A Members-Only Event from Journey to Kidlit

Let's get re-energized to write!

5 days to find a new idea, build a real pitch, write a strong opening, and remember why you started.

June 22–26, 2026  ·  Pre-recorded video, daily emails & private community
Yes. Reset my writing year.
Included free with Kidlit Academy Social Membership. $39/month or $350/year. Cancel anytime.
A writer's creative desk
Tell me if you can relate to this…

You wrote the goal in your planner back in January.

"This year, I write the book."

It's now six months later, the planner page is wrinkled, but the book is mostly still in your head. Maybe you have some half-started drafts sitting on your desktop and four other ideas that keep stealing their attention.

Maybe you've been so busy querying, you haven't thought about starting anything new. Maybe you're just feeling stuck.

If you can relate to any of these situations, this Mid-Year Writing Reset is exactly what you need to get back into writing.

Your story is waiting
What the Reset Is

A 5-day writing challenge to get you back into writing, as if it's January 1st all over again.

1

Watch your daily lesson

You'll receive a daily email with a pre-recorded video lesson each day.

2

Complete the activity

Dive into the self-guided activity using the provided workbook at your own pace.

3

Share in the community

Jump into the private Facebook community to share what you're working on and ask questions.

No live calls to keep up with. You choose when to start each day. Just plan for 20–30 minutes.
The 5 Days

Everything you need to go from blank page to first draft.

Day
1
Play with words.
Before you commit to a story, you have to find one. We'll provide a list of words to choose your top two favorites to play with. A great way to think outside the box or find a fresh angle to popular ideas.
Day
2
Build the pitch.
Now that you know your idea, it's time to determine your story arc using our classic pitch formula, written in one sentence. If your story can't survive that sentence, the rest of the draft won't either.
Day
3
Write the opening.
If you're going to grab a reader, you have to do it right away. We'll focus on your first line, first 50 words of a picture book, or first few paragraphs of a chapter book or novel.
Day
4
Craft the title.
The title is the first thing a reader notices, whether in a query letter or on a bookshelf. It has to pique their curiosity while letting them know what to expect. We'll find the right hook for yours.
Day
5
Write the draft.
Now that you have the beginnings, it's time to write. Our team will also open to sign-up for participants to receive a marketability check on your opening before you commit to a full draft.
Who This Is For

This Reset was made for you if…

Yes. Reset my writing year.
How to Get In

This is a members-only event, and we don't want you to miss out.

You can join Kidlit Academy as a Social Member now through June 22nd to participate. Here's everything that's included:

Pricing

Join the Social Membership.

Monthly or Annual
$39
per month
or
$350
per year
Cancel anytime. No contract, no penalty. Save the equivalent of 3 months when you pay annually.
Become a member now

Already a Social Member? You're already in — watch your inbox for details.

Bonus

Join before midnight on June 21st and also get:

The Mid-Year Reset Workbook

A PDF companion to the challenge that's yours to keep forever — use it every year to reset your writing momentum.

30-Day Replay Access

Life happens. You'll have 30-day access to all Reset videos so you can work through it at your own pace if you fall behind.

These bonuses are only available for members who join before midnight, June 21st.
A Note from Brooke
Brooke Van Sickle
"I started Journey to Kidlit because I watched too many talented writers give up around month six. Not because their stories weren't worth telling. Because they couldn't see the next step.

The Mid-Year Writing Reset is the next step. The Social Membership is what keeps you in motion after the five days are over.

If you've been waiting for the right week to come back to your book, this is the one."
Brooke · Founder, Journey to Kidlit
About Brooke

Brooke Van Sickle is the best-selling author of Picture Book Perfection: How to Write a Children's Book that Sells and the founder of Journey to Kidlit — a global online resource that has helped over 40,000 aspiring children's book writers learn how to craft and publish their own stories.

She's also the founder of BiblioKid Publishing, an award-winning hybrid publishing house that has launched 50+ children's book titles, earning 5-star reviews from Reader's Favorite, Reader's Choice, and Mom's Choice.

Named a Top Writing Coach of 2023 by Coach Foundation, Brooke is on a mission to help more writers create stories that inspire the next generation of readers.

FAQ

Questions? We've got answers.

Can I cancel my membership after the Reset?
Yes. Cancel anytime from your account. No contract, no penalty. The door isn't locked behind you.
What if I can't write every day during the Reset?
The lessons are pre-recorded and the daily emails stay in your inbox. Work on your own time, including a weekend catch-up. You'll have course access for 30 days so you can rewatch as many times as you like.
I'm writing a chapter book or middle grade, not a picture book. Does this still work?
Yes. The Reset works for any children's book format. The prompts focus on craft — idea, pitch, opening, title — and those apply to all categories.
What's the difference between Social Membership and Kidlit Academy?
Kidlit Academy is the self-paced writing program (Basic $297, Premium $497, Pro $797, lifetime access). The Social Membership is the ongoing live support layer ($39/month or $350/year). They work together, but you don't need the main program to join the Reset.
What if I'm already a Social Member?
You're already in. Watch your inbox this week for more details about what to expect during the 5-day challenge.
What's the feedback opportunity on Day 5?
This is a separate step, and completely optional to participants who'd like feedback on what they work on after the 5 days. Similar to our Story Snapshot, our team will offer a focused review of the opening pages you write during the challenge. We'll share sign-up details on the last day.
Is there a refund?
Because the Reset is part of a live membership program with immediate course access, the program is non-refundable. However, the membership can be cancelled at any time. You can sign up for just one month if you're only interested in the challenge.

The Mid-Year Writing Reset starts Monday, June 22nd.

Five days. One fresh start. Your book is still worth writing.

Yes. Reset my writing year.