One month into the 12×12 challenge and something is already very clear:
We are a fantastically diverse group of writers, each with a unique voice and point of view, ready to share stories only we can write.
During this challenge, you’ll find yourself mining your life for ideas. As you do, pay attention to what types of ideas attract you. I don’t mean humorous vs. lyrical story ideas. Rather, I’m talking about the underlying themes that keep threading themselves unconsciously through your writing.
What do I mean? Well, for example, here are the themes that keep popping up unexpectedly in my own stories:
Perspective and Gratitude
No matter which story I’m writing, these same themes worm their way in. Interestingly, I mainly write humorous stories. But I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING LUNCHROOM, and ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON… all my books have themes of shifting one’s perspective and gratitude. So… what’s going on?!
Well, I’ve mulled it over while walking, driving, showering, and washing dishes (these are my best thinking spaces). Until finally, a very wise writing partner helped me realize – it’s because these themes are part of my soul. To understand why it’s essential for me to write about the importance of shifting one’s perspective to find gratitude, I need to share some family facts. A good friend recently commented, “All writing is personal.” So, with that in mind, let’s get personal:
- I am an immigrant.
- I am the child and grandchild of immigrants.
- I am the child of a Holocaust survivor who, after escaping from Czechoslovakia into Hungary in the dead of night on his aunt’s shoulders, had to escape BACK into occupied Czechoslovakia when Hungary was no longer safe for Jews.
- I am the child of a man betrayed by neighbors and captured at age 5, then forced to watch his mother translate for the Nazis during their torture sessions because she had the unfortunate ability to speak 5 languages.
- I am the granddaughter of immigrants (on my mother’s side) who came to America with nothing, and who worked every minute of every day to make a living and ensure their family’s futures.
Look up Theresienstadt. Look up Brundibar, the children’s opera performed in the camps for the Red Cross, and read what happened afterwards to the children and actors. Look up Mengele. These are the stories etched deep in my bones.
And much more recently, I am the mother of a teenager with such severe celiac sensitivity that we lost two years of her life to hospitals and a life-threatening depression.
BUT, let’s keep the theme going!
- I am the daughter and granddaughter of people who DO NOT GIVE UP.
- I am the mother of a teenager who emerged from hell and is now living her best life with laughter and love.
- I am the mother of two more amazing teenagers who have deep empathy, awareness, and understanding of life’s painful challenges.
- I am a witness to the strength and change that can come from a shifted perspective.
- And, luckily for me, I am a writer who finds humor everywhere – including the least appropriate of places and most inappropriate of times.
Because of all this, this bone-deep awareness that life can change in the blink of an eye, I am grateful. Today, tomorrow, and always.
In one of the most powerful books everyone should read, MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING, psychiatrist Victor Frankl wrote about his observations in the Nazi death camps. To quote a synopsis of the book:
“Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering, but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward. The primary human drive is not pleasure, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”
Those who survived usually had a purpose bigger than themselves.
So… gratitude, persistence, and family are my themes. They are my purpose.
We all have a purpose.
We all have themes in our lives.
What are yours?
Look deep in your heart.
Listen to your voice.
Explore your life.
Search through your writing. Which themes keep threading themselves through your stories over and over, in subtle, intriguing shapes?
If you aren’t sure, ask a trusted writing partner to read your stories.
Together, search for your heartbeat in your writing.
It’s in there, and this unique heartbeat that only YOU can express, is what makes your work connect to the hearts of your readers as well.
So, as you revise and rewrite, think about which part of your heart is hidden deep in your writing.
What are the themes demanding a voice in your work?
We need to hear the stories only YOU can create.
My friends, it’s time to get personal.
Be brave.
Share your voice.
Tell your stories.
Find your purpose.
Michal Babay is the author of I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG (Albert Whitman & Company), which was inspired by her daughter’s celiac journey and their real gluten-detecting service dog. Michal’s upcoming books include THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING LUNCHROOM (Charlesbridge, July 2022), and ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON… (Charlesbridge, 2023). You can find her at michalbabay.com.
Michal is offering a signed copy of I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG to one lucky winner at our February check-in! Get those picture book drafts written and revised for your best chance at winning!
Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Registration is open until 2/28/22. Join us today! Click here!
466 Responses
Michal, your post spoke to me in so many ways. Getting personal: I am also the daughter of a survivor–my mother’s immediate family left Germany when she was a toddler. I grew up with a great-aunt who escaped on the Kindertransport and another who survived Theresienstadt. I have been thinking about themes in my writing, but hadn’t yet tied anything back to this part of my being. And now I am wondering if the theme I see of connection, of building families, is perhaps rooted in the displacement and rebuilding that my Mom and other relatives went through. A lot to think about! Thank you so much for sharing your story. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this, Becky. I’m sorry we have such similarities in our family history, but thankful your mom and aunts survived this hell and were able to share their stories with you. Your themes sound amazing. I can’t wait to hear about what you create with these deep themes of your heart.
