In the app world it would appear to be quite vast yet I seem to come across like-minded authors quite often. I “met” Julie Hedlund last year after reading a post she wrote for The Children’s Book Insider where she is an active contributor. She also created the 12 x 12 Writing Program where writer’s challenge themselves to write one story a month! I told her I might participate next year when my daughter is in school full time because it does seem quite daunting to write one story a month at this point! Julie recently released her first storybook app through Little Bahalia called A Troop is a Group of Monkey’s. She provides some great tips for aspiring authors and writers on her website so check it out when you have a chance. We spoke about her journey of becoming a children’s picture book writer and she offers some words of wisdom if you are looking to write your first, second or ninth book!
Tell us about your journey as a children’s picture book writer. Have you always known you wanted to write children’s book?
I’ve always known I wanted to be a “writer,” but it wasn’t until my daughter was about 3 that I began to think about writing for children. I’m sure this happens to many parents who find out what marvelous creatures young children are and how much we learn from them.
If someone is just starting out what are some words of wisdom you would offer to them?
You have to study the craft of writing in your genre and practice for a long time. I was always a good writer, but I didn’t know the first thing about writing for children when I started. The best way to learn is by reading as many books (or apps!) as you can to learn what works, what doesn’t and how your voice is unique from others.
Why did you decide to release your new book as an app first?
There are other books on the market that feature collective nouns for animal groups, but none where you can actually play with the animals! I wanted the book to release as an app first because I knew the interactivity could foster deeper learning and comprehension of the sophisticated vocabulary used in the verses. You see that butterflies flying in a group really do look like a kaleidoscope, for example. Of course, it also helped that the wonderful Cyndie Sebourn from Apps With Curriculum created Common Core-aligned reading strategies for the app.
You founded the 12 x 12 in 2012. Tell us more about this and how did the idea to create this writing exercise come to you?
12 x 12 is a picture book writing challenge where participants aim to write one picture book draft a month each month of the year. This is the second year I’ve run the challenge. The original inspiration was a selfish one — I wanted to increase my OWN writing output and figured inviting people to join me would keep me motivated. But it’s evolved into an amazing and generous writing community that knows no bounds when it comes to supporting and encouraging each other.
Any news you want to share with Penelope’s mates?
If any of you are TROOP fans, watch out for two more apps in the “animal groups” series to be released by Little Bahalia this year. I won’t reveal too much except to say that the next one includes quite a few underwater scenes. 
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Melissa. We are BIG Penelope fans over here, which makes it a special honor.If you would like more information about Julie and her new app A Troop is a Group of Monkey’s go here:
- Link to TROOP in the app store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-troop-is-a-group-of-monkeys/id601767840?mt=8
- My website: http://www.juliehedlund.com
- Little Bahalia website: http://littlebahalia.com/
- My Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/JulieFHedlund
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieFHedlund
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Thank you so much for featuring me and A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS today Melissa. Such an honor to be here, and can’t wait to host you on my blog too!
Another great interview, Julie! I’m really happy for your success!
Congratulations on your success, Julie. Wishing you the best.
Glad to hear more books are coming out in this series. Congrats, Julie!
A great interview…thanks for sharing Julie, and thanks for hosting, Melissa.
I’ve learned so much from 12 x 12 and Julie’s blog, but a REAL benefit is the connections being part of a writing community provide–this is the first time I’ve been to your fantastic site, Melissa. Looks exciting! I’ll visit more…thanks.
Congratulations, Julie, and thanks so much for hosting, Melissa! 12 x 12 is a terrific idea indeed.
Penelope…I met you during the Facebook app party a couple of weeks ago…I was a little overwhelmed as it was my first Facebook party and I really didn’t know what I was doing. Thanks for putting Julie in the spotlight…each time she does another interview I learn something else about her writing journey…which, in turn, helps me with mine.:)
Julie…you have accomplished amazing stuff…and I believe your publishing journey has just begun! Thanks for all you do for us with 12×12.:) I’m more and more intrigued by the ‘app’…I’m thinking it sounds perfect for this Visitors to Deep Pool story I just submitted to Tricia Lawrence. Now I just have to get over my I-don’t-know-anything-about-these technical-things hesitation.:)
As a participant of 12×12 in 2012 I love reading about Julie, she’s always encouraging, positive & fearless! Thanks for putting her in the spotlight, Penelope!
Big congrats on Troop, Julie! (why am I talking in all caps!? lol)