My Mantra by Jenna Waldman
Hello, everyone! I’ve loved being a member of 12 x 12 for the past six years, and it’s a pleasure to be your Featured Author. Thank you, Julie and Kelli! It feels like I began my writing journey only yesterday, and now I’m on book number three. PURR-IM TIME! releases in February 2023 (Apples & Honey Press), and is illustrated by the amazing Erica J. Chen.
Holy moly. I gotta tell you, my cats are PSYCHED about this book! They kept leaving me “presents” on my pillow until I sold a cat book. So really…I’m incredibly relieved this book is coming out soon! (I’ve gone through a lot of pillow cases…)
But I’m not here to talk about my cats’ sociopathic tendencies. I’d like to share something else…
My Mantra.
You’ve heard of mantras: a word, sentence, or phrase that helps you feel strong, successful, and empowered. So, my mantra might surprise you:
There’s always someone cooler than you.
This is the title and refrain of a Ben Folds song. I’ve been a fan of his music since high school. His piano playing skills just blow my mind! I also love how his voice isn’t a typical singer’s voice, meaning, it isn’t really that great. But hearing someone, who doesn’t have magnificent pipes, belt out his songs, is reassuring to me. The message: you don’t have to be “perfect”, you just have to be you. After all…there’s always someone cooler than you.
When I start questioning my writing, comparing myself to others, or feel the creeping fingers of jealousy and doubt, I remind myself of my mantra. Just like there will always be someone who sings better than Ben Folds, there will always be someone who is more clever, funny, successful, etc, than me. And that’s a relief! It takes the pressure off.
Sometimes, when I get caught up in the daily anxieties and fears, I stop to think about how small I really am compared to the universe, and it calms me. Recently, there have been some absolutely breathtaking images of space. The James Webb telescope can see 13.1 billion light years away. I feel like these images are my mantra on a grand scale (maybe the grandest!). Sure, here on Earth, there’s always someone cooler than you. But think about how many way cooler life forms there could be out there! Wow, talk about perspective.
So I’ll just be me. And you, just be you. That’s all we have control over.
Of course, with a mind that’s prone to anxious thoughts, I still struggle. When my first two picture books came out last year, it was a joy to celebrate their releases. I was so grateful to everyone who helped me promote them: my promo group, kidlit bloggers, friends, family, and more.
But can I tell you the truth? I was also really looking forward to hiding behind my computer and focusing on writing again. When you’re promoting a book, you have to work harder to keep out those negative and anxious thoughts, and it can be exhausting. Looking on social media, it can seem like other people never tire of promoting, are always doing something awesome, and putting their best face forward. And you start wondering, is what I’m doing enough? Should I be doing all of that too?
But, Jenna…
…there’s always someone cooler than you.
And, that’s ok!
If you have your own mantra, I’d love to hear it below. And, if you find mine helpful, I’m happy to pass it along.
I will leave you with a poem I wrote a few years ago, when I needed to remind myself of feeling comfort in the small:
SMALL
Bigfoot cowered in his cave.
“The world is strange and scary!
What if I growl the wrong “hello”?
What if I’m way too hairy?
“What if I trample on a friend
with a giant monster foot!?”
So in his cave poor Bigfoot hid
determined to stay put.
One night he gazed upon the sky,
a smile grew on his face.
“Each tiny speck of starry light
is a far off distant place.
It’s true that I’m a bigfoot and
my shoe’s a 40 wide—
but the universe is bigger still!”
And off he went…outside.
Margot, Midnight, & Pippa insisted on having the last word: Sometimes being YOU includes doing a puzzle with a friend, working on a favorite hobby, or taking a catnap—don’t underestimate the benefits of downtime! Sometimes our best ideas come when we’re not looking for them. Meow.
Jenna Waldman is the author of the picture books, PURR-IM TIME! (Apples & Honey Press, 2023), LARRY’S LATKES and SHARKBOT SHALOM (Apples & Honey Press, 2021). All three books are PJLibrary selections. Jenna is originally from Rhode Island, but now lives in the SF Bay Area. She shares her home with her husband, their two boys, and three (very meow-schievous) felines. Jenna is represented by Joyce Sweeney of The Seymour Agency. To learn more, and connect with Jenna, visit her online at www.jennawaldman.com on Twitter @SarafinaDesign, or on Instagram @jennawaldmanauthor.
For our November check-in, Jenna is offering one 12 x 12 member a signed book of their choice or a PB critique (rhyme more than welcome!). Start writing those drafts now!
103 Responses
So happy for you and proud of all the wonderful things you are doing and books you’re bringing into the world. Love that you walk to the beat of your own drum and do what feels right. Congratulations on all that is happening for you!
You seem pretty cool to me! Congratulations on your new book and the many more that are sure to come!