Oh, how I love this post. So powerful, deep and filled with light. It’s been a long time since I read Frankl and it’s time for a reread. Thank you so much for your story, straight from the heart.
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment, Tina. I’m so glad it spoke to you.
This is wonderful! I haven’t really thought about it, but I can also see common themes in much of my writing (and your 3 show up with frequency).
I didn’t know there were gluten-sniffing dogs. I could use one too!
What an incredible post. Thank you for being personal and for sharing your story. I look forward to reading all your books!
Thank you so much, Melissa!
So powerful, Michal. Thank you for sharing!!! There are some stories that just keep surfacing and demand to be told. Gratitude and resilience are my pulse for sure.
Hi Danya, thank you so much for reading. I love your pulse themes, and am excited you are finding ways to share them and tell your special stories!
Hi Michal. This morning I was giggling to myself when I realized most of the main characters in the stories I write are the underdog or “baby” of the family with something to prove or fight for. That’s me! I am also a mother of a young woman who recently lost three years of her college life battling an autoimmune disease that threatened her vision and continues to put her at risk for severe Covid ((the medications). I’ve thought about channeling my pain and her incredible resilience in my next draft. Thank you for this honest post.
Hi Claire, thank you for sharing this. I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter’s health struggles! So scary and difficult. Definitely explore the fun theme of being the youngest, and also the pain of being the mother of a child going through something so traumatic but with so much resilience. What heartbeats to infuse into your writing! I hope your daughter is doing better. I’m sending a mom hug of strength and love to you.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m inspired to bring out more what has been buried deep in my heart and consciously let it infuse my writing.
That’s amazing! Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a fabulous time exploring and writing about all the themes buried deep in your heart.
I loved your post Michal! It really made me stop and think and focus on what I’m writing and how it all ends up with similar themes. I loved your story of resilience and it makes me so happy to know your daughter came out on the other side and found happiness. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy this spoke to you and helped you think deeply about your writing themes. Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring. I really appreciate your comment!
Wow, Michal! Thank you for getting personal and sharing all that you did.
Hi Amy, thank you!!
This is such a brave and meaningful post. No sugar coating the rough spots. No glossing over the pain. To me this is what personal agency looks like. And if we can translate that trait into our writing, we’ll change the world…one child at a time. <3 Thanks for sharing your story.
Yes! Thank you for reading. That’s exactly my hope as well – to change the world, one child at a time, by increasing empathy and understanding of each other. I believe it’s the most important thing we writers can do.
Thank you for the wonderful, enlightening post.
I have noticed a common theme in my stories. Now, to think about why.
Yay! I’m so happy this helped you notice a common theme in your stories. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring and digging deep into this as you keep writing!
Michal, you put your heart out there and it speaks volumes. I listened. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you so much for saying this, Charlotte, and thank you for reading.
What an inspiring post. So much to think about. Thank you.
Thank you, Heather!
What a wonderful post, Michal! Your family history is incredible. Thank you digging deep into your heart and sharing it. It got me thinking of my ancestors who lived through amazing trials. I am the granddaughter of immigrants who came to this country for a better life and the great-great granddaughter of immigrants who escaped a country that was continually being taken over as a result of wars. Now I’m going to read my stories carefully to discover my favorite themes. Thank you!
Hi Pamela, I’m thrilled that this post has you thinking about familial themes and how they worked themselves into your stories. What an incredible family history you have! I am really looking forward to reading about your ancestors and the stories you create from this amazing history.
Michal, you have hit the nail on the head for me! I have had an ah ha experience. I think writing my soul is the reason I write as I do and why so many want me to change my writing when I revise. I know my heart, but I find others want me to write theirs, and there’s the rub, because I lose me in the changes.
I hear you! People especially want me to change sadder or more painful themes, saying they’re not appropriate for picture books, and they want me to change them to mirror their experiences. Michal Babay’s essay pointed out for me the element that I missed: adding gratitude (requiring relationship) or appreciation (similar but for the soul).
Hi Hannah – Thank you for reading! It is tough writing sad themes for picture books, but if that’s where your heart lies, then I know you’ll find the best way to make it happen.
So glad this helped with an AHA moment! Keep writing from your heart, and finding ways to connect to your readers. It’s a tricky balance, but it sounds like you’re on your way!
Oops – I meant to place this comment under Marjie’s note!
Michal: Discovering the themes in our writing and thinking about why they’re important to us is a great challenge for this month. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and for encouraging us to dig deep and infuse our writing with meaning and heart.
It was my honor. Thank you for reading!
Michal, you are such an inspiration and I love this post! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, dear Laura!
