It’s such an honor to be the Featured Author on 12 x 12 this month. Since joining this wonderful community four and a half years ago, I have come to love it so much! I’ve “grown up” reading your stories, watching the incredible webinars, and listening to all the conversations. I’m constantly learning about the craft of the picture book. So, today, I’ll share my journey of the last four and half years and some tips I picked up on the way that I hope will inspire you.
A little back story: 2015-2016 was to be my last year of teaching. My plan was to wrap up my career of twenty-five years and then look for an agent and really plunge into my writing.
Tip 1: Stumble. Scroll. Search. You never know where that will take you.
In October, 2015, I randomly stumbled upon #PBpitch on Twitter. While driving to school I remembered I had an eight-hour window to participate. Based on a true event that happened during World War II, I had written a story about two enemy pilots. During recess I wrote and posted the following pitch:
Two boys
Two continents
One dream: to fly
Then one day the world went to war.
One Like is all I got and all I needed. It was from Essie White @Storm Literary Agency.
I sent her the story and although she loved it, she didn’t really know me enough to take me on. So, before she could say anything I suggested she just sign me up for a single project and that will give us both time to find out if we are a good fit for each other. It sounded like a good plan. She sent off the story in December 2015 and sold it in the first week of January 2016. A MEETING IN THE SKY published by Creative Editions and illustrated by Jordi Vila Delclòs came out three and a half years later.
In 2016, I signed with the amazing Essie White and joined 12 x 12. It was a busy time so it took me till the end of the year to learn how to navigate 12 x 12.
In 2017, I made the resolution to write 12 drafts and check in every month. I put my faith in 12 x 12 and it gave me structure and accountability I needed. It didn’t matter if the drafts were raw and rough. And I did finish 12 drafts!
Tip 2. Always say YES and figure it out later. You will have no choice but figure it out and you will.
In March, a manuscript I had pitched to the editor at Orca Books (before Essie) came back with –
Sorry it’s a pass but would you like to write a board book for us on the festival of Holi?
The Orca team was smitten with images of the Indian festival of colors that takes place in March. I had never written a board book before but would I say no? Never. Holi Colors was my April draft and it not only started a whole series of board books for Orca but it also got starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly.
In 2018, I wrote 3 drafts and had 2 board book launches – Holi Colors and Diwali Lights both by Orca Books. They were my April and July 2017 drafts.
Tip 3. Put in the Work. Keep working on your craft. Keep your skills sharp. Keep showing up.
In 2019, I wrote only one worthwhile draft but I never missed a webinar. Never stopped learning.
2020 was supposed to be my big year. My two drafts from 2017 were coming out as books in May and October. Grandmother School, published by Orca Books and illustrated by Ellen Rooney was inspired by a true story. The book is about a community of grandmothers in a village in India who go to school for the first time in their lives– courageously fighting the shame of illiteracy.
And 111 Trees, also inspired by a true story, is published by Kids Can Press and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer. The book tells the eco-feminist story of one man changing the life of a desert village in India. Wanting to address the environmental destruction and gender inequality, he persuaded the villagers to plant 111 trees every time a girl was born.
And then there was this trip to Bologna for the Book Fair that I always dreamed about.
So, in January, I made the resolution to repeat what I had done in 2017. To write 12 drafts.
January and February went as planned. One shoddy draft and one not so bad.
Then the pandemic hit. Bologna got cancelled and a week later the lockdown happened in Canada. Disappointed and dismayed, I scrambled to make Plan B.
I would write. What else was there to do? By the end of the month I realized this lockdown was not a Writing Retreat. I had to quit fooling myself. I started pining for flour and yeast (which as we all know had disappeared from the store shelves).
Tip 4. Go for Walks. They clear your mind and improve the ability to generate ideas.
In April, alternating between hope and despair, I began going for walks, taking pictures of clouds, trees, birds, and trying to make sense of what had befallen our world. I watched the empty roads of a metropolis in awe and I wrote my first wordless picture book draft.
Tip 5. Try a New Genre. May brought flour and enough yeast to make 96 loaves of bread. That anxiety taken care of, I turned my attention back to writing. I decided to rewrite a picture book in a graphic novel format. It was on my list of things to do anyways. Learning something new would give me a reason to wake up too. It did. It totally consumed me. I watched Neil Gaiman’s Masterclass and read every graphic novel in eBook format I could borrow online (Libraries were closed). And it took two months to put the first draft down.
