Ghosh by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris Special thanks to Karen Henricks, Susanne Gervay, Sheena Garg, and Karen Robertson! If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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017 - Rajani LaRocca: Writing Fueled by Joy
04/30/2026
017 - Rajani LaRocca: Writing Fueled by Joy
Inspired by Joy in Storytelling Newbery Award-Winning Rajani LaRocca shares personal insights into her writing, including when she started writing, when she came back to it, what she loves about writing in different genres, and how joy fuels her creative endeavors. Listen in to discover: The original spark for her picture book SOME OF US The importance of sharing our citizenship stories. Surprising things she learned while writing this book. How kids respond to SOME OF US. Her inspiration for A VACCINE IS LIKE A MEMORY. How she balances her work as a physician with her work as an author. How being in community inspired her to write The struggle to write when times are tough The gift of giving your manuscripts time to sit If Rajani has a favorite among her books The different genres she has written What children say to her about her books Books mentioned in this episode*: by Rajani LaRocca and Huy Voun Lee by Rajani LaRocca and Kathleen Marcottte by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan by Rajani LaRocca and Abhi Alwar by Rajani LaRocca and Abhi Alwar by Rajani LaRocca and Lauren Paige Conrad by Rajani LaRocca by Rajani LaRocca by Leslie Bulion and Mike Lowery by Rajani LaRocca and Sayan Mukherjee by Rajani LaRocca and Cindy Derby by Rajani LaRocca Get special deals on Rajani's past 12 x 12 webinars: Get them both in a If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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016 - Keila Dawson: No Poem Too Small
04/23/2026
016 - Keila Dawson: No Poem Too Small
Keila V. Dawson has partnered with fellow creatives Jeanette Bradley and Lindsay Metcalf to tell the stories of young activists through the power of poetry. No Voice Too Small, No World Too Big, and No Brain The Same feature kids and teens making a difference for our planet. Keila and her team picked a different poet to celebrate this extraordinary individuals and the results are incredibly moving. (And we learned so many new things!) A poem may seem like a quiet way to express oneself, but in the hands of these talented writers, the poems in this series of books speak up in ways you won’t forget any time soon. Listen in to discover: Where the original idea for these poetry anthologies came from The influence her work as an educator, activist, and genealogist had on this project How they sold the first book on proposal The process used for matching poets to their subjects in each book How they ended up with different types of poems in each book The design of each page and it houses the poem, a sidebar of more biographical information, and a quote from each subject The types of backmatter included—from a glossary to types of poems to author bios Additional facts the illustrations provide How the sequels came to be What they hope kids get out of these books A peek at a poem in the newest book in the series How to be included in a poem anthology Poetry resources Poetry practice How Keila came to write a poem for the second book The difference between a poem and a picture book Books mentioned in this episode*: edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley by Keila V. Dawson and Vernon Smith by Keila V. Dawson and Katie Crumpton by Keila V. Dawson and Alleanna Harris Coming in the future: How We Got Here: Conversation with United States History and Annbelle’s Beignet Cafe, a sequel to Yumbo Gumbo by Cori Doerrfeld Get 25% off Janet Wong’s Poetry in Picture Books webinar . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Join the wait list and get a free gift. *At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may earn a commission on books published through the links in this post. (Links go to Bookshop.org when available.)