My writings so far have seemed very unconnected and scattered, but I realize they often focus on a main character not having a firm foundation, not really knowing who they are, or feeling somewhat of an outsider or outcast. I realized after reading your post and some of the comments, that I’m writing about myself. Now, to dig deeper and figure out how to make things right … both for myself, and the readers.
Hi Lindi, your themes of feeling like an outsider or not really knowing who you are are SO kid-relatable and perfect for picture books. This is great! Keep digging and keep writing. I love this!
Your post is very powerful and helpful to me as well. I believe we write because we must and you generously shared your why. Thank you for being so brave and candid!
Thank you for reading, Karen, and thank you for this lovely comment!
Thank you Michal. It’s been pointed out to me that I write from a place of valuing time; I didn’t see it in my stories until I sat and did some of this reflection. Now I’m rereading a lot of them with a better understanding of how to pull those themes forward.
Wow – valuing time is a really interesting and wonderful theme. What a great reflection and theme to pull through your stories!
I love this post.
I am a mother of two big hearted, introspective, passionate in their own wonderful ways boys.
I am a sensitive, empathetic, deep thinking woman who is returning to her own magic.
I am a wanderlust soul who finds the journey now on the inside.
I will be returning to the strength written in this post by Michal.
With gratitude.
Hi Shell, I got chills reading your list and hearing that you’re returning to your own magic. Sending gratitude back to you for sharing this with me!
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and your tremendous heart in this post. I wrote down your wise words for life and for writing: “the primary human drive is not pleasure, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.” I look forward to reading your books.
Thank you, Lori. Victor Frankl’s book is truly one of the most meaningful life books I’ve ever read. I’m so glad you felt a connection to his words and my post. I really appreciate this!
Hi Michal, thank you so much for sharing your family history and how it has informed your writing. I love how you took these events and empowered your writing. I’ll have to think about the themes in my stories, I think they tend to have to do with being an outsider or alone, and the importance of friendship and fitting in.
Hi Faygie, thank you! Your story themes sound marvelous. They are so relatable to readers of all ages, and extremely important. I would love to hear how you decide to work them out in your writing!
Wow, Michal, I was blown away reading your post about all the things you and your family have overcome and how you are bravely sharing this with us to give us the courage to do the same. I am now going to look for the underlying themes threaded through my stories and see where that comes from within me. Such a great and eye-opening post! Thank you!
Thank you, Jessica! This means the world to me. I’m so glad you connected to the post, and I know you’ll uncover the themes of your heart in your writing.
Thank you Michal for this beautiful and inspiring post.
Perspective and Gratitude
I’ll add Joy.
All three words are going up on my bulletin board!
Perspective, gratitude, and joy. I love your bulletin board words!
Michal, you wrote some of my deepest thoughts of who I am and why I write.
My immigrant childhood on three continents, truly has a place in my story. My parents who grew as children in the shadow of war and even ran from the violence of war to survive, truly have a place in my story. My grandparents who were young adults during another war and violent era, truly have a place in my story.
I write about attitudes, perceptions, choice, and good solutions. Finding or realizing contentment in who we are and where we are is important to both the adult reader of picture books and the child who listens.
Thank you, Michal, for inspiring me to continue writing from those often hidden and sensitive places of my heart and mind. I feel vulnerable and find it encouraging to know, it’s okay.
Tarja, your words and stories give me chills. YES! These wonderful people and their life stories absolutely belong in your stories. Please keep writing from the secretive, painful places in your heart and mind. Your voice and stories need to be shared with the next generations. Thank you for sharing this here – I feel a deep connection to all of this, and your beautiful writing themes.
So powerful, Michal. I had to go back and re-read–not because it was confusing but because there was so much to take in. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Marcia. That means the world to me!
Thank you for sharing your story and the incredible history of your family members. History has some sad memories and difficulties to overcome and you have written some interesting books from your life experience. I hope you have more success with your next books.
Sheri – Thank you so much for these kind words, and for reading.
Thank you for sharing your family history, Michal, and for putting your heart of the page. Perspective and gratitude. Such an important and beautiful post!
Thank you, Chana, and thank you always for inspiring me to be my true self!
We all have a purpose…we all have themes! Thanks for that reminder. We all have a story that needs to be shared! Thank you for the encouraging words!
Thank you for reading!
This is such an honest and touching post, digging right down to the soul to show how important our voices are if we will just find them and use them. My themes are nature-related mostly, but I do strive to share my unique perspective and writing style in each story I tell. Thanks for a wonderful post.
Nature-related themes can be deeply personal! Keep writing, and thank you so much for reading.
What a legacy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
V. Frankl’s quote touched me deeply. It’s really about pursuing what is meaningful.
It really is! Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you for sharing your story and for this great reminder to write from the heart.
Thank you, Tonya!
Thank you, Michal, for sharing your journey and your tips on looking for themes in the stories I’ve written. I look forward to reading your books and I wish you continued success with your writing.
Thank you so much for reading, Jeannette!
