Online writing challenges have been key to my career as a children’s author. I’m the kind of writer who needs external goals and deadlines to jumpstart my internal motivation. Challenges have helped me develop my craft, given me strategies for revision, and connected me with a vibrant writing community. Some of my favorites include NaPiBoWriWee, ReFoReMo, Susanna Leonard Hill’s writing contests, and, of course, Storystorm.
I’ve been participating in Storystorm since 2011. Back then, it was called Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). That same year I joined SCBWI and found a local critique group. I was finally taking myself seriously as a writer!
Fast forward three years. PiBoIdMo 2014 was in full swing and I was filling my notebook with ideas. After reading Tammi Sauer’s guest post about attempting ‘How-To’ books, I jotted an idea in my notebook that involved a pie and a porcupine. Little did I know that this alliterative idea was going to propel my writing career forward! Almost one year ago, in October 2018, my debut picture book, Porcupine’s Pie, was published.
Happy first birthday, Porcupine!
As I reflected on my journey to publication, the amazing connections I’ve made in-person and online in the Kidlit community, and the writing challenges that have motivated me along the way, I became aware of three things. First, I have benefited greatly from the generosity and support of other children’s authors and illustrators. Second, a debut author has an uphill climb when it comes to connecting with readers. Third, I wanted to find a way to give back. What better way to do that than to start my own challenge?
Introducing the DEBUT REVIEW CHALLENGE!
We’ve all heard about the importance of customer reviews. They act as a proxy for word-of-mouth recommendations. While there is some debate over how many reviews are “enough”, I think we can all agree: the more reviews, the better. Reviews lead to exposure and book buzz, which allows our books to get into the hands of more children. What could be better than that?
Anyone with a book can benefit from a review, but this challenge is designed to give a boost to first-time authors and illustrators. The Debut Review Challenge will encourage kidlit creators, teachers, librarians, and parents to write book reviews, specifically for debut books.
Here’s how the challenge will work:
- Read a debut book by a Kidlit creator.
- Write an honest review. Post it on Amazon, Goodreads, or other online sites
- Repeat! Once you complete 10 reviews, fill out this ENTRY FORM. You could win a signed book, a free Skype visit, or a manuscript critique, to name a few of the fabulous prizes donated by participating debut authors and illustrators. And you can enter every time you complete 10 reviews!
Be sure to follow #DebutReviewChallenge on Twitter and Instagram for debut creator interviews and chances for bonus entries. You can also find more info at my website, including a downloadable Review Record sheet. Go to LauraRenauld.com.
(And if you are a traditionally published debut kidlit creator who would like to shine in the challenge spotlight, click HERE!)
The first challenge begins in October. Won’t you join the fun?
Thanks, Laura! And congratulations!
To celebrate the first birthday of her debut picture book, Laura is giving away a signed copy of Porcupine’s Pie.
Leave one comment below to enter. A winner will be randomly selected soon!
Good luck!
Laura Renauld is the author of Porcupine’s Pie and Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers, which will be available January 14, 2020. (Just one of the many fabulous new releases from the 2020 Comeback Crew: @2020comebkcrew.)
Find out more about the Debut Review Challenge at laurarenauld.com, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter and blog.
Follow Laura on Twitter: @laura_renauld, Instagram: @laurarenauld, and Facebook: @kidlitlaura.
130 comments
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September 25, 2019 at 10:34 am
danielledufayet
I loved Porcupine’s Pie and can’t wait for Fred’s Big Feelings! These are such wonderful books! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Danielle! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 10:39 am
authoraileenstewart
I love author signed copies :0)
September 25, 2019 at 11:35 am
Laura Renauld
Good luck!
September 25, 2019 at 10:40 am
bjleepoet
Love me some Porcupine Pie! And love Laura’s Debut Review Challenge. As a debut author, I will be participating.
September 25, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Laura Renauld
So glad you’re participating, BJ!
September 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
ranessadoucet
This is such a wonderful idea for a challenge! I’m excited to read Porcupine’s Pie!
September 25, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Laura Renauld
Thank you! Hope you join in!!
September 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Jennifer Johnson
I would like to read Porcupine Pie.
September 25, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Laura Renauld
Good luck!
September 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Mary Ann Cortez
Both books look great. I cant wait to read them. I am also going to do the review challange. It’s a great idea!
September 25, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks for participating, Mary Ann!
September 25, 2019 at 10:50 am
Kay Phillips
I love porcupines! I love pie! looks like a book for me.
September 25, 2019 at 11:33 am
Laura Renauld
And there is a yummy pie recipe at the end! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Laura Renauld
Definitely 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 5:16 pm
viviankirkfield
I’m so excited for the Fred Rogers’ book, Laura! And I LOVE this new challenge you’ve created…well done!!!