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015 - Michelle Cusolito: In the World of Nonfiction
04/16/2026
015 - Michelle Cusolito: In the World of Nonfiction
Write what you love Michelle Cusolito's love for writing nonfiction picture books is palpable and, we dare say, contagious. In this episode, she generously shares her process, where her ideas have come from, and how she follows the muse—even when she's on deadline for a different project. No matter what you write, Michelle's interview is a good reminder to write what you love... because that's when the passion shines through. Listen in to discover: Why Michelle is drawn to writing about the ocean How she came to write a latest picture book about trees (that aren't in the ocean!) The information she gives to her illustrators (and what she leaves out) How she researches her books The importance of experiencing things firsthand when she's writing about a topic Her recommendations to writers who can't travel to do in-person research Where science is happening (Hint: it might be closer than you think!) How she organizes her research Her love of notebooks and working analog-style The beauty of spare text How was inspired by a real-life event What made her stop everything to write the first draft How the 12 x 12 Creativity Book Group works How to handle critiques How she was able to go on a weeks-long expedition with to do research for her books Why it's important to make genuine connections as a writer Books mentioned in this episode*: by Michelle Cusolito and Jessica Lanan by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong by Michelle Cusolito and Nicole Wong by Michelle Cusolito by Michelle Cusolito and Ellen Rooney by Michelle Cusolito and Mayra Wright by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati by Kirsten W. Larson by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann Get 25% off Michelle Cusolito's Rigorous Research webinar (co-presented with Charlesbridge editor Karen Boss) here: Please note: There is a change in the sound level about halfway through the podcast. We've adjusted it as much as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience while listening. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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014 - Lisa Rogers - Poetry and Picture Book Biographies
04/09/2026
014 - Lisa Rogers - Poetry and Picture Book Biographies
Where Picture Book Biographies and Poetry Come Together The National Poetry Month celebration continues! 12 x 12 charter member, poet, and author Lisa Rogers shares how poetry comes into play when writing picture books—even picture book biographies. In this episode, you'll discover: What it's like to be a poet and write a picture book about a poet How she finds the emotional throughline in her stories Why she's drawn to writing about creative people The impact of writing her John Cage book in second person Why she writes picture book biographies Why she didn't give up writing picture books The steps she took to stay committed to the writing craft How she determines the stories she's meant to write Why reading and writing poetry helps with writing picture books How word choice influences her writing choices The importance of creating mental images in your stories How sounds influence her word choice Books mentioned in this episode*: by Lisa Rogers and Chuck Groenink by Lisa Rogers and Il Sung Na by Lisa Rogers and Stacy Innerst by Lisa Rogers and Susan Reagan by Lisa Rogers and Meg Ishihara by Valerie Worth and Natalie Babbitt by Kari Lavelle and Bryan Collier Get the 12 x 12 Poetry Playbook for Picture Book Writers HERE: https://12x12challenge.com/poetryplaybook If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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013 - Renee La Tulippe - Passionate About Poetry
04/07/2026
013 - Renee La Tulippe - Passionate About Poetry
Let's celebrate poetry! Welcome to National Poetry Month! We begin the celebration with one of our favorite poets AND poetry teachers, author Renee LaTulippe. Renee shares why she loves poetry and how, over her career, she's worked to help others understand and use poetry techniques in their own work. In this episode, you'll discover: How Renee helped set our 12 x 12 poetry elves up for success Why Renee is so passionate about poetry What is so appealing about free verse How to make poetry exciting for anyone Enjoying poems vs. determining their symbolism What should your readers take away from your work What she loves about the craft of writing What she sets out to do (and not do) with her poetry The definition of "common measure" How she went from writing poetry anthologies to a poetry picture book to a poetry graphic novel Ways could be used in Drama and English classes. The difference between a poem, an anthology of poetry in picture book form, and a poem picture book What she's working on now Renee LaTulippe's books*: by Renee LaTulippe and Cécile Metzger by Renee LaTulippe and Chuck Gonzales Whether you adore poetry or you're afraid of it, you're bound to be inspired by this episode. Resources mentioned in this episode: Renee LaTulippe's Writing Lyrical and Rhyming Picture Books Bundle is now available for 25% off Renee's Lyrical Language Lab Renee's Story Lark Road Curriculum Get the free poetry download . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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012 - Ask a Bookseller After-Party with Julie Rowan Zoch
03/26/2026
012 - Ask a Bookseller After-Party with Julie Rowan Zoch
What does a bookseller want book creators to know? Welcome to our first After-Party! After-parties will be a semi-regular feature on the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast, where we'll take some time after a 12 x 12 webinar to dive a little deeper into something the speaker talked about or maybe ask a few questions we didn't get to during the live webinar. Our first after-party guest is author-illustrator and bookseller Julie Rowan-Zoch. Her recent webinar, "," is available to the public now! (Podcast listeners get 25% off! .) In the webinar, Julie shared how booksellers choose books to include in their inventory, what they want book creators to know, and how you can increase your chances of booking an event—even giving us a sneak peek at their behind-the-scenes software. In this after-party, we discuss what to actually say to a bookseller when trying to book an event or pre-order campaign, and more! In this episode, you'll discover: How to approach a bookseller about hosting an event How pre-order campaigns work How far in advance should you try to schedule in-person events and pre-order campaigns How to set up a book event when you're traveling Dates and times to NOT schedule your events Do's and Don'ts of using social media to connect with bookstores How a little kindness can go a long way Julie Rowan-Zoch's books*: written by Omar Abed and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch written and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch by Tom Lichtenheld and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch by Bobby Moynihan and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch Julie Rowan-Zoch's "Ask a Bookseller" webinar is now available for 25% off . The bookstore Julie Rowan-Zoch talks about in this episode is . Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Join the newsletter to find our upcoming free events, scholarships, and sales. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! *At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may earn a commission on books published through the links in this post. (Links go to Bookshop.org when available.)