Your post was incredibly moving and deeply personal, Michal. Thank you for sharing your story. And thank you for inspiring me to dig deep to find my themes. I often miss them, so I needed your nudge.
Hi Stephanie, I’m always happy to nudge a fellow writer! Thank you for reading.
What a wonderful, personal, inspiring post. Thank you for sharing, Michal, and best of luck with your upcoming releases!
Thank you so much, Dan!
Wow, Michal! What an incredible post! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It is truly inspiring, and I will be rereading and reflecting on it for days to come. Thank you. <3
Thank you so much, Abby!
Wonderful post. Writing is personal. I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately and how to bring that into my writing. Celiac Disease is overwhelming. I have it. I wish for peace and health for your daughter.
Hi Peggy, you’re so right – celiac really is overwhelming. Thank you for the beautiful well wishes for my daughter, and I am sending them back to you as well. Wishing you only healthy days from now on.
My sister has Celiac’s disease, yet I have never heard of a gluten-sniffing dog. How interesting! Congratulations on your successes, and thank you for your insight!
Hi Ashley – isn’t it amazing what these dogs can do? Chewie has been such a blessing for my daughter. He has alerted on so many unexpected food items that were cross-contaminated (like fruits and vegetables that had been handled by people in the stores). I hope your sister is doing well, and thank you for reading!
Thank you so much for your inspiring post Michal. I am a newbie and I’m grateful to receive these nuggets of wisdom at the beginning of my journey.
Welcome to the kidlit writing community, Jen! So glad you’re here, and thank you for reading.
Hi Michal, What an amazing story. I think when life is filled with adversity, we tend to look for humor. I also write humor. We need more of it. I know I saw your service dog book advertised somewhere. Maybe in Dog Writers of America? I’m a member of that group, too. Best of luck with your writing.
Hi Chelle, I think you’re right about adversity and humor. It’s a wonderful coping mechanism! I am not a member of the Dog Writer’s of America, but now I’m going to look them up (I hadn’t even known about them before- so thank you!).
Thank you so much for sharing, Michal. Your post is raw, honest, and inspiring. I’m only beginning to dig deep, but I can already see how the experiences of my Indigenous family on my father’s side contribute to the kinds of stories I write and will continue writing.
Hi Melissa – thank you for reading. I hope you keep digging deep and use those unique experiences in your writing. It sounds like you have some amazing family history to dig into!
Hi Michal! Thanks for sharing. I love your message of what makes life meaningful and writing those stories.
Thank you, Bridgitte!
Wow, you have an amazing story! Thank you for sharing so much of your personal life and background and how it helps you today to focus on writing picture books.
It was my honor! Thank you for reading.
Thanks, Michal, for this incredible and personal post. I’ve begun sifting through my list of manuscripts to pin point themes. I will have to read this one a few times. I’ll also be investigating the web sites you mentioned. What a legacy you have!
I’m thrilled it inspired you to find your own personal themes. Thank you so much for reading.
Well my most honest truth is that I have siblings on either side of me that are schizophrenic, one now dead due to “poor decisions”. And my mother was an extreme hoarder who eventually filled up 3 of 7 apartments of their investment property so that there was no more profit. Now that I am the age of 60, we have finally paid off my husband’s debt to medical school (after he dropped out), but my husband has us in debt to law school and is now doing a master’s in game programming, hoping to write the next big game. So I am working full-time after already having a very full family, and wondering if retirement will ever come. I think my “heart” would have to be a longing for stability and security.
Wow Tina, there is so much to explore in your honest truths from your family and personal life history. My heart also longs for you to have stability and security. I hope this happens very soon in both your writing and your day to day life. Sending a hug from my heart to yours.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I can see how your internal themes shine through your work and your life. I’ll search my work for internal themes and see what comes up.
Thank you so much for reading, Marcia, and have fun as you search for those wonderful themes!
Michal, I love this post! I am deeply touched by your message of heart, and soul, and telling only the story you can tell. Recently I have heard that publishers are “tired of Holocaust stories.” This saddened me, as these stories must be told, and an old relative had me help him tell his, a few years before he died (that’s a longer story). The humor you share and shift of perspective you mention, blows the notion that children should not be made uncomfortable by “heavy” stories. Your work inspires to continue to tell family stories, my uncle’s, parents, etc. And for all of us, those hidden and imaginary characters who live inside, waiting to be born. So glad for you and your family that you share your gifts with a tender heart. Chazak, Chazak, from strength to strength. Sheila, a newish 12×12 member
Thank you, Sheila! I’ve heard the laments about Holocaust stories as well, but how else are future generations to learn this terrible but important piece of history except through books? We have to keep writing. Thank you for keeping this flame alive for our children by recording your relative’s story. And for you as well in your writing now and in the future – chazak chazak chazak. We’re all so much stronger together.
