I’ll have some whimsy with a side of wonderment please…
This thought came to mind after a trip to our city gardens with my nieces. It's funny how big these tree roots looked against tiny feet.
After leaving the corporate environment, I felt like I finally got a breath of fresh air. Words like strategic planning, target market and business development no longer left a bad taste in my mouth. Though still part of my profession, those words are now intertwined with a career I truly love. I’m no longer selling a product or an ideal, but sharing a story, a message that I hope will add value to someone’s life. My goal is to grow and learn while writing encouraging pieces for adults and children.
At present I’m mostly published as a ghostwriter in the non-fiction genre reaching older audiences. However, my dream is to write quality fiction—specifically picture books and young adult novels. I’m fascinated with children’s writing and find inspiration just about everywhere I go. Just last month, my friend’s three-year-old son ran the halls of my church barefoot and carefree. I watched as he hopped up on the stool across from me and rolled ham and cheese around in his hand like modeling clay. Then, we had a fascinating conversation about Spiderman and chocolate chip cookies. If only board meetings were that entertaining.
Conversations with children always take me back to a simpler time filled with dreaming and laughter, and I want my writing to do the same. I want my stories to transport readers to a place that is creative, inspiring and fun. My hope is to encourage others to see the world for it’s possibilities rather than it’s inconsistencies.
Beatrix Potter, A. A. Milne and Dr. Seuss brilliantly captured childhood joy and innocence and have been my greatest literary influences. When I sit down to write a story, my mind teems with heroic characters and sing-songy tales. Playful words dance around in the depths of my imagination before spilling out onto the page.
Once pieces are written and sent out the door, I wait. As the responses come in, I get excited about the yeses, happy for the maybes and eager to learn from the nos. To fellow writers, do not dread the rejection letter. Use it as an opportunity to hone your craft. Then, when you get the yes or maybe as I recently did, you can be grateful because each small step is a victory. Between the ebb and flow of freelance work and seeking publication, I’ve found peace in knowing I am where God wants me to be—pursuing His plan with faith and persistence.
