I seek permission for… well, mostly everything.
Should I wear this? Dye my hair? Buy this brand of underwear for my kid?
Query this manuscript? Write this blog? Is any of my work even ready for the world?
Every decision comes with a desire be *sure* I’m doing it right. Get all the feedback. Read all the reviews. Check that there’s a 30-day guarantee.
Then, last week, one of my incredibly talented and wise critique partners gave me a nugget of advice that has been in my ear ever since:
“You need to trust yourself more.”
*head explodes*
Here I am, looking for someone to tell me which of my books are submission-ready and which agents to query. I want a guarantee that my time in the chair will lead to publishing success.
But the reality is:
There is no guarantee that I’ll ever get published.
Even if my work is published, there’s no guarantee it’ll be well received.
There’s not even a guarantee that anyone will read this newsletter.
So this week, my focus is self-trust. I’m writing what I need to write. I’m reading what I need to read. And drawing what I need to draw. Because the only audience I’m guaranteed is me, so I may as well create for her.
Doodly
Today’s doodle is inspired by Mahogany L. Browne’s presentation at SCBWI. I put on her session at a moment when I was feeling so much doubt, and she repeated this mantra several times. I’m thankful to have received the message when I did and wanted to remember it in a doodly way.
What I’m reading
This week, I am sharing a book that I came across in my search for picture books about disability.
What Happened To YOU? is written by James Catchpole and illustrated by Karen George. The main character, Joe, just wants to play pirates at the playground and doesn’t want to answer questions about his missing limb. Without being didactic or preachy, readers come away with a clear understanding of how to more empathetically interact with anyone who has a physical disability. It even includes a note of suggestions for discussing disability with your own kids.
I think it’s important to mention that there is no one-size-fits-all script for how to interact with people, including those who live with a disability. Even so, living in Joe’s world for a brief playground adventure shines a light on his very important perspective.
My search for books about medically complex kids continues. If you have a great book to recommend, please shoot me a message or comment below. I am especially looking for books about rare disease, chronic illness, and epilepsy.