Welcome to #PBMadness, a unique event that puts #kidlit prompts head-to-head to find out which sparks the most creativity in you! From April 15th to 28th, you’ll get inspired by prompts, write picture books, select winners, and have a blast. The stakes are low and the prizes are incredible. Check out our hosts before registering below!
Here’s how it works:
Grab your participant badge and share on social media, using #PBMadness.
Check back on Arpil 15th at 8 AM EST to see the Sweet Sixteen prompts designed to encourage creativity in you.
Pick one of the prompts and complete a PB story or illustration within three days. You can interpret the prompt however you like!
When you’re done, fill out the form letting us know which prompt you selected.
Repeat steps 4 & 5 for the Elite Eight, Final Four, and Finals.
Check back on April 28th for prizes & enjoy your new PBs or illustrations.
April 15th at 8 AM EST- Sweet Sixteen prompts will be revealed and where they fall on the brackets.
April 15th-17th – Participating writers and illustrators have three days to select one of the Sweet Sixteen prompts to create a complete picture book or illustration. When finished, writers and illustrators will fill out the form, selecting their prompt.
April 18th at 8 AM EST- The Elite Eight prompts will be announced.
April 18th-20th – Participating writers and illustrators have three days to select one of the Elite Eight prompts to create a complete PB or illustration. When finished, writers and illustrators will fill out the form, selecting their prompt. The same prompt may be selected from the previous round, but in the spirit of the game, we ask you create a second picture book or illustration inspired by that prompt.
April 21st at 8 AM EST- The Final Four prompts will be announced.
April 21st-23rd- Participating writers and illustrators have three days to select one of the Final Four prompts to create a complete PB or illustration. When finished, writers and illustrators will fill out the form, selecting their prompt. The same prompt may be selected from previous rounds, but in the spirit of the game, we ask you create a second (or third) PB or illustration inspired by that prompt.
April 24th at 8 AM EST- The Finals will be announced.
April 24th-26th- Participating writers and illustrators have three days to select one of the two final prompts to create a complete PB or illustration. When finished, fill out the form, selecting the prompt. The same prompt may be selected from previous rounds, it’s almost unavoidable at this point. But in the spirit of the game, we ask you to create an entirely new PB or illustration, inspired by that prompt.
April 27th at 5 PM EST – The Winning Prompt is revealed and prizes are awarded!
Why participate in #PBMadness?
The purpose of #PBMadness is to get our creative juices flowing, to explore new #kidlit prompts, to connect with other #kidlit creatives, and to possibly win prizes. In other words, to have fun with no stakes!
Do I have to participate in all the rounds?
Nope! You can pick and choose which rounds you want to join. Simply fill out the form for the round(s) you complete, and you’ll be eligible for prizes for that round.
Can I use the same prompt for two rounds?
Absolutely, but in the spirit of the game, we ask that you create two different PBs or Illustrations inspired by the same prompt, if that’s what you plan to do.
Are there prizes?
You bet! Prizes will be announced closer to the day, but there will be prizes for every round and Grand Prizes. But best of all, you’ll have up to four new manuscripts or illustrations!
Do I have to turn in a MS or illustration to verify I participated in a round?
Nope, this is on the honor system. Please fill out the form, check which prompt you chose, and that’s it. What you do with your creation is entirely up to you, but we hope you’ll revise, polish, and make it sing.
How do I qualify for a prize?
Participate in a round, fill out the form when you’re done, and you are automatically eligible for prizes that round. Participate in all four, and you’re automatically eligible for the Grand Prize!
What if I didn’t select the winning prompt?
That’s okay. Your prompt spoke to you and generated creativity. That’s all that matters. You’re a winner in our books and you’re still eligible for that round’s prizes.
How do I qualify for the Grand Prize?
Participate in all four rounds, fill out the forms, and you are automatically eligible for the Grand Prize.