September 25, 2019 at 10:51 am
Marjory
What a fantastic idea! I love that this challenge helps promote the work of debut authors and illustrators, while prompting me to read more. I look forward to participating.
September 25, 2019 at 11:32 am
Laura Renauld
I’m so glad you are excited to participate, Marjory!
September 25, 2019 at 10:56 am
sgassman17
What a great idea! I will definitely be participating!
September 25, 2019 at 11:32 am
Laura Renauld
Yay!
September 25, 2019 at 10:57 am
sgassman17
What a great idea! I’m looking forward to participating!
September 25, 2019 at 10:57 am
June Sengpiehl
This post is very creative and interesting. I enjoyed reading about this book.
September 25, 2019 at 11:31 am
Laura Renauld
Thanks, June! Join us!
September 25, 2019 at 11:01 am
Pamela Harrison
Congratulations on you success, Laura! I can’t wait to get my hands on your books. The review challenge is a great idea to support our debut authors.
September 25, 2019 at 11:30 am
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Pamela! I hope you join the fun.
September 25, 2019 at 11:08 am
Sara Matson
What a great idea for a challenge, Laura. And congrats on your book–love that alliteration!
September 25, 2019 at 11:30 am
Laura Renauld
The title came first so alliteration started it all!
September 25, 2019 at 11:09 am
Anitha Kuppuswamy
Awesome book!!
September 25, 2019 at 11:29 am
Laura Renauld
Thank you, Anitha!
September 25, 2019 at 11:11 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Congratulations, Laura! Your book sounds endearing and fun! And what a great idea for a challenge but to get reviews.
September 25, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Kim! I hope you join the fun!
September 25, 2019 at 11:15 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a great idea and a wonderful way to give back! Congratulations on your new picture book, Laura!
September 25, 2019 at 11:29 am
Laura Renauld
I appreciate that, Suzanne!
September 25, 2019 at 11:17 am
Debra Kempf Shumaker
I completely agree that writing challenges have made a huge difference in my career, too. I love this Debut Review—what a great idea! And you know I loved Porcupine Pie and I simply cannot wait for Fred’s Big Feelings!!!!!!
September 25, 2019 at 11:28 am
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Deb for cheering me on!
September 25, 2019 at 11:18 am
tammisauer
Well, hooray! So happy my ‘how-to’ post led to Porcupine’s Pie. 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 11:28 am
Laura Renauld
Tammi, I love your books and your writing advice is always top-notch. I’m so glad you wrote that post 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 11:21 am
shellshock7
Thank you, I will be participating for sure!
September 25, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Laura Renauld
Excellent!
September 25, 2019 at 11:43 am
Ashley Bankhead
What a wonderful idea!
September 25, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks! Would love to have you join the fun!
September 25, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Truer words were never said. Such a Great Community😸‼️
September 25, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Laura Renauld
Isn’t it, though? 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
StoryStorm keeps giving and giving.
September 25, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Laura Renauld
StoryStorm is my favorite!
September 25, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Amy Chase Mann
Mmmm…pie… And alliteration! Great mix! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Amy! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 12:43 pm
authorlauralavoie
Mmm, I love pie! And fabulous idea with the Review Challenge!
September 25, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Laura Renauld
There’s a recipe at the back for Friendship Pie!
September 25, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations on your books! Much success to you!
September 25, 2019 at 8:32 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Sylvia!
September 25, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Gabi Snyder
A huge congrats, Laura, on PORCUPINE’S PIE and FRED’S BIG FEELINGS! I can’t wait to read your stories! And I love this generous idea for boosting debut authors. I would love to participate as both a reader and a debut author. Thank you!
September 25, 2019 at 8:33 pm
Laura Renauld
Please join the fun!
September 25, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Maria Marshall
Looking forward to FRED’S BIG FEELINGS! Great idea for a review challenge! Thank you.
September 25, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Maria! Cheers 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Sara Fajardo
The review challenge is a brilliant idea. Wonderful way to give back and promote fellow authors.
September 25, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks! I hope you join us!
September 25, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Sheila Wipperman
I love using alliteration in my writing, and I love baking! Porcupine’s Pie sounds like a delightful read! Would love to share this book with my new grandson–never too early to expose children to books! Congratulations on this new book and also on the upcoming “Fred’s Big Feelings!” Must check that one out, too!
September 25, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Laura Renauld
The title stuck with me because of the alliteration. 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Janie Reinart
Laura what a wonderful way to give back. ❤️Happy Book Birthday. And congratulations on your new book about Fred.
September 25, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Laura Renauld
Thank you, Janie! It’s been quite a debut year!
September 25, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Linda Mitchell
Thank you for the encouragement to review. I am skittish of being totally honest for every book I read. I can find something good in just about any book though. I will be better about reviewing. What a great idea…and, CONGRATULATIONS!