Tip 6: Embrace Revision. It’s true what William Knott said: Anyone can write; however only the writers know how to rewrite. That’s where the magic really happens. A Garden of Grenades, my February draft from 2018 had been acquired by Greystone Kids to be published in 2022. These stories from around the world and written in free verse are set against the background of war, poverty, and violence. Given the current climate, Greystone wanted to vet them again. A poet, who also happened to be an editor was assigned to me. When I first saw so many comments and suggestions on a 700-word manuscript I thought I was in trouble. I had an anxiety attack. I didn’t touch the revisions for a week. I kept taking deep breaths.
Then, I dived into it with an open mind and addressed everything the editor questioned. I remember struggling with one line for four days but when I got it right, the feeling was priceless.
I used to wake up with lines of poetry floating in my head, truly waking up from my pandemic stupor.
Tip 7: If you get stuck, turn to Poetry. It will help you get unstuck. Most of the time. On the day I was writing this post I got ‘stuck’ for an ending. So, I did a little exercise that I ask my students to do when I first introduce Spoken Word to them. I scrolled through Instagram with a pen in my hand and wrote down whatever caption made me pause. (I ask them to either write a ‘found’ poem or choose a caption and do ‘stream-of-consciousness’ writing). This is the Instagram loot from that day.
Be a friend to yourself.
I am not a label.
Step into another world!
Could this be a good thing to come out of 2020?
Out of difficulties grow miracles.
Coming up for some air.
I’ll tell you a story today.
And I stopped when I came upon a picture of a garden with yellow flowers and a caption by @tylerknott, a poet I follow.
What do you need to grow?
What’s necessary to make you thrive?
Put it into the universe, let us hear.
I had found my ending.
Answer the questions in the comments below and say it out loud. There is power in the spoken word.
Unless you say it out loud, how will the Universe know what you need?
Hugs to you all and may the Universe always have your back!
Writer for children, Own Voices author and Spoken Word coach, Rina Singh has an MFA in creative writing and is the author of many critically acclaimed picture books for children. Her most recent publications are A Meeting in the Sky (Creative Editions); Holi Colors & Diwali Lights (Orca Books); Grandmother School (Orca Books); 111 Trees (Kids Can Press); A Garden of Grenades (Greystone Kids) coming out in 2022. Her daughter is a professional photographer in Toronto and her son works in finance in San Francisco. She lives with her husband in a blue house in Toronto, Canada. It’s surrounded by tall trees and it feels like she is living in a forest. There are birds, squirrels, even a rabbit and a fish pond with Japanese koi in it. She likes writing amongst the trees.
You can connect with her on her website www.rinasingh.com or on Instagram & Twitter @storiesbysingh
Rina is offering a copy each of Grandmother School and Holi Colors to one 12 by 12 member at the October check-in. Get that October draft done for your chance to win.
264 Responses
Thank you, Rina! Wow, of wow! This is beautiful in every way. I am moved … and inspired. How lucky for us that you are part of 12×12 and lucky that you are helping the world shine, shine, shine!
I woke up to your message and it already made my day. Thank you, Elizabeth. I am so lucky to be part of 12 by 12. What a wonderful community!
Rina,
Thanks so much for this inspiring post!
I’m so glad you found it inspiring. Thank you.
Lockdown was definitely NOT a Writing Retreat, but your story and tips were inspiring! Thank you!
So inspiring to see your journey! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Love the found poem idea Rina! Thank you 🙂
Pauline, I hope you have fun with it.
I feel honored to be able to share my journey with you all. 12 x 12 has been a driving force.
I feel honored to share my journey with you all. 12 x 12 has been a driving force in my life!
Wow! What an inspiring story Rina! So many true stories for kids to learn from. I’m glad you are able to take walks every day. Not all of us are so lucky during the pandemic. Enjoy it for all of us!
I’m sorry you aren’t able to go for walks. Yes, in April we were allowed to go out for walks. I hope this pandemic is soon behind us and we can all go back to some kind of normalcy. Take care.
thank you so much for this post and for all your tips. I love the reminder to turn to poetry when you’re stuck–and that it can be found in unlikely places! I need to try your Instragram trick!
Yes, Mary – poetry has come to my rescue many times. Hope you enjoy the little exercise. We should pay attention to whatever makes us pause. There may be an idea hidden there.
So inspiring, Rina! Thank you. I especially liked your tip about turning to poetry – so true. Now to answer the questions:
I need love and community to grow. I need family to thrive.
How beautiful, Rose. Yes, we all need love and community to grow and family to thrive. Wishing you success in your journey.
