Magical Faerie Crystall
Today’s Tuesday 12 x 12 author, Kelly McDonald, is multi-talented indeed. She writes and illustrates picture books, chapter books AND Young Adult Novels. She is a writer, artist, performer and photographer. Luckily, she spreads her talent and inspiration freely in the 12 x 12 in 2012 challenge where we can all learn from her. Please welcome Kelly!
The 12×12 challenge. It has been a blessing in so many ways. I am Kelly McDonald, a nearly 40 year old married, mother of one, children’s entertainer, writer, photographer and artist.
The 12×12 is half over. Can you believe that? I still remember being a little scared about signing up. Would I look stupid compared to all the real writers there? Would I even make a deadline, let alone two? Was I really a writer? Could I do it? I was so scared! But I signed up anyway. Why? Because I want it! I want to be a writer, I always have. It is a dream from childhood that never faded. I have quite a few stories I have written over the years, and the drawer full of rejection slips to prove it. I needed to learn how to get my ideas down on paper so that the stories would work as well in book form as they do when I am telling them on stage.
After moving to Europe, I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands and slowly began to learn…. a trick here, an idea there. I wrote my first full length novel during this time and it landed me an agent.
Then, I took a breath, and entered the 12×12! I have learnt SO much from you all. I am amazed at the generosity and the encouragement and support of this group. When I have bravely put my hand up to ask a question, I have found that others out there want to know too, and another always has the answer. Through this group I met Becky Fyfe, and also joined her chapter book challenge. What a bonus that was! I have just finished my third chapter book in the series, and my agent has taken that as well! Here I was thinking I was a picture book writer, and yet I have found bliss writing for older kids. I have met some wonderful new online buddies, and hopefully will meet a few in person one day too. This group has given me new wings, new dreams, and new inspiration to fly a little higher. Thanks to you one and all for your amazing imput into our (not so) little 12×12. Thanks Julie for an amazing opportunity!
Oh and its one week til June is finished… and I haven’t had an idea for this month. It is ok, I have 6 days 
For the past 16 years, Kelly McDonald has been entertaining as the Magical Faerie Crystall throughout Australia and has even spread a little fairy dust in Europe. With a background/training in childcare/kindergarten, she has worked with children since leaving school. The past 8 years have seen her working in digital art, and photography. Kelly has sold quite a few personalised stories she illustrated using her clients’ children. She’s also had a few covers published, and placed third in the Australian CYA conference in 2011. Kelly secured an agent last year with her YA novel, The Hidden Fey. She’s now written a second YA novel, A darkness in Shelley, and has written picture book and chapter book drafts through the 12 x 12 in 2012 and chapter book challenges. She lives on the peninsula in Victoria with her gorgeous hubby and son.
Categories: 12 x 12 in 2012, Authors, Children's Books, Goals, Picture Books, Publishing, Writing · Tags: 12 x 12 in 2012, Chapter Books, Goals, Illustrator, Julie Hedlund, Kelly McDonald, Picture Books, Tuesday 12 x 12, Writer, YA