aspirations

 

     In my own personal journey to become a children's picture book author I find myself juggling so many feelings daily. First comes the doubt, then sometimes the shame of the rejections mixes in, (order is not consistent) but then inevitably comes the overwhelming desire to begin writing, drawing and creating. Most of the time it is a very positive experience, and my belief in myself rides strong.

     I think we all have been touched by good literature at some point in our lives. Powerful writing can move a reader. Many of us have felt the power of good writing, and can even pinpoint moments where we might have been moved, or even touched. You know, that moment when one connects with the writing on an almost visceral level? For me, one such moment was when I was reading C.S. Lewis' childhood classic, The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. The minute Lucy goes into the back of that wardrobe to hide from Edmund, pushing aside those fur coats, and ends up in Narnia was one of the most pivotal moments for me as a reader. Did Lewis know that after that read that closets in my house would never the same? That even after trying every closet in my own home I still wouldn't be quite satisfied. Weeks after the reading my eyebrows might still raise at a friend's house, spying a brown glossed door, and wonder.

   Although there are so many markers that I pursue as a children's picture book author, that initial text- to- life connection inspires me like nothing else.