What a journey, Rina! I love the way your post tells about your approach to challenges and your willingness to take on challenges, such as new genres. And the practical and sage advice is a welcome conversation for all of us to keep having with your thoughts as our springboard. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!
Thank you, Marty! Challenges keep us going, don’t they? Wishing you success.
Wow! What a story of creativity, perseverance and courage- thank you for sharing your tips!
Thank you for your kind words. Wishing you the same – creativity, perseverance and courage. Take care.
Thank you for sharing such an inspirational post! I amended your questions by adding “as a writer” at the end.
What do I need to grow as a writer? The resources I receive from my Kidlit community
What do I need to thrive as a writer? The encouragement and feedback I receive from my kidlit community
Heather, I am grateful too for the resources from the Kidlit community. 12 x 12 has been such a driving force in my life. I feel safe in this community. Wishing you amazing successes!
WOW!!! great back story. Thankyou so much for sharing. Good Job! Blessings as you journey forward.
Oh, thank you Terri. Hugs and blessings to you too and wishing you great success in your journey!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It is inspiring. I can’t wait to try out Tip 7 🙂
Doesn’t sound like you are retired at all 🙂 Good luck with all your endeavours.
I hope Tip 7 works for you and gets you excited. I do try to keep busy to stay sane. Take care and wishing you great success in your journey.
We are so fortunate to have you as our 12 x 12 October Featured Author. Your life story is amazing
and inspirational. I’m originally from Panama in Central America and so as someone who migrated
from her native country to a new one I relate to many of your experiences. I look forward to reading
your many beautiful stories and learning a great deal from you. Many good wishes to you as you continue your journey in the literary world.
Carmen, I feel incredibly lucky to have found 12 x 12. Sending good wishes to you too and wishing you success. I hope you find some stories from Centra America to share with the world!
Rina, what an amazing journey! You’ve accomplished so much in those four years. Being prolific, writing those new drafts month after month, takes discipline and determination. But obviously it pays off.
I love that walks and poetry are among your ‘tips.’ Couldn’t agree more 🙂 They both work for me as well.
And I love the fact that your books have been inspired by true stories. Look forward to reading them all!
Hi Marty – so happy to know that walks and poetry work for you too. Poetry has come to my rescue many times sometimes to get me unstuck and at other times to recalibrate my perspective.
Wishing you great success in your journey, Marty!
Your story is so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Thank you, Kirsten. Best wishes for your journey!
Wow, I loved reading this, Rina. So interesting and so inspiring and your books are wonderful! What I need to grow is ideas. What I need to thrive is knowledge. Hugs to you also 🙂
Katie – wishing you ideas and knowledge all the way!! Hope you continue to grow and thrive especially in the literary world!
Thank you, Rina, for sharing your journey. This year is definitely not a writing retreat. I’m so glad you’ve connected with your creativity again. I need hope and love to thrive and finding the former has been challenging at times, but it’s out there. All the best to you!
Yes, Jennifer I agree it has been the toughest times for the world but we cannot lose hope. Wishing you abundance of hope and love!
Rina,
All I can say is that you are tremendously talented and tremendously lucky. Keep going. I’d love to read one of your books.
i love all things East Indian.
Sue
Aww! Thank you Sue! I feel fortunate to be able to continue in my journey and I wish you great success in your own journey. Take care.
Rina, What a great process story you have! I love your willingness to try new forms of writing, as well as the exercise that found your ending for this post. Congrats on your success! And yes, I believe that poetry is immensely helpful to “unstop” the tub.
Jilanne, I hope you have fun with the exercise and thank you for your kind words. Wishing you success in your journey!
Your writing journey is amazing and so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your writing/creative tips and I love the poetry. You are a shining light. Thanks for shining it on us!
Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, Linda. I hope you love poetry too. It really has come to my rescue so many times. Hugs to you and wishing you great success in your journey!
Love the found poem idea Rina! Thank you 🙂
Awesome, Pauline! I hope you have fun with it. Take care.
What an inspiring post…just what I needed today! And my answer is structure. After a month of wonderful houseguests, I definitely need to structure my time to focus again.
Tanya, your comment on structure reminded me of a quote: A creative person needs the soul of a gypsy and the discipline of a soldier. We all need structure, don’t we. I hope you find time to take care of yourself too.
I feel like I’ve just had a hug from a long, lost friend. Your post is both inspiring and comforting in equal measure … and has left me wondering what happened to the 96 loaves of bread! Baker extraordinaire. Say YES and figure it out later, love that!
Joan, the sweetest comment ever! Here’s another hug for you. And yes, I’m still half way with the loaves lol.