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011 - Marcie Colleen: Writing Graphic Novels for Young Readers
03/19/2026
011 - Marcie Colleen: Writing Graphic Novels for Young Readers
Why would a picture book author write a graphic novel? Why not? Author (and Charter ) Marcie Colleen shares how curiosity (and the willingness to say yes) led her to reach beyond picture books and into the world of chapter books—and most recently, graphic novels for young readers. Marcie shares her journey to writing graphic novels (even though she's not an illustrator) and what she discovered about the similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels. Plus, Marcie tells us all about her new 6-week graphic novel writing course: Listen to the podcast now as Julie and Marcie reflect on friendship, writing, comics, and so much more. In this episode, you'll discover: The importance of writing friends in your writing life Where a love of storytelling and curiosity can lead Why she's written all types of kidlit from picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for young readers How to sign up for Marcie's six-week The similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels for young readers Why the graphic novel market is so rich right now Can you write a graphic novel if you can't draw? The challenges for illustrators of graphic novels Marcie's newest graphic novel (coming in 2027) How she began writing graphic novels The different ways advances and royalties work with different graphic novel publishers The difference between art notes in picture books and graphic novels Why reading is such an important tool in your writing toolbox The importance of finding your style How the 6-week graphic novel course is set up week-by-week Marcie's role as Dance Captain in the (including playlists!) Books mentioned: by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen and Bob Shea by Marcie Colleen and Aaron Becker by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen and Laura Sandoval Herrera by Marcie Colleen by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Steven Scott, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Chad Thomas by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings by Matthew Cody, Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Chad Thomas by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Eduardo Medeiros by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams (the follow-up to Go with the Flow) If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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010 - A New Perspective with Kelli Panique
03/12/2026
010 - A New Perspective with Kelli Panique
What's the silver lining of having a broken arm? While Julie is away, Kelli will play! Kelli is taking over the podcast today. And, just like writing, an idea starts in one place, and then life smacks you down, and you have to head in a different direction. She didn't intend to break her arm/shoulder and do an episode about it, but when life gives you lemons, make lemon drop martinis! You'll discover: How Kelli broke her arm (and still made her flight!) The good and bad of breaking your dominant hand Praise for lefties! The importance of learning something new How to apply this to writing (It all connects, we promise!) Ideas for changing up your writing routine The benefits of finding a new perspective The importance of finding a critique group The pros of adding a new critique partner Type-written vs. hand-written first drafts A challenge to write in a different genre The growth that comes along with changing things up If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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009 - Caroline Perry: The Most Interesting Story
03/05/2026
009 - Caroline Perry: The Most Interesting Story
In celebration of Women's History Month, Julie Hedlund interviews author Caroline Perry and they discuss their picture book biographies of two extraordinary women: Queen Elizabeth II and Julie Andrews. What led them to write about such famous people? What were the challenges of writing about a person who's still alive? What do they wish they had known when they started writing picture book bios? Find out in today's episode. You'll discover: What inspired their individual picture book bios What it's like to write about a living person How dogs played a role in both stories The surprising things they learned in their research How kids can relate to these stories about well-known adults The intersections of their stories Caroline's marketing efforts The pressure of writing about a person everyone knows How Caroline's book changed in the second edition after the Queen passed away Finding the emotional throughline Finding the North Star of the story Writing a story vs. writing a list of accomplishments How rejections about a real person hit different What makes you stop working on a potential bio The importance of telling women's stories that have been hidden in history Books mentioned in this episode: by Caroline L. Perry and Lydia Corry by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati by Caroline L. Perry and Luciano Lozano by Caroline L. Perry and Jennifer Bricking by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso Find out more about Caroline: If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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008 - Marzieh Abbas: Teach Yourself to Write Picture Books