Michal, all I can say is Wow. Your journey is an incredible one and gave me more than one set of chills. I, too, look forward to reading all your books!
Thank you so much, Elayne.
I love your book I AM A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG! I am currently working on a PB about my own service go, who is a seizure-alert dog, and your book is serving as a mentor text for me. I got so excited when I saw that you were this month’s featured author. Thank you for sharing your story here! You are incredible!
Hi Jenna, Thank you! A picture book about a seizure-alert dog sounds INCREDIBLE! Dogs are such amazing creatures. Thank you for reading, and keep writing!
What a wonderful, heartbreaking, yet hopeful and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing who you are and what motivates you to write. What you said really resonates with me as well. I’ve found that it has only been in the last few years, writing about the themes that really delve deep for me, that my stories have started to connect with editors and sell! I don’t think it is coincidental. When you write from your heart, I believe your manuscripts begin to sing and connect with others. 🙂
Yes – to everything you said! Writing from our hearts makes all the difference. I’m so happy this resonated with you. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
Gratitude: you have pinpointed the element that has been too weak or even missing in my manuscripts. Thank you! My family was all in the USA long before the Holocaust, but I remember learning that “there were terrible camps where bad people hurt Jews like us” when I was just a little over three (summer of 1949). Just to survive took incredible resilience; to thrive, and in a new land–an amazing ability to change one’s perspective.
Hi Hanna, I’m so happy this helped you pinpoint what you want to include in your stories! Thank you for this thoughtful comment, and for reading.
Michal, Thank you for sharing your story. This is a powerful reminder to listen to our own hearts as we move through life.
Thank you for reading, Emily!
Thank you for this very personal and inspiring post. I needed to hear this today and so appreciate your words.
It was my honor. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing some of your story and the reminder to follow our hearts when writing our own stories.
Thank you, Sara!
What a lovely and thoughtful post! You have inspired me to think more deeply about the themes in my writing. I will remember this post and return to it the next time I feel discouraged. So inspiring!!
Hi Andrea, I’m so happy this inspired you to keep going and dig deep into your own themes!
Thank you Michal for being so brave and open about your family history, your struggles, your tenacity, and your drive. An amazing post. And a great resource for finding ‘theme’ in one’s work.
Thank you so much for these words, Nadia, and for reading!
Michal, I appreciated your open discussion about where we can go to find the stories we need to write. They are deep inside us, part of history and all we need to do is look inside ourselves. Write what you know is the saying we are all told. It’s always a good reminder that we don’t need to go far to find themes to write about. They are all around us. Thank you for your sharing how you explore your works in progress.
Hi Diane, yes! Our best stories do seem to come from writing what we know and feel. I hope you have fun as you explore your own themes from your life and find the ones that work best in your writing!
Wow – what an inspiring post and overall life perspective. Thank you for sharing with us and in turn, inspiring us!
I’m so glad it spoke to you. Thank you for reading, Katie!
Michal,
Thank you for putting together such a heartfelt and honest post and for structuring it in such a way that your message resonates while also giving space for reflection. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and care that is so evident in your message here. I look forward to reading your books.
Thank you so much, Judy, and thank you for reading.
My best drafts that I write come from reflecting on a personal experience, something I have witnessed, or an inspiring event. Thank you for your story. It is a good reminder to me to continue to dig deep within myself for forgotten treasures that are from-the-heart stories to share.
I love the idea of sharing forgotten treasures from the heart! Sounds like you’ve got a great handle on the stories that work best for you. Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for reading!
Thanks for this inspiring post, Michal. Self-exploration is a good place to start, followed by becoming self-aware. I look forward to reading your books.
Hi Angela – I hope you have a great time exploring your themes as you write! Thank you so much for reading, and happy writing.
Thank you for sharing your journey. The resilience that you and your family live out is inspirational!
Thank you for reading, Sandra!
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Michal. I was deeply moved and inspired by your wise words. So much to think about!
I’m so happy that this spoke to you. Thank you for reading, and have fun writing with your own themes!
Interesting how our history, experiences, and challenges shape us and become so much a part of us. As writers we want to share what we are, even if we are unaware of that fact. We are all valuable as people and as writers. Your post helps us remember that we each have an important story to tell.
Oh I love that! We ARE all valuable as people and writers. Thank you for this comment, and for reading.
Hi Michal,
Thank you so much for your post. I too find humor in almost everything. My parents were separated when I was seven years old, and I’d like to write a pb about it. How would I do that? Can I do that with humor? I’m going to look for your books.
Best,
Esther
Hi Esther, absolutely you can do that! Kids need to read about real life experiences, and know that it’s ok to cry AND to laugh through the pain. Go you! As to how to do it… that’s a tougher one because it depends on the story you’re telling. I think, as long as your blue moment is there, it’s really important to add silly and kid-relatable funny moments as well (I mean, who hasn’t poked their sibling in the back of the car and made them squeak loudly and fling their gum into their hair as they drive somewhere? Even if it’s on the way to somewhere serious, laughter helps ease the way).