Thank you Rina for sharing your continuing journey. Your message of stay positive, say yes, try something new, and how poetry can help to unstick your writing is inspiring. I look forward to hearing more in the future.
Jane, you summed it up so nicely. Wishing you positivity, creativity, and lots of inspiration as you move forward in your journey!
I loved your ideas. Thanks for this helpful post.
Thank you for your kind words, Jodelle. Take care and wish you lots of success!
I love the idea of asking the universe for help and then going for a walk or scrolling through twitter to find the answer. Beautiful! Thank you!
Christina, your response made me smile because you summed it up in such a clever way! Take care whether you are strolling or scrolling!
This is a wonderful post! What a terrific and inspiring start to my day. I loved reading about your jouney and advice. Thank you!
Inspirational post. I’ve been a member of 12×12 for five years and still haven’t submitted a manuscript to an agent. I don’t feel comfortable writing a query letter or a post for PB Post! You have talent and motivation. I have fear. Congratulations on a successful career so quickly.
Anne – don’t have fear. There is magic in boldness. Take a leap and I am wishing you well.
Thank you for your kind words, Karin!
Rina, thank you so much for this post! It is PACKED with wisdom, great news, and uplifting thoughts. I’m going back to read it again!
You made my day, Sarah! Wishing you lots of success in your journey!
This is lovely and exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you!
May you always get what you need! Hugs!
Belinda – I am wishing you well and all the success in the world.
Wow! I loved reading your story! What do I need to thrive? Time to be creative, unstressed hours, nature, lack of anxiety, daydreaming, hot tea, long walks, sometimes solitude. New experiences and adventures really help me as well, which, 2020. Maybe that is why I’ve been struggling with new drafts! Thanks for sharing with us! Congrats!
P.S. I want to try the Instagram thing! Cool activity.
Angie, I hope you get all the things you need to thrive – especially new experiences and a bit of solitude.
Have fun with the Instagram activity. Hugs!
Wonderful post, Rina! It’s filled with valuable advice. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your success!
Thank you for your kind words, Cathy. Take care of yourself and your creativity.
Hello fellow Canadian! Your dedication and success are inspirations. I take your advice to turn to poetry to heart- I’ve been finding this true lately and hearing you say it makes me believe it even more.
It’s so amazing to meet a fellow Canadian. I’m so glad you are finding refuge in poetry. Really, it has always come to my rescue! Thank you for your kind words.
Hello, Rina! Thank you for your inspiration. My debut was with Creative Editions, too!! Congratulations on your continued success.
In my excitement, I forgot to answer your question(s)! IN order to grow and thrive right now I need focus during this time of uncertainly. I worked on that today, okay Universe?!
Wendy – I love your book – Lola Shapes the Sky. So cool that you are published by Creative Editions too.
So happy to know that you already sent a message to the Universe!
“Hugs to you all and may the Universe always have your back!” Thank you, Rina, for your positivity and kindness. You and the kid lit community help me to thrive, grow my creativity, and find the strength to put myself out into the universe. My critique partners always have my back. Sending out wishes for your continued success.
You are so kind, Charlotte. And I’m sending wishes your way too. May you thrive!
Thank you, Rina! Such an inspiration, and such interesting stories. Congratulations and much more success.
Hugs to you, Chelle and wish you all the success in the world!
Thank you, Rina, for sharing your writer’s journey. Your way is like a treasure map that leads from one thing to the next in such a natural and easy way. You are very blessed. Thanks for your inspirational ideas.
Marjorie, your analogy of the treasure map was priceless. I hope you find plenty of treasure on your journey!
Very impressive and inspiring, Rina! Thank you for sharing your path and helpful tips. I can’t wait to check out your books!
Thank you, Robin for your kind words!
Inspiring post! Thank you. And congratulations on your success!
Thanks you for your kind words, Elizabeth!
I loved reading about your writing journey! Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement. I’m inspired to get back to my writing now! I’ll be tracking down your books.
Thank you, Andrea! Wishing you all the best as you get back to your writing!
I’m so inspired by Rita’s lovely books! Her writing advice rings true, too. Thank you for sharing part of your writing journey with us, Rita!
Thank you for your kind words, Sandy!
Fantastic, Rina. You are an inspiration!
Thank you, Jerrianne. It’s so wonderful to know you could find some inspiration here. Wishing you all the success in the world!
Thank you for your inspiring post!
Wishing you all the best in your journey!
Congrats on your books!
Thank you, Suzie!
