You know that feeling when you listen to your gut and let your intuition do its thing? Amazing, right? That’s how I feel every time I sit down to write a children’s story. I’m not saying that every second of every day feels amazing. In fact, revision and waiting and rejection feel a lot like agony, and sometimes the long, winding, seemingly endless path to publication seems a lot less cordial than the Yellow Brick Road.
Still! It’s all so worth it.
And you know when you’re doing something you love and it seems like good things start coming your way? I feel like that now. Since dedicating myself to kidlit in late 2015, I’ve discovered how incredible the children’s literature community is, both in real life and virtually. The support is immense. The array of information available is intense. The learning opportunities are infinite. I’ve made friends, taken classes, gone to workshops and conferences, read over 1000 books…
My dream of seeing my own books up on the shelf is still a long way off, but I’m every bit (if not more) inspired to continue down this path today. I’m at my best when I’m constantly expanding my curiosity, utilizing my creativity, experimenting with form, putting words on a page.
In the less glamorous moments of self-doubt, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a few twinkling little lights of encouragement help guide me in the dark. The latest glimmer is a mentorship I was awarded in January through a wonderful contest called Writing With The Stars.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Peter McCleery, whose debut picture book came out last month. BOB AND JOSS GET LOST! is sublime. You must check it out if you haven’t already discovered it. It was an instant new favorite in our household. (It had me at Scuttlebutt.)
Peter’s gentle yet firm way has helped steer me in a better direction and clue me in about the craft and real life of a working kidlit writer. He doesn’t hold back with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and have already learned so much. I am excited to see where Peter’s journey takes him. Thank you, Peter! And thank you, Universe! On to the next chapter I go…
M.K. Resk 