Thanks for the inspiring words, Jenna! And congratulations on your success. Ben Folds fan here, too.
Jenna, I feel calmed and encouraged by your post. Thanks for sharing your mantra…and your awesome poem…and a bit of Ben Folds too (I’m a fan!). I’ll go forward with a bit more perspective, thanks to you. And keep on trying to be “the best imitation of myself.”
What a lovely, supportive post. Mazel tov on your beautiful books that make kids smile.
What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing your philosophy. And I love your poem.
Thank you for this. I am a pre-published author, and lately it feels like my mantra is “You are good enough to be here” (as if I’m trying to convince myself to keep trying and not give up). I try not to let the rejections bother me, but man it can be hard! Congratulations on your successes! Your books look beautiful. I hope to be where you are some day!
I often get stuck in my head and can see myself using your fabulous mantra! Thank you for sharing it and congratulations on your new book! I look forward to reading it.
Thanks for sharing. Always happy to see more books with animals.
Congratulations! Third book! And one starring cats. I love my kitty, but so far she hasn’t inspired a story. However, my character of a pooch did and now it’ll come out in Spring 2024. But I truly get your mantra, because it’s so easy to compare one’s writing to other books being published and think it’s not as good as them. No doubt it’s not as wonderful as some of them, but it’s my best effort to date and I’m fine with that.
It’s always good to be humble and be happy with others while you are on your own journey of success!
Congratulations on your books!
What a great mantra, Jenna. And so true. It’s exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
Congrats on books one, two, and three! Love the cover for #3.
Jenna, I don’t know anyone cooler than you in the entire universe! Congrats on all of your wonderful books! Can’t wait for Purr-im Time (genius!). I think your cat GIFs popped a blood vessel in my eye. 😂
Congratulations on your wonderful books! And your mantra is just like the perfect picture book ending: unexpected but inevitable. I definitely have never heard that as a mantra before, so I wasn’t expecting it, but somehow, the reminder that there is always someone cooler than me is the perfect encouraging sentiment. MIght have to trade mine in 😉 (You only fail if you quit.)
Congratulations, Jenna, on your three books. I’ve put them on my read list. My mantra is “Get your books out into the world”. What a shame to have them in your files and never let them see the light of day. So many children are eagerly awaiting them.
Congratulations, Jenna. The idea of a mantra is definitely cool. Thanks for sharing that tip.
Thank you for sharing your mantra! I’m a Ben Folds fan too. I am allowed to live with 4 silly cats. 🙂
So many problems are caused by those who need to be the best, the brightest, the most powerful. If only they could accept that, yes, there is someone cooler than themselves, and yes, they are special in their own way–how much nicer the world would be. Your mantra is different and, dare I say?–totally suited to you!
SO excited for this book!!! And you are WAY cooler than me! So grateful for our friendship and critique-partnership! 🙂
Congratulations, Jenna, and thank you for the wonderful post. It was full of great reminders. Love your poem!
Mazel Tov on your third book, Jenna! Sharkbot Shalom makes a great birthday gift, and all the recipients I know think you are very cool :). I love your perspective and your mantra. It’s comforting to be reminded to just be ourselves.
Congrats on your book and thanks for your inspirational words!
Boy, did I need to read this! Thank you so much for this message of encouragement, Jenna. I love how you look at things. Now I have to check out Ben Folds’ music! LOL. Congratulations on your newest publication.
Great reminders, Jenna — I don’t have a mantra, per se, but my Dad did tell me when I was in high school and fretting about what I wanted to do later in life that there will always be room in the world for someone who is really good at their job, and that you can always “get good.” It helps me put things in perspective, especially when it seems the odds are stacked against you in our super-competitive creative field.
Thank you, Jenna, for sharing your mantra. I have a word for this year – Joy – to remind me to keep the Joy in my writing process. I’m going to be giving some thought to a mantra. In the meantime, I may use yours. Thank you for sharing.
It’s reassuring to be reminded that you don’t have to be perfect…to just be you. I came across a book years ago, by A.L. Williams, ALL YOU CAN DO IS ALL YOU CAN DO BUT ALL YOU CAN DO IS ENOUGH! I made a copy of the cover and keep it posted on my bulletin board. Just keep at it! I’m hoping to have some of my stories published some day. Congratulations to you on yours!
Congrats on your new cat book! Thanks for sharing your mantra. My mantra lately – The past is the past. This is now.
Jenna, what a humble approach to the anxiousness of becoming a published writer. Congratulations for being true to yourself. I feel if I do my best, no matter what the outcome, I can’t feel bad about my efforts. There will always be someone better than me, and I can live with that while I stay true to myself.
I love everything about this post! Thank you so much for the reminders and the mantra – so helpful! Congratulations on your books!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing your mantra and thoughts.