This is so inspiring! I just read Grandmother School and loved it. I’m also here in Toronto, btw.
How nice to meet a fellow Canadian who lives in Toronto as well. I’m so happy you liked Grandmother School. If it wasn’t for the pandemic we could have met over a cup of coffee. Take care.
What an exciting journey you have been on. It looks like 12×12 was a great part of your experience. Congrats on all your successes.
Thank you. Yes, Bettie – 12 x 12 has been an integral part of my journey.
Such a lovely, authentic, and inspiring post. I love the tips about turning to poetry and never saying no when asked to undertake a writing project.
Yes, Cynthia poetry has come to my rescue many times. It not only brings comfort but many times shows the way too.
Dear Rina!
Thanks for writing about your journey to be a children’s book author. So inspirational. Loved, loved, loved the seven tips, particularly “If you get stuck, turn to poetry. Thank you. Carole Calladine
Yes, Carole. poetry has rescued me many times. I hope it works for you too.
“Always say yes and figure it out later.” I’ve done this so many times, and it absolutely does work! Thanks for stating it so clearly, Rina.
Awesome, that it works for you too!
Hi Rina!
Tip #3 is really resonating with me right now! This pandemic had me, as I’m sure so many of us, frozen and captive to it. Breaking away for walks and hiking on new trails to places I’ve never been has helped me to gain a new perspective. It’s amazing how a walk in the woods clears your brain and ignites new thoughts. This was so jammed packed with nuggets of inspiration and encouragement! Thank you for sharing and congratulations!
Mary, this pandemic had put me in a stupor and I had to find ways to wake myself.
I’m so glad the walks are helping you ignite new thoughts. We all need to heal ourselves
the best way we know and can. Take care.
Rina, thank you so much for this blog post. Much needed as I am slowly crawling out from under my anxiety, emotionally-drained summer rock. I will use your advice to get back in the game.
Awesome! Sending you warm wishes and lot of energy as you come out from under ‘the rock’.
Lyrical and lovely! Thank you for sharing your journey. There are many of us who can relate to the steps you’ve taken and probably more (like me) who wish to be on a similar journey.
Thank you, Joyce! I wish you a beautiful journey ahead.
Great post, Rina! Thank you for sharing your amazing writing journey with us. It was interesting to read how different formats, especially poetry clicked and offered you another way of looking at your manuscripts. I have never used poetry as a catalyst before… usually when dealing with poetry I am rewriting it into prose. But I love the “found poem” idea and will be putting it to good use.
Instead of walks in the woods, my go to thing is puttering around in the garden, either in my vegetable garden or in my flower gardens. There is something about getting my hands in the dirt that frees up my mind. What I need to grow is finding new ideas to explore and/or twisting my old ones to look at them in a new light. What I need to thrive is finding the courage to send my work out there.
Gardens are great healers! I hope you find new ideas and yes, courage. Hugs.
Thank you Rina for such a delicious post. It carried the full essence of baking bread. Mm, mm, mmmm!
Marg, I felt your excitement! Thank you.
Rina, I am so excited to read your books. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your tips.
“Always say YES and figure it out later” is a gem of advice. Don’t let your fears hold you back. That’s what I have to keep reminding myself, along with “I can do this.”
YES, you can do it, Angela! Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
All the best on your journey, Joyce!
wow! Really inspired by this piece and your journey Rina! Thank you for paving the way for many of us …I look forward to learning more from you!
Namita, I look forward to connecting with you in the future. All the best for your journey.
Wow! What an amazing post! Thanks for bringing your stories into the world!
Thank you for your kind words, Cynthia. I wish you the very best in your journey.
Rina, your post was so lovely and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your writing and publishing journey.
What do I need to grow? To keep writing, revising, taking classes, workshops, working with my critique groups and being involved in the wonderful online writing communities, like 12×12.
What do I need to thrive? To coax the stories out of my heart that are whispering to be told and have this fabulous writing community help me polish them so they change from a whisper to a roar!
Keep spreading your magic!
Yes, Lucy coax those stories out of your heart (I love the way you put it) and may the Universe have your back. 12 by 12 nurtures us all.
Oh Rina, your story is so encouraging! Thank you so much. Congratulations on all your success and hard work. I’m looking forward to reading your books.
Thank you, Pamela. All the best in your journey!
What an amazing journey. I like your spunk in mentioning the one project idea to Essie. You followed your gut and it has led you to success.
Sherri, my father always tells me “Listen to your gut not the heart and not the brain”. To me it seems like a more reliable source.
Rina, that was such an incredibly inspiring post. Thank you so much for sharing your story and for your excellent suggestions.