Michal,
Thank you so much for your personal and meaningful post. I plan to look for themes in my own life and stories. I also did a deep dive reading about some of the history you posted about. Last, I had never read Man’s Search for Meaning before but I just happen to have begun reading it recently for a book group. I will keep reading! Thank you.
Hi Lisa, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Victor Frankl’s book when you’re done. It’s hard to read but sooooo good and important. Thank you for commenting and reading!
Thanks for this inspiring post.
Hi Shirley, thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Your words are so powerful. I love your last three statements. –Share your voice. Tell your stories. Find your purpose. — I will. Thank you for sharing your story.
That makes me really happy – I love that you’re going to find your purpose and tell your stories! Thank you for writing to let me know.
What a wonderful post – thank you! I love your self-awareness,
Congrats also on your book!
Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for all this, and thank you for reading!
This was so thought provoking and moving. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Ryann, thank YOU for reading!
You and your family’s inner strength is amazing. Thank you for your inciteful perspective and sound writing advice!
Thank you so much for reading!
This is an incredibly inspiring story of perseverance and bravery. I could see many fiction and non-fiction stories coming out of this remarkable family heritage and legacy! Thank you for sharing.
Julia Banta
Michal, thank you so much for this post. I love the resilience in your story. The themes that seem to come up in my writing are gratitude and respect. Respect for others, the environment, for ourselves, etc. Thank you for making me think in this way.
Hi Ashley, those are wonderful themes to include in picture books and, really, all types of books! So great. Thank you for this comment and thank you for reading.
This post was so inspiring and heartfelt to read and I want to thank you for sharing. Sharing is caring! I am Celiac and had no idea there are gluten sniffing dogs… I’m looking forward to reading your book!
Hi Kristina – yes! These dogs are incredible and really helpful. Chewie has found tons of unexpected items that have cross contamination (I had no idea vegetables and fruits were so often cc’d because of all the handling during shipping and at the store). I hope you’re feeling well and all celiac-related issues are under control!
Michal, thank you for getting personal. Inspirational journey that resonates with me.
Hi Linda, thank you so much for reading!
Michal, your story is so inspiring, and your message so beautiful. I think it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, not to mention word count, art notes, story arcs, etc., that we often forget to take some time to connect with who we are, the stories we tell, and the threads woven throughout our stories – often times without even realizing the threads are there! Thanks for reminding me of how important it is to stay connected and true to my own truth. And, for making it feel OK to find humor even when it kind of doesn’t feel appropriate? (hahaha!) all the best to you!
Hi Jennifer, you said it perfectly! I hope you have a great time writing your own truth, and definitely throw in some humor. A good laugh makes it all so much better!
we’re always afraid to show who we are and be who we really are–this is great insight–acccept who we are with open and grateful arms.
Hi Layla, definitely! We are all so different and special, and we need books that reflect all of this. Thank you for reading!
Michal,
Thank you for the authenticity and vulnerability in sharing your stories and where your inspiration comes from!
Hi Bethany, thank you for reading!
Such a powerful and reflective post. It’s caused me to think about what’s driving my stories.
Yay! That’s awesome, Sherri! I hope you have a great time exploring your own themes and writing them up.
Thank you so much for sharing, Michal. This is so important for all writers to think about, and why two different authors can take the same ‘idea’ and tell entirely different stories.
Hi Allison, I love that. It’s so true – everyone tells their stories in such different ways and with such different POVs!
Michal, thank you for this post. It seems to have coincided with exactly what I’ve been noticing in my drafts lately – the overlooked, unheard second child (me), finding the strength to speak out. This seems more and more to be what I’m saying. And if I don’t write from that place, my stories feel flat. How amazing to notice this. Thank you for sharing your amazing life story. I will be looking for your books (and Victor Frankl’s too).
The two bulleted lists made such a powerful point about the value of perspective and gratitude. Thank you for sharing this inspirational post, Michal!
This is an incredibly helpful exercise…identifying the themes underlying my stories.
In recent years, I became aware that every moment of adversity or set back in my life led me down a path that led to a new professional or personal achievement. I see that in my stories as well. With change comes opportunity. With hardship, an opportunity to to show the world your strength!
Thank you!
Thank you Michal for sharing your story and advice. When I started reading children’s stories, I didn’t always understand why some books felt so much richer than others. I think your perspective of “themes” is a great way to explain what gives books that deeper meaning.
It is definitely time to be brave and write what’s in your heart. Your book will help a lot of kids feel seen and normal and it will help a lot of adults understand kids (and adults) living with food sensitivity. Thank you!
I’m inspired by your words. You’ve got me thinking and looking for the themes that echo in my own writing. I’m wondering what I can do to make those themes shine more clearly. Thank you.