I needed to read this, Jenna. My mantra is from the ancient Hindu tale, the Bhagavad Gita.?Do the best I can and let go of the results.
Thanks for this wonderful interview, Jenna! I am also a huge Ben Folds fan (in fact, my daughter Gracie is named after his song by the same name). I love that mantra and am going to adapt it as my own. Congrats on your newest book, I can’t wait to get my paws on it!
Thank you, Jenna, for your heartfelt journey-story. I have two “meow-chievous” cats, and they are my therapy when my own writing journey seems to be at an end. I love the saying “there’s always someone cooler than you”.
I look forward to reading your new book.!
Congratulations on your book! And thanks for sharing your mantra. 🙂
Hi Jenna,
Your encouraging words are comforting and your cats are hysterical! Thanks for sharing both with us.
I loved your mantra and your poem about BigFoot! That was adorable.
I’d love to win a rhyming manuscript critique, because I’m writing lots of rhyming PBs and submitting them, but so far, no agents are biting.
Wonderful insight on mantras. I actually have two, depending on the situation. “Dream big, work hard” is my main mantra to encourage me to keep trying, even when receiving discouraging news. “You are easily replaced” is the mantra I use when I procrastinate, which I have a tendency to do. It helps remind me that there are plenty of others capable of accomplishing what I want to accomplish and if I tarry, I might miss out. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reminding writers to keep it real and keep being themselves. There is always someone writing better and doing more than I am and I need to know everyone has their own pace and will succeed in their own time. Some of us are just plodding along and doing it our own way. Thanks.
A very cool post! This is what I needed to read right now! Thanks for sharing your mantra and your cats, and I look forward to your new book!
Jenna – Thank you for sharing your Mantra (It’s a good one). I might borrow it until I think of my own.
When someone thinks they are cool, they usually aren’t, so you must be very cool.
Congratulations on your 3 books !
Awesome post, Jenna. Especially loved “just be you.” I guess that’s my mantra. And I remind myself – this is my journey so it’s not going to look like anyone or everyone else’s. Love that your kitties enjoy hobbies like knitting and puzzling. Tell them I said “Meow!”
I love it! I will remember that mantra! Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on your success, Jenna! Three’s a charm that will link to many more to come. Thank you for sharing your mantra and Bigfoot poem. My fear of Sasquatch was minimized after reading it.
Thanks for sharing! I like the mantra that closes out every The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast segment: “It just takes one yes.”
Thank you for this inspiration! I loved the poem.
Jenna- I liked your mantra and presentation. It’s so easy to doubt oneself, but keeping your mantra in mind will certainly help to put my writing journey into perspective. Congratulations on your success and I hope your feline friends will be content when the new book is published.
Such an encouraging post, Jenna! Thank you for what you said about letting the stress go-because there will always be someone who is MORE (in some way) than me. Whew. So I can relax and just be myself. 🙂 Congratulations on your new book! Love your kitty helpers!
Congratulations on your 3 books Jenna, I’m sure there’ll be many more. I look forward to reading them. And thank you for your cool mantra, your philosophy is so right and very reassuring.
I love your mantra and perfectionist-me feels the same relief hearing it! (Though I do think you’re a pretty cool friend!) xoxo
Congrats on your new book! It looks absolutely purrrr-fect. 😉
What a timely post! At least for me! Been struggling with some anxiety and worry- wanting success with my writing and fearing the success at the same time. Thanks for your insights!
Congrats. And as a cat mom, I love all your cat photos. Thanks for sharing!
You nailed it with your mantra. When I read your post, it dawned on me to not take myself so seriously. There is someone (or some cat) cooler than me.
I love your use of humor and puns. However, your use of your felines has caused barking here. Now I feel compelled to use Bella, the dog for my inspiration
How have I not read this all month? Could it be because I was doing book promo? Yes, always someone cooler than you (er me). Thank you Jenna and congratulations on all your book (and cat) successes.
Thank you Jenna for this unique and thought-provoking post. I have been thinking about a mantra – what should mine be? I haven’t decided yet, but I am keeping a list of possibles in my journal. Top of my list so far is “Just do it, dammit!”
This is all helpful, Jenna. You’re inspiring! And I’ve really enjoyed your books.
Inspiring and encouraging post, thank you!
Congratulations on your new book, Jenna! Great post. My new mantra is Bigfoot!
Great attitude! Looking forward to your latest book.
I really enjoyed what you shared in this post. Gave me a lot to think about and it was reassuring. Thank you
Congrats on your newest book. And that is a wonderful mantra a such cute cats.
*and such cute cats. Sorry – late night fingers.
Haven’t come up with a mantra yet, but I loved your first two books. Can’t wait to read the next one 😻
Love the cat inspiration and the headspace of get out of your own way!
