A couple of years back, I made my one and only trip to the Bologna Book Fair to find publishers for my Toy Series picture books, which I published under my Mustard Seed Books imprint.
I managed to speak with two established UK publishers -and these were at the publisher/managing editor level. They told me they liked my writing but preferred stories with animals and people as their main characters – to fit their list. I was given the opportunity to submit directly to them on account of those meetings.
A golden opportunity isn’t it? Well guess what? I never followed up with a new manuscript!
I’ve wondered many times why not.
Writer’s block? Inertia? My wanting to send the perfect manuscript which stopped me in my tracks?
Meanwhile, in these past two years or so, I have just completed writing my 17th commissioned picture book manuscript for my 5th client. Half of my recent works are currently being used for social studies across all schools and most kindergartens in Singapore. The remaining 8 will be published in the next three months for educational use and community outreach purposes. It’s been a great way to hone my writing, earn some income (while taking care of Caleb full-time) and benefit from the marketing and publicity spin-offs from there.
But the elephant in the room which I’m finally facing is this: How is it that I can write for others so productively but not for myself?
I’ve sort of known the answer at the back of my mind:
* Deadline
* Clear goal
* Payment on completion!
This week, I’ve finally decided to take two toddler steps to overcome this:
– For 2013, I’m picturing myself as a client.That way, I will finally carve out writing time for Me.
– To give myself a headstart, I’m starting the process now – having a first deadline and goal to shoot for.
Thanks to blogger friend Vivian Kirkfield of Positive Parental Participation, I’ve just signed up for Pi Bo Id Mo. (No, it’s not a tongue twisting phrase that Julie Andrews had to master in the movie My Fair Lady.)
Pi Bo Id Mo or Picture Book Ideas Month is a challenge to generate one picture book idea a day for November. So, for the first time, I will actually have a handful of writing ideas to start 2013 with. And I am not alone. Apparently, 500+ writers around the world will be in the picture on this challenge.
The countdown to Pi Bo Id Mo is two days to go and 4th November is the last day to sign up. During this period, we get daily emails from published authors with tips and advice on honing the craft.
So, I’ve sharpened my pencil. I’ve taken out a new notebook. I am ready to take a picture book walk of ideas with the “write” frame of mind.
Who knows? I may finally get down to submitting something to the two UK publishers I met once upon a time in Bologna, not so so so long ago.
Oh my goodness, Emily! Fantastic post…and I’m so excited you are signing on for PiBoIdMo! And I thank you so much for the shout-out. 🙂
I’ve “pressed” this post…so it will appear on my blog today also…hopefully dozens more will see it and hop aboard the PiBoIdMo train.
Emily, I am so proud of you for all you have done already. One day, if you have time, we can chat (by email or perhaps Skype) about how you got into the schools with your books. I would love to learn. 🙂
Thanks! It’s my first time signing up for a challenge like this and it’s revv me up!
For the schools, I was commissioned by our Ministry of Education for 7 picture books for use as social studies readers and also by another client with affiliation to a major chain of kindergartens. It’s been educational writing for the educational market and hones the writing skills at another level 🙂
That is wonderful, Emily! I’d love to write for the educational market…just don’t know how to get a ‘foot in the door’. 🙂
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Dear Emily, this is a very inspiring share about what was blocking you from writing “for yourself” and your personal breakthrough ! Being a “cautious”, “conscious” adult i had countless of “little voices” telling me “not to” or “not yet” etc etc in the past. I love your sharing, and all the best with your 2013 writing goals !
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