Sending the best of wishes for your writing, Stephanie.
Thanks for sharing your story. Also a wonderful reminder to be open to change. I’ve read HOLI and am waiting for GRANDMA SCHOOL from my library. I loved the colors and uplifting feeling of HOLI.
Aww! I hope you enjoy Grandmother School too. And what a change the whole world is going through. I hope I can remain optimistic. You take care.
“. . . I realized this lockdown was not a writing retreat . . .”
Such a huge revelation that we all had to come to this year at our own pace!
It’s true, isn’t it, Jennifer? But I hope we all find courage to wake everyday and still try to do our best without being hard on ourselves. Take care.
It’s so wonderful to hear your honest writing reality while working during the pandemic. Thanks for such an inspirational post!
Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Maria. Take care.
Heartfelt congratulations! Looking forward to reading your stories and many more to come! 🥰
Thank you, Michele. Keep writing the stories. The world needs them.
So wonderful to read about your journey! Wishing you continued success.
Thank you, Carol. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing journey too.
Great tips, and an inspiring post.
Thank you, Mary Ann. All the best to you.
This was such an encouraging post 🙂
That makes me happy, Rachel. You take care.
What a journey and what great successes but not without a lot of hard work. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey :-).
Thank you, Sharon. Sending you wishes for your journey too. Take care.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Rina!
Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Susan.
Thank you for this post! 🙂
Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Venita.
Thanks for the detailed story of how you pitched your stories and took a chance on new projects. These are beautiful stories!
Thank you. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Lynn.
Thanks for sharing the ways you’ve coped with the changes we’ve all endured this year. I love taking walks, too. Congratulations on your beautiful books and keep up the good work!!
It’s been like a year we have never seen before. I hope those walks unlock some stories in you. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Libby.
Thanks so much for your tips and sharing your writing journey! It is so encouraging to meet many 12x12ers who are people who once had other careers but who share a passion for crafting stories for children!
That’s so true, Heather. I hope you continue to explore your passion too.
Rina, thank you for such an inspiring post. I loved 111 Trees & am looking forward to reading A Meeting in the Sky!
Oh, you did already. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Maria.
I have been struggling with manuscripts that are good, but not great- just recently decided to keep saying yes, dive into the work, and face the revisions. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
YES!! The magic is in the revisions. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Mary.
I love “Say yes and figure it out later.” That speaks to promise and faith in yourself. Thank you for speaking to my writing heart with encouragement and enthusiasm for the craft.
That’s such a poetic way of saying it, Lysa – a promise to yourself. Sending you the best of wishes for your writing,
Thank you for sharing!
Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Robin.
Congrats Rina! Thanks for sharing your journey and stories with the world.
Sending you the best of wishes for your writing, Adriane.
Thank you for that amazing post. Much to think on and pursue in your words. And I must have 111 Trees. What a fantastic story. I will order it online through my local bookstore.
Sadly, I have NOT been keeping up with all of the webinars during these crazy times. I get the replays and mostly fit them in, but sometimes they expire before I get to them and then I’m kicking myself! But, I wrote a draft of an early reader this month. After revisions, it will be one of six that will be released by Highlights next year and beyond.
Thank you, Carolyn. It isn’t always possible to fit in everything we want to do in the day. Life come is in the way. But congratulations on your success with Highlights. The 12 by 12 webinars have helped me immensely.
Wow, Rina! You are such a n inspiration and coach. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
96 loaves of bread! I don’t think I have made that many in my whole life! Go Rina!
Wow, Rina! You are such an inspiration and coach. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
96 loaves of bread! I don’t think I have made that many in my whole life! Impressive.
Thank you, Lynn. I’m half way through with the loaves lol.
Inspiring! I have not written what I thought I would during lockdown. Every day is a scramble to learn something new to use for school so I’ve only been able to write a few new drafts but have managed to work on revisions. Thanks for giving us some hope!
Yes, Megan it’s been such a hard year on so many different levels. Let’s keep at it if we can. Hugs.
What an amazing, inspiring and hopeful post. Thank you so much! I will keep plugging along!
Yes, Nancy we all need to keep plugging along. It’s been such a hard year and it isn’t over yet. Hugs.
Thank you for sharing, Rina! Your post is inspiring!
Heidi, you are yourself an inspiration! Let’s get through this hard year together. And you have two skills. You are both an author and illustrator.
Rina, thank you for sharing your journey with us! It’s always so good to read these. When I pick up my 15 books on hold at the library tomorrow, Grandmother School will be in the pile!