Bless you for sharing your resilient humor with children!
Your comments on purpose and theme really resonated with me!
What an incredibly heart-wrenching and ultimately beautiful and hopeful story/post. Thank you for sharing! My phrase surrounding 2022 is: Joy through Gratitude. I desperately need Joy in my life right now. But felt the Joy couldn’t be forced and could only come through a perspective change — by inviting in Gratitude.
Thank your for the inspiration, Michal. You planted many ideas for me today!
I love this. I just had a sort of “aha” moment with my own storytelling adventure in my journal. What a wonderful bit of serendipity! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your journey and your heart, Michal! I appreciate the helpful advice on looking for themes in my writing.
Thank you for sharing, Michal! So inspirational!
Thank you for your soul sharing! Gratitude… it’s what gets us through, past the dark, into the light. Our family history shares some similar stories from Poland and Ukraine. The last two years have taught me that perspective and gratitude are everything! Great post!
Fabulous post! But you’re right. Similar themes do run through stories and there must be meaning behind them. One of them is have trust in yourself. Hmmm! I wonder who I was trying to convince?
Not sure if my post posted. But. I particularly love the heartfelt message, advice and humor. “ Well, I’ve mulled it over while walking, driving, showering, and washing dishes”. I too do my best thinking, doing those things
What a wonderful post! I remember the day I realized the thread going through all I write and speak about, and it lit a fire in me like never before.
Michal, I’m so glad you are sharing your stories with the world.
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring post.
Thank you for this inspiring message, and I love your book!
Wow. Thank you for your vulnerability. I’m not sure I’ve written enough to find a common thread, but I will have to start paying attention to the stories I feel pulled to write.
Michal, Your family story is relatable. I am Hungarian and both sets of my grandparents migrated to escape communism. They too came with nothing and worked hard to provide for a large family. Thank you for pointing out how our perspective emerges in our writing messages.
Michal, Thanks so much for your lovely transparency! Yes, I think folks who have been through difficult things understand gratitude in a whole different way. It’s like fresh air when you’re being suffocated by grief/trouble. I find lots of intergenerational themes in my stories, along with musical themes and love/respect for nature. Congratulations on the success with this book! Praying more success for you, and sending blessings for whatever projects you have going on next!
I’m an immigrant myself married to an immigrant from a different country currently raising three children in the US. Stories like this one are the ones that move me and make me feel the deep connection that I don’t normally find on the shelves.
Our world needs kindness and open ears and I so appreciate you writing about it.
Lot’s to think about after reading this post. That you for sharing Michal!
Wow your post was very touching and deeply resonated with me, thank you for your words! 🙂
I appreciate your insight to ‘find your own passion’ within your life, which then translates itself in ones writing. In discovering this for each of our own selves, I can see how it ‘narrows’ the vast field of possibilities out there, allowing our story to personal and to be infused with the vibrancy of one’s own enthusiasm (because the topic is meaningful). It is useful to glean this awareness, so one is not grasping at every little topic that buzzes by! … one can be more refining. grins.
Such an amazing story or stories of your family and how they’ve survived. I’ve just re-read “Maus” and your stories resonated with me.
I have been thinking about what is my purpose in life. I know it is to be a good mother for my children, first and foremost. But, how can I also offer my talent and skills to the better the world? The answer, of course, is with picture books!
Thank you for writing this post. I’m going to try to find the common themes in my life and in my stories. And I’m going to try to connect the two going forward.
Thank you Michal for your honest and incredible post. It is obvious what a strong person you are and it is amazing that the theme you are drawn to is gratitude as a result of your life experiences. You point out a connection I have never heard someone share before. It will be very interesting to go through my MS’s and see what my common threads are. Thank you.
Thanks for this powerful and moving post. “We all have themes in our lives” — I love this! This is so true. As I reflect over my writing, I often find myself gravitating towards the same themes.
Thank you for sharing these personal and meaningful experiences. I love the idea of searching for your heartbeat in your writing!
Gluten Free Dog! I must buy this book to give to my a sister n Law. She told me last week she thinks her new puppy needs to be on a gluten free diet. Who knew!
Thanks for sharing your stories and inspiration. Adding these books to my list now!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful post. Your book looks wonderful.
I must buy this book! My sister-in-law told me last week she believes her new puppy is allergic to all kinds of things and may need to go on a gluten-free diet. Who knew!
Thank you for sharing your personal inspiration of shifting views and finding gratitude.
Michal- thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you for this wonderful post. I feel for your daughter. I didn’t know I was gluten-intolerant until I researched celiac disease for a WFH book I was writing. The more I read, the more I realized I had many of the symptoms. I’m lucky that my condition is not as serious as celiac disease. But I can certainly empathize with your daughter. I’m glad that she has her dog to help her and that there is much more awareness of the disease now. I’m sorry for the struggle you all had to go through before she was diagnosed. But you are right. Struggles are what make us strong.