Great post, Jenna! Thank you for sharing your story and giving us a peek at your writing journey, especially since it involves your cats! I too write with my guys…Oh the stories they can tell! And yes, I listen… and have written picture books and chapter books that involve their exploits… or rather my own hair-brained adventures from listening to them!
My mantra is one I took from a saying of Norman Vaughan’s, the chief dog driver on the first Admiral Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1928-30.
What brought Norman to my attention was that he participated in 13 Iditarods, running his first one at age 72. He completed 6 of them with his last finish being in 1990 at the age of 84!
Can you imagine crossing Alaska on the back of a dog sled for over 1,000 miles at that age! If you have ever driven a team of huskies you know it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do! I worked my way up to an 8-dog hitch and that was more than enough raw power for me to control, let alone driving a team of 16 of them!!
My mantra is: “Dream big and dare to fail!”
I love the gentleness of your mantra and a follow-up to the mantra is: What matters is that we try harder than all the people who are cooler than us :). Congratulations on the upcoming release!
Thank you so much for taking the pressure off… love your mantra!
Hello Jenna,
Congrats on your books, especially the new book! I love your post and it reminds me of a Japanese author who writes bunnies. It is Ok that someone is cooler than us. I mean, there will always be. We have our own cool stuff.
Congratulations, Jenna! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the reminder that humility somehow makes us stronger! I appreciate the contribution your books make to diversity and also fun reading.
Congratulations on your books.
As a teen and young adult, my mother, who thought she was protecting me from disappointment, would say, “There are people better (more talented) than you, so don’t bother.” It wasn’t until later, I took your attitude. “There are people more talented me, but I won’t know what I can do until I try.” We have to see it as a way to keep going.
Oh my goodness, Jenna. This post was such a delight to read. You are so funny. Love it, love it.
Love all the tidbits of advice and, of course, the cats!
Jenna, First congratulations on your new book. I loved your post, it was uplifting and inspiring. Bigfoot mad me smile.
And always remember that any cat at all is cooler than you.
Thanks, Jenna
You have great perspective. Love that you have been able to showcase your pets in your books. Congratulations on all your success!
Thank you for sharing!
Love your mantra! I would add “and someone out there thinks you’re cooler too”! I am inspired by your Jewish children’s books as that’s what I mostly write as well. Can’t wait to share these with my little reader!
Your mantra is purrr-fect for me as well! Congrats!
Jenna, Huge congrats on your new book and thank you for sharing your mantra. I LOVE your awesome Bigfoot poem!!!
What a great mantra, Jenna. It does take the pressure off! Two of my mantras….there is always something to learn and the journey is just as important as the destination.
Wow, I love your post, Jenna! These are inspiring thoughts and reminders. You’ve encouraged me to get out some of my favorite quotes to use as mantras again. Thank you 🙂
Congrats! Thank you for sharing your mantra. What a great post!
Yes!!! Jenna!! I never feel like I have posted enough on Social Media..- it takes up LOTS of writing time but I have met many great authors this way! Congratulations on all your books!!!
I really needed to hear your mantra today. That hit home. Thank you for being vulnerable and also sharing so many cat pictures:)I
Ben Folds fan here. Owner of 4 wonderful cats too, so I understand what those little gifts are.:)
Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations!
What a beautiful concept!
What a beautiful concept! I love hearing the back story.
I love your mantra! My is: “Everything always works out for me.”
I wrote and published a cat book too: “A Purrfect Home for Kitters. (Balboa Press)
It’s told from the cat’s POV!
My montra is: Everthing always works out for me. I love yours cause it takes the pressure off—just like you said. Congratulations on your books. Yea!
Love this blog post Jenna!! Inspiring! Congrats on all your successes and so excited to read more of your books! Your mantra is great and something I will use 🙂
Well, after reading your post over twice I am having idea overload!! A lot of inspiration. Have to go and get to writing!
Thanks, Jenna! My mantra at the moment is “I am light.” For inspiration and positivity. Yours makes me smile. Love it! Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom. Congrats on your books, and happy holidays!
It is sooooo hard not to compare myself to everyone else. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Best of luck on outstanding book sales in 2023!
I love your mantra. Such a great reminder to just be you and embrace where you are and what you can do. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for such a sweet post! Our puppy Cookie is also our number 1 fan! Can’t wait to read and recommend your books!!
Thank you for sharing your mantra and inspiring us to be ourselves!
Thanks for the post, Jenna! It’s good to have words to live by and I appreciate yours.
I try to remember “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. – Voltaire (supposedly)
It applies to writing as well as many other parts of my life. (Including how well-behaved my dog is! 🙂
You are straight forward and authentic. I like that. That is what I am seeking for in my picture book writing.
Love your mantra! Thanks for a great post and I look forward to reading your books!!
Jenna, thank you for your post and for your encouraging words. I love your mantra. Congratulations on your third book! So exciting!