September 25, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Laura Renauld
You can do it, Linda!
September 25, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Carrie Williford
This is such a great idea! I’m in for October!
September 25, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Laura Renauld
Excellent!
September 25, 2019 at 1:52 pm
David McMullin
Thank you so much Laura for helping to strengthen this community! I look forward to seeing your book.
September 25, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Laura Renauld
The Kidlit community is the best!
September 25, 2019 at 1:59 pm
dorothywiese
Congratulations, Laura. I too have enjoyed Storystorm (and its predecessor), and I’m glad that it helped you succeed. Your debut book and upcoming book sound great.
September 25, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Laura Renauld
Much appreciated. 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 2:02 pm
rindabeach
Laura, this is a wonderful idea. I downloaded your read/review form and will get to work. Would you consider highlighting self-published work? I’d love to get more critiques for my book, NEIL ARMSTRONG’S WIND TUNNEL DREAM.
September 25, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Laura Renauld
So glad to have you join the squad of reviewers, Rinda! Your title sounds fascinating. Since this is the inaugural challenge, I’m going to see how it works with traditionally published Kidlit, but my gut tells me that self-published books will not be as readily available through libraries which would make it difficult for reviewers.
September 25, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Donna Blaszka
Can’t wait to read both books!
September 25, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Donna!
September 25, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Kim Larson
What a wonderful idea, Laura! I should have been doing this already. Thanks for the reminder and motivation!
September 25, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Laura Renauld
Challenges (and prizes!) are great for motivation. 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Juliana Lee
Laura, I love this idea! I generally read and review a bag of books a week and I love the idea of helping out debut authors; maybe I’ll be one someday!
September 25, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Laura Renauld
It’s exciting to hear that you are already in the habit of reviewing! Keep writing!
September 25, 2019 at 4:44 pm
simplywendi
Congratulations on your one year anniversary for your book! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 4:48 pm
StephMWard
#DebutReviewChallenge is such a fun and fabulous idea! Thx for supporting debut authors 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Laura Renauld
So glad you are on the team!
September 25, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Linda
What a beautiful book to share with the kids the beauty of autumn.
September 25, 2019 at 8:47 pm
Laura Renauld
Thank you! And there is a pie recipe at the back to extend the story into the kitchen 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 5:34 pm
mariagianferrari
Congrats, Laura!! Such a great idea! Porcupine’s Pie is such a sweet book, and I can’t wait for your Mr. Rogers one! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Laura Renauld
Thank you, Maria! You are an awesome kidlit cheerleader! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I love pie, whether it’s blueberry or porcupine! oops – I meant peach. And I love the Debut Review challenge. what a great idea!
September 25, 2019 at 8:50 pm
Laura Renauld
Ha! Did you know Neil Diamond has a song called Porcupine Pie? I found that out after I’d written my story. That title is a bit dark for kidlit!
September 25, 2019 at 5:44 pm
donnacangelosi
Congrats, Laura! What a great idea to start #DebutReviewChallenge to give back and support one another.
September 25, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks, Donna! (Looking forward to your Fred book, too! We’ll be book bio buddies 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
I love the #debutreviewchallenge! What a spectacular idea. Can’t wait to read Porcupine’s Pie.
September 25, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks for your enthusiasm!
September 25, 2019 at 6:11 pm
seschipper
Great ideas! I always love Story stormers (PiBoIdMo) success stories! Count me in..in October! 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Laura Renauld
Glad to have you join in!
September 25, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Natalee Creech
This is a fantastic idea! Don’t forget it’s possible to request that your local library buy a book (this takes a while before the book is purchased, received and processed) and also possible to get books through interlibrary loans. (doesn’t take as long)
September 25, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Laura Renauld
Great point, Natalee! I have a blog post planned that will discuss ways to access books to review. Great tips!
September 25, 2019 at 6:58 pm
fantimaame
Very helpful and wonderful blog. I am writing for children in Ghana,West Africa who have very diffrent experiences in their lives but children are children. Your tips have been most helpful. Thanks
September 25, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Laura Renauld
Ghana holds a special place in my heart. I studied there for a semester when I was in college!
September 25, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Julie Nardone
Congrats! My firsties would love this book!! I accept the challenge!
September 25, 2019 at 7:36 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
You have to love a challenge with winners on both sides: debut authors getting reviews and reviewers getting a chance for prizes.
September 25, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Laura Renauld
YES!
September 25, 2019 at 8:14 pm
ptnozell
Congratulations on your success & your initiative to give back to the writing community.
September 25, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Laura Renauld
Thanks! Hope you join the fun!
September 25, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
What a great idea!
