“I will publish a book by the time I’m 40.”
That’s the goal I set one year ago. How hard could it be to get a book published in four years? I’m a decent writer. I have solid ideas. Surely editors and agents will see my (single) picture book manuscript and immediately blow up my inbox: “This is what we’ve always been looking for! Finally! Here’s a glob of money and a 15 book deal! We’re sending a limo now!” And then it’ll be an instant bestseller and all of my dreams of author visits and book tours and speaking and writing will become reality.
(You’re allowed to laugh. I certainly am.)
In my quest to learn how I would make this happen I’ve become familiar with the publishing industry. And the process of writing books. And the intricate science of illustration. And the SLOG of being an author-illustrator who’s trying to get traditionally published.
I can now confidently say that I had absolutely no idea what I was talking about one year ago.
I’ve also learned that getting a book traditionally published isn’t necessarily about the book. Really amazing books get rejected by agents and editors every single day. It may not be as unlikely as winning the lottery, but it’s up there. Assuming you’ve honed your skills, getting published is more about timing than talent. And relationships. And research. And grit.
So many times we set goals that are external. You wouldn’t ever (seriously) say “I’m going to win the lottery before I’m 40!” and then call yourself a failure when it doesn’t happen. Why do we do this with other measures of success that are out of our control?
“Creativity takes courage.” - Henri Matisse
When you’re a creator, external goals are especially troubling. Creating and sharing your work is already a vulnerable and challenging task. How can you possibly create your best work while also feeling like a failure?
Now that I’m one year older (and wiser!), it’s time for new goals.
Goals that are within my control.
Goals that don’t rest on the approval or acceptance of others.
Goals that will help me become a braver creator.
This newsletter/blog is one of those goals. Wendoodly Weekly is a promise to myself to write, draw, and be brave every single week.
And on that note, here’s my weekly doodle!