Aww! Cheryl I hope you like Grandmother School. It’s close to my heart because my own grandmother in India didn’t get to go to school.
Great post!!! Congratulations on your success.
What a journey! Wonderful. I can’t wait to read your books. Yes, it only takes one, and I thrive on that notion. Congrats on everything!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Wishing you all the best in your writing journey.
What a lovely post. So inspiring. What a year this has been. I relate so much to your writing experience this year. I love your idea at the end – I will definitely give it a try next time I’m stuck.
And Erin, the year is not over yet. Yes, poetry bring solace to me at least and inspiration.
What a wonderful post! I love reading about your journey and your spoken word adventures.
Melissa, your journey has been amazing. A HUG FOR THE WORLD is what we all need right now and the magic of paintbrushes and pens. Thank you for inspiring us all.
Congratulations to you! Thank you for these amazingly practical tips.
Great, Amy! All the best to you in your writing journey.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring and amazing journey, Rina. Congratulations on your success! I look forward to reading your books 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Penelope.
Yours sounds like a “slow but steady” journey. Aspirational. What do we truly need to grow and thrive? I like how those are distinct. 🙂 Food for thought…
Thank you, Joyce. We need to get through this year together.
First, I really enjoyed learning about your journey! So interesting and so inspiring! And second, I thrive when I am writing. I thrive when I inspire others with my words. Thank you for all your tips! I fail forward daily in my journey! 12X12PB has pushed me to write 1ten new PB ms this crappy year and revise to have 16 ready to query!
You are doing good, Dedra. 16 manuscripts to query! Wow! I wish you all the luck.
Wow, what beautiful books! Thank you for sharing your journey and your words–it really helps us all! Congrats on your writing success!
Thank you so much, Marcy. Let’s keep marching along.
Wonderful advice! Wonderful suggestions! Wonderful modeling of what it takes to be a picture book writer!
Thank you, Rina!
Thank you, Joyce. It’s not an easy journey, is it? But let’s keep marching along.
Such great tips! I particularly love tip number 2. I hope I am given the opportunity to figure it out.
Put it out in the Universe, Monica.
What a lovely and inspiring post. I’ve always been fascinated by the festival of Holi and love your poem idea. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you, Joyce. Yes, Holi is a beautiful ( a bit rowdy though) festival.
Thank you, Rina, for your inspiring post! I especially like the idea of turning to poetry for something different to give you some creative inspiration. I’ll have to try that as well!
Jacqueline, I hope you give poetry a chance. And hope it helps.
Thank you for sharing your journey and successes along with your wise tips. Truly inspiring!
Thank you for your kind words, Mary.
Thank you Rina, for making us (collectively) smile. To thrive I need to take a page from my forthcoming PB Brave in the Water and remember to breathe -literally to inspire (breathe in). I can’t wait to get your Grandma School book. I’ve always said, we don’t have enough books with grandparents – they buy books!
Thank you again.
I hope you thrive, Stephanie. Brave in the Water sounds amazing.
Thank you, Rina. What an inspiring – and practical! – post.
All the best to you, Cinzia.
Wow, Rina!
Thank you for sharing your story and your advice for how to push through and make our own luck. I look forward to reading your stories and seeing more from you out there on the shelves!
Kelly, your response made me want to get up and do some more pushing. Thank you!
Thank you for these tips. I recently read “turn to poetry” someplace else. And I never turn there, but I think since you are giving a plug also I should try it out. Congratulations on all your success!
Steff, please give poetry a chance. And thank you for your wishes.
Your tips are very helpful. There were many times during the pandemic that writing did not come easily for me. Thank you for sharing!
Judy, the pandemic is testing us all and being creators we need to try to bring hope to the world.
Thank you for the inspirational post and tips. Just what I needed to read! October got away from me but with a little structure – November is off to a good start!
Don’t let November get away, Mary. All the best.
Beautiful books! I saw one of my students reading Grandmother School the other day (on Zoom).
Oh, Sara just to hear that Grandmother School is finding readers is so nice to know. Thank you for sharing that.
Rina – Thank you…loved the idea of when stuck go to poetry! And the Pitch party helped me lots too…thank you for sharing!
Hurray for Poetry, Picture Books, and Pitch Parties, Shelly!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips!
All the best to you, Karen.
What a journey, thanks for sharing, Rina!
All the best to you, Brenda.