September 25, 2019 at 11:20 pm
Keila Dawson
Fantastic idea Laura. It takes a village! Congrats on your upcoming release.
September 26, 2019 at 2:02 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
What a great idea! I’ll be checking out your website for the complete details. Thanks!
September 26, 2019 at 3:18 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Happy Book Birthday!!! That Porcupine and Lie story looks adorable. I will anxiously await the debut of your Mister Rogers book!
September 26, 2019 at 8:07 am
Dee Knabb
Congratulations, Laura, on your debut. Storystorm sure gets the brain churning. I love your review challenge. What a great strategy to celebrate picture books and their authors.
September 26, 2019 at 9:34 am
C.L. Murphy
I love how supportive this community is of one another and I value learning from everyone’s journey. Your books look wonderful, Laura! Congrats!
September 26, 2019 at 9:45 am
Suwin Chan
Happy Book Birthday!! Your book is so beautiful and I can’t wait to read it. This is a wonderful challenge!
September 26, 2019 at 10:03 am
Darcee Freier
Congrats on your 1-year old book! And thanks for the new challenge. Reviewing books is really something that I need to learn and do. Thanks for the motivation!
September 26, 2019 at 11:17 am
polishbabe
Cute books! Thanks for your post and your encouraging words. I participated in Story Storm for the first time this year and the guests all provided inspiration for creating a new story. Congratulations!
September 26, 2019 at 11:22 am
kcareywrites
What a fantastic idea! I love the Debut Review Challenge! I’m in!
September 26, 2019 at 12:08 pm
marty
Laura, what a terrific way to help promote new authors. I love the idea! Look forward to your book on Fred Rogers. He was a favorite of ours when the kids were young. Great subject for a PB!
September 26, 2019 at 1:22 pm
Kassy Keppol
What a great new challenge!
September 26, 2019 at 1:45 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Love your idea about boosting debut writers!
September 26, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Well, if a porcupine can make a pie, then so can I. I just need Mom to get the ingredients out. And put me on a chair. And reach the buttons on the oven. And read me the recipe. And if I had a couple of thumbs, that would be great!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
September 26, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Nancy Furstinger
Congrats on your upcoming book on Mr. Rogers…on my wishlist…and Porcupine Pie looks adorable! I’m very deadline motivated–started my writing career as a newspaper reporter–haven’t missed a deadline yet!
September 27, 2019 at 7:12 am
ecappard
Thanks for the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way. Congrats on the book anniversary!
September 27, 2019 at 11:02 am
Jennifer Phillips
Congratulations on your new book and I applaud your idea to help debut authors with reviews. It is so challenging to break through the information clutter these days!
September 27, 2019 at 11:19 am
kathydoherty1
Congratulations on your book anniversary! And I love your idea to help debut authors with reviews.
September 27, 2019 at 1:06 pm
writersideup
Laura, CONGRATS on ALL of this! And what a GREAT idea for #DebutReviewChallenge!!! LOVE! 😀
September 27, 2019 at 1:10 pm
kmajor2013
I think your challenge is a great idea, Laura! Also, congrats on the 1st year anniversary of Porcupine’s Pie!
September 27, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great idea and great post! Thanks, Laura! And Happy 1st Book Birthday to Porcupine! Celebrate with pie! 🙂
September 28, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Daniele Arndt
I can’t wait to read you book! It looks so cute! Happy 1st Book Birthday and awesome idea with #DebutReviewChallenge!
September 29, 2019 at 3:59 am
Aaron M Alberico
Can’t wait to read it. From the looks, is it the porcupine who makes the pie? Is the pie full of porcupine favorite ingredients? Does it turn one into a porcupine or give porcupine abilities? I’m curious.
September 29, 2019 at 9:51 am
Amy Newbold
Thanks for sharing your story, Laura, and for supporting authors with this review challenge.
September 29, 2019 at 5:48 pm
Deb Bartsch
Thanks so much for putting this resource together!
October 1, 2019 at 5:26 pm
claireannette1
Thanks so much for this great idea and opportunity. I’m enjoying the 2019 debuts and will look forward to the 2020 debuts – which my forthcoming picture book will be a part of. (I’m a member of the @2020DebutCrew)
Porcupine Pie is darling and I can’t wait to read Fred’s Big Feelings. Now, it’s time to post some reviews.
October 15, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Lauri Meyers
Congrats on Porcupine Pie!
October 22, 2019 at 8:55 am
aliciaminor
The title alone is a winner, a tasty treat for all pie lovers and makers. I applaud you for the Review challenge, a challenging way for writers to practice their skill on giving their own thoughts on the writings of others. I look forward to more of your books in the future. God bless and congrats!
October 29, 2019 at 1:57 am
claireannette1
I love a good challenge and yours is such an encouraging way to support debut authors. Congratulations on both of your wonderful books!