2014 Picture Book Dummy Challenge Steps 1-3

I'm excited to be participating in the Picture Book Dummy Challenge. I finally wrote my first picture book with the help of the Children's Book Academy's online class The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books.
If you need help with starting to write, I highly recommend this course! There's a new one starting February 10th. 

So, I'm in the process of developing my main character (a dog) – right now I'm just sketching from real-life photos of dogs, (and my real-life little Westie) to get the hang of what really makes a dog a dog. Then my next step is to stylize the character and give her personality!

How is everyone else doing?

I've posted the schedule here to help me keep track.

The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books Highly Interactive e-Course Will be Starting
February 10th 2014 - See more at: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html#sthash.fjzNKdul.dpuf

The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books Highly Interactive e-Course Will be Starting
February 10th 2014 - See more at: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html#sthash.fjzNKdul.dpuf

The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books Highly Interactive e-Course Will be Starting
February 10th 2014 - See more at: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html#sthash.fjzNKdul.dpuf

The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books Highly Interactive e-Course Will be Starting
February 10th 2014 - See more at: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html#sthash.fjzNKdul.dpuf

STEP 1: Pick your project (1 week) Jan 12-18

STEP 2: Draft the story (4 weeks) Jan 19-Feb 15

STEP 3: Develop the characters (2 weeks) Feb 16-Mar 1

STEP 4: Storyboard text and art (2 weeks) Mar 2-Mar 15

STEP 5: Render tight, full-size sketches (8 weeks) Mar 16-May 10

STEP 6: Produce final art of two spreads (4 weeks) May 11 - June 7

STEP 7: Assemble the dummy (2 weeks ) Jun 8-Jun 21

STEP 8: Research submissions; prepare dummy package(1 week) Jun 22-Jun 28

STEP 9: Submit (1 week) Jul 6- Jul 12 (Because of the July 4th holiday)

STEP 10: Celebrate! July 17 #kidlitart chat Wrap Party