02/26/2026
008 - Marzieh Abbas: Teach Yourself to Write Picture Books
Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique enjoy a delightful conversation with author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh has over 40 published books for kids, from board books to middle grade. In our discussion, she elaborates on her journey from professional baker to award-winning author. Marzieh's story is so inspirational. Come be inspired to create your own successful writing journey. You'll discover: How 12 x 12 played a pivotal role in Marzieh becoming a multi-published author Why she chooses to publish in the US market while she lives in Pakistan How she was inspired to write for children The challenge of being a writer without access to public libraries or bookstores How she studied mentor texts to learn to write picture books Writing Muslim books for Muslim kids vs. sharing the experiences of Muslim children with a mainstream audience Why finding joy in the publishing process is crucial What it is like to write a picture book bio of a living person The importance of being in a community that gets what you're trying to do Books mentioned in this episode: by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan by Marzieh Abbas and Hoda Hadadi by Marzieh Abbas by Marzieh Abbas and Anain Shaikh by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan ! by Marzieh Abbas and Bhagya Madanasinghe by Marzieh Abbas Ali and Najwa Awatiff by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita by Rukhana Khan and Sophie Blackall Get 25% off Marzieh Abbas’s webinar Mentor Text Your Way to Picture Books that POP! . Join Marzieh's Substack . If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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007 - Leah Schanke: Making History Kid-Friendly
02/24/2026
007 - Leah Schanke: Making History Kid-Friendly
Can young readers handle difficult topics? Author Leah Schanke thinks so. It's just one of the reasons she wrote her debut picture book, Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls's Voyage Out of Slavery. In this interview, Leah Schanke and Kelli Panique celebrate Black History Month by shining a light on how she discovered the story of this book and the steps she took to bring it to life—including tips for bringing your own historical stories to life. You’ll discover: How she came to writing picture books Why she writes history for young readers What inspired her to write Robert Smalls's story How her critique group helped this book come to life The big change that made the original story more kid-friendly What she said when editors asked her to "age up" the story Leah's research process How she stayed true to her vision of the story The context notes she includes for the editor or illustrator The pitch event that connected Leah with her publisher Tips for writers of nonfiction and historical fiction Her favorite thing that didn't make it into the book The book she wishes she wrote Books mentioned in this episode: Leah Schanke and Oboh Moses by Cate Lineberry by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares Resources mentioned: If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!
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006 - Kirsten W. Larson: For the Love of Nonfiction
02/12/2026
006 - Kirsten W. Larson: For the Love of Nonfiction
Author Kirsten W. Larson and Julie Hedlund discuss the joy of writing nonfiction, including: Why Kirsten loves writing nonfiction for young readers Where her writing process starts The difference between primary and secondary sources Why Kirsten loves the 12 x 12 community What it means for her to be a 12 x 12 Elf The advice she has for newer writers and seasoned writers How she pushes through until a manuscript works Resources from Kirsten: Kirsten's Books mentioned in this episode: by Kirsten W. Larson and Cornelia Li by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati by Kirsten W. Larson by Kirsten W. Larson by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome by Meeg Pincus and Yas Imamura by Michelle Cusolito and Jessica Lanan Future projects not yet available: Shape of Our Stories: How Books Became to Be Light of Resistance Get 25% off Kirsten W. Larson's webinar Noodling on Nonfiction Structure . Sign up for the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge by February 15th! At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may receive a commission when a purchase is made through the links above.
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005 - Valerie Bolling Challenges Herself (and YOU!)
02/05/2026
005 - Valerie Bolling Challenges Herself (and YOU!)