What a beautiful post, Rina! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Reflecting on the questions you asked, I’m grateful for the blessings that have come from the challenges of 2020. It’s been a tough year, but I have so much to be thankful for. I’ve also realized I need to put myself out there and start submitting more of my stories. They’ll never be published if they’re never shared. Thanks for all your encouragement! 🙂
Abby, you answered your own questions. And gratitude is an amazing tool, if you ask me. Not always easy to be grateful but if we remind ourselves often it helps.
Wow Rina – your books are absolutely beautiful and about such important topics! Congratulations! Thanks for all the inspiring words – I especially love the part about the magic being in the revisions!
Thank you, Laura. Rewriting is where we have a chance to shine. All the best to you.
So inspiring, Rina! Trying my best to keep showing up this year. I really need to get my hands on 111 trees. Looks fascinating and inspiring.
Thank you, Josie. Yes, let’s keep showing up.
Wow! Thank you for your suggestions and your encouragement!
All the best to you, Gayle.
Thank you for this post and the tips. Grandmother School sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it.
All the best to you, Lois. Hope you like Grandmother School. It’s close to my heart. My grandmother didn’t get to go to school. She would have loved it.
Thank you so much, Rina, for these beautiful insights!
All the best to you, Clara.
Thanks so much for sharing your helpful tips and advice.
All the best to you, Brenda.
Your post is inspiring and thoughtful, Rina, as well as, your comments to the 12x12ers. Thank you!
Dee, wish you all the best in your writing journey. These are tough times but hopefully we can get through and as creators give hope to others as well.
Congratulations on your success, Rina! Your post is very inspirational and I love the advice in tips 6 and 7. I wish I to leave my day job someday soon to focus on writing and illustrating. It’s the timing of the leap that is important. Thank you for sharing your writing journey and sharing what can happen when you say “yes” to the universe.
Krissy, you put it in such a poetic manner. We never know what can happen when we say YES.
What wonderful advice with beautiful pictures to prove it! Your words inspire! I especially love the “say yes, figure it out later” piece! Congrats on your success and all the important stories waiting for you to share!
Sending hugs to you, Karen. Thank you for the generous wishes and wishing you the same.
Thank you, Rina, for your inspiring post. Your advice is priceless. I gave careful thought to the questions you posed at the end and wrote:
To grow, I need to better understand the demands of my craft, consistently weed out misconceptions, and fully commit to the work involved in meeting those demands.
To thrive, it is absolutely necessary that I expand my concept of community and participate in that broader community more fully.
Carrie, you defined it so clearly. It’s like I’m reading your goals here. Go for it and like I said before : May the Universe have your back!
This is the PERFECT post for our world situation right now! Thank you for the practical and inspired tips. SO GOOD!!
Thank you for taking the time to write and share this beautiful post.
Your question about the good coming out of 2020? Yes, there is good all around amidst all the not-so-good. We just have to look for it and recognize it.
Michele, thank you for your generous words and as creators lets’s find the good and share it with our readers.
Dear Rina, I have read and reread Grandmother School
to my students. Thank you for writing this inspiring book.
Bless your heart, my friend. I hope your students liked the book too.
Wonderful tips! I will try to utilize some of those!
All the best to you, Jennifer.
Thank you for this lovely post, Rina. (And I am amazed that you made 96 loaves of bread!)
Congratulations on your beautiful work; I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Lauren and all the best to you in your writing journey.
Thank you for the inspiration Rina.
All the best to you, Dee.
Thank you for sharing your journey and ideas with us. You are inspiring. Congrats on all your books! They look amazing!
Thank you, Cindy. All the best to you in your writing journey.
Thank you, thank you, Rina!!!! Pure inspiration. Congratulations on all your successes. I want to read 111 Trees. Wow. I love your “if your stuck, turn to poetry” suggestion too. (This year has been one big “stuck”.) I didn’t want your post to end. So thank you for sharing your honesty and wisdom with all of us.
Oh, Sara, you sure know how to make someone’s day. Thank you for your generous note. Yes, it has been a “stuck” year. I hope turning to poetry works for you. Let’s get through this year and it would be amazing if as creators we can add to some hope for this world.
Beautiful books and good advice – thank you!
Thank you, Anne. All the best to you for your writing journey.
Rina, thank you for sharing your story and inspiring tips. It can be easy to complicate a #PBPitch even given the limited characters, but your pitch for A Meeting in the Sky was so simple, yet perfect. That’s awesome! I’m looking forward to A Meeting in the Sky and your other books!
Thanks, Jennifer. I hope you enjoy the book. I loved writing it and it did take forever to come out though. All the best for your journey!
Sound advice… multiple times! Thank you, thank you.