We begin our Black History Month celebration with 12 x 12 member and author Valerie Bolling, who talks about reinventing her writing as a means to expand on her love of writing picture books and reach more young readers. In this interview, we get to dive into all the ways Valerie keeps growing and challenging herself to write different types of stories—and we hope she challenges you along the way. You'll discover: Why she writes in different picture genres and styles How important it is for kids to see themselves in our stories Why branding yourself isn't always necessary Why Valerie writes some stories in prose and some in rhyme The benefits of being a 12 x 12 member The importance of reading picture books—and not just to your kids Why she recommends joining 12 x 12 What prompts Valeire to give back to the picture book writing community The one negative about 12 x 12 The book she wishes she wrote Books mentioned in this episode: by Valerie Bolling and Maine Diaz by Valerie Bolling and Sabrena Khadija by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita I See Color: An Affirmation of our Diverse by Valerie Bolling and TeMika Grooms by Valerie Bolling and Monica Mikai by Pamela Courtney and Toni D. Chambers by Stefanie Foster Brown and Keisha Morris by Malcolm Newsome and Jenin Mohammed by Tonya Abari and Lance Evans by Tameka Fryer Brown and Alleanna Harris by Kelly Starling Lyons and E.B. Lewis by Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith Get a 25% discount on Valerie's webinar: How to Use Tension to Create Captivating Picture Books. Get 25% off Tameka Fryer Brown's webinar Sign up for the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge by February 15th!
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004 - Emma Walton Hamilton: The Query Whisperer
01/29/2026
004 - Emma Walton Hamilton: The Query Whisperer
Are you in the submission trenches? Co-Founders of The Complete Picture Book Submissions System Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Hedlund share their submission expertise to help you write better query letters! What you'll discover: Tips for submitting your manuscript to agents or editors A template for writing your pitch The person who reads your query first (It may not be who you think it is...) The difference between a pitch and a synopsis Who should be the focus of your pitch The job of the pitch Why the voice of your pitch is so important Get Emma and Julie's free submissions training here: Come be part of the community! Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. Register by February 15, 2026 here: Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your fellow kidlit writers!
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003 - Looking at Today's Picture Book Market with Adria Goetz
01/22/2026
003 - Looking at Today's Picture Book Market with Adria Goetz
Join the fun as Julie Hedlund interviews our first-ever podcast guest: agent Adria Goetz of KT Literary! What you'll discover: How Adria became an agent What editors are looking for (and NOT looking for) in today's market The importance of market entry points and hooks The top 3 booksellers in the United States How to make your work stand out in a tough market Why Adria keeps coming back to 12 x 12 as a Featured Agent What it's like getting submissions in your inbox How agents view submissions with AI components Picture books Adria loves right now Books mentioned in this episode: by Tina Cho and Honee Jang by Christy Mandin by Andrea Cruz Floren Come be part of the community! Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. to register by February 15, 2026. Get 25% off off Adria's 12 x 12 webinar here: Adria's website:
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002 - Here's Kelli!
01/20/2026
002 - Here's Kelli!
Houston, we have a co-host! Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Laurel and Hardy. Thelma and Louise. Life is more fun with a partner—and work is certainly easier with someone who has your back. And no one has Julie's back like her co-host Kelli Panique. What you'll discover in this episode: How Julie and Kelli started working together What they each bring to the partnership Why community is so important to them Kelli's favorite and least favorite things about working in 12 x 12 Little-known facts about Kelli Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. to register by February 15, 2026. Subscribe and review if you like the podcast! Future episodes will include author and illustrator interviews, conversations with agents and editors, and discussions on the craft of writing picture books and getting published. Thanks for listening!
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001 - Welcome to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast
01/14/2026
001 - Welcome to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast
Welcome to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast! Host Julie Hedlund, Founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, introduces us to this new podcast for picture book writers and/or illustrators. What you'll discover in this episode: The history of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge When to register for the 2026 challenge 12 things Julie wished she knew when she started writing picture books Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. to register by February 15, 2026. Subscribe and join us for the new endeavor! Future episodes will include author and illustrator interviews, conversations with agents and editors, and discussions on the craft of writing picture books and getting published. Find out more at . We'll see you there!
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