Thank you for sharing your powerful and inspirational words.
Thank you for sharing your family’s story of determination, persistence, and courage. Thank you for sharing this valuable insight about the work we create and bring into this world.
Michal — thank you for sharing your story. I’ve found shifting perspectives to be very powerful in my own life. It’s truly life changing! One of the PB manuscripts I’m working on right now deals with this theme. I’m inspired by your work!
Such a great post. So true. Our themes are what it’s really all about. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m a 12X12 newbie. Thank you for sharing your story, purpose, and perspective. I appreciate how you used the recurring themes in your life to influence your writing. Sharing this way takes courage and a vulnerability that is often missing in our world.
Thank you for this post!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing such a powerful story. Your post has me thinking deeply about how much of myself I am willing to share with the world. I’m a very private individual and you bring up important points that I need to think through as I work to become a published author.
Hi Clarissa, I actually relate completely to being a very private person. It’s taken a long time before I became wiling to share parts of myself publicly. Good luck on your writing (and sharing) journey!
Very powerful and also very inspirational! Thank you for writing this. I grew up with a mother who suffered from mental and emotional illness. My father left when I was two and I never saw him again. I grew up with my grandparents and not my mother. I tend to write humorous stories, and I’ve noticed that the father is often missing. Perhaps that’s one of my themes. I want to reread your post and think on it some more. Thank you for sharing with us.
Pam
Hi Pam, that sounds like a really powerful and important theme to explore in your writing. Very relatable. I’m so sorry for the difficulties your mother experienced as well, and how much it must have affected you growing up. Sending a hug, and I hope you find a way to incorporate this into your writing in a way that feels good for you.
What a heartfelt and beautiful post, Michal! My AF pilot dad was killed in an F-4 crash when I was little, and I keep circling back to that and how my life was shaped by his absence but also by the presence of my grandparents. More books to come… 🙂
Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss! Wow, I hope you do keep writing and incorporating all of this into your work. It will touch the hearts of so many readers.
Michal, I am new to 12×12 and your post is my first to read and comment about. It was a pleasure and a privilege
to contemplate all that you shared with us.
Thank you so much, Susan!
This post was just what I needed to read right now. Thank you, Michal! What an inspirational outlook on life (and writing).
I’m so glad it was what you needed! Thank you reading, and best wishes on all of your writing!
What a beautiful and inspiring post Michal! As someone who has experienced deep grief in a personal level but who continues to try to find meaning, I can relate to what you describe. Congrats on the upcoming books!
Hi Marianeli, I am so sorry that you’ve experienced deep personal grief. I really appreciate the connection and knowing that you’re working to find meaning in writing and life as well. Thank you for writing!
Your post was powerful, Michal. Thank you for sharing with us.
It was my honor, Kellie. Thank you for reading!
Michal – Why did I not realize this? It is such an understatement to say that you gave me a “WOW” moment – but you did. Yes, my story ideas have come from life, and all seemed to have common themes that I kept resisting (It’s Okay to be Different, Be Kind, Be Generous and Forgiving with Yourself.) So, I am now giving myself permission to tell MY stories the way they demand to be told. Thank you!!
YAY! This made my day! Yes, give yourself permission to write your own stories in whatever way they demand to be told. I’m so happy to hear this!
Loved your post! It really resonated. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you so much for reading!
Your post moved me, Michal. I can relate to your background and experience. Even the fact that you mention how everyone should read Victor Frankl’s book! I read that book many decades ago, and I agree with your feeling about it. It is one of the best books I have ever read. And now, of course, I am eager to read all of YOUR books, not only because you mention his book, but especially because I can tell from what you say that you are living a meaningful life and writing what I expect are wonderful stories based on the aspects of living which you embrace. Thank you for sharing your background and interests.
Thank you for this sweet note, Cherie. I really appreciate your words. Thank you for reading, and I hope you have fun writing your own stories!
Michal, thank you for writing such a beautiful article for all of us here. Your words ring so true. When we write from the heart, our readers feel those emotions. I also want to say that I’m gluten-free due to a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, but since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 17 years ago… I avoid it for my highest good. A lot of my stories revolve around my true life experiences too. Thanks again for this!
Hi Effie, it’s good to meet another gluten-free friend! I’ve heard that going gf can help with rheumatoid arthritis, and am really glad to hear that it made a difference in your life. I hope you’re feeling and doing well these days. Thank you so much for writing and for reading this!
Thanks for sharing your moving story. I found this post inspirational!
I’m so glad it resonated with you, Linda. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for the gems, Michal. Shifting your perspective, themes are our purpose, bone-deep awareness…reminds of bridge work, or nepantlera, the acting out of spiritual activism (Gloria Anzaldua).
Thank you for sharing this, Norma. It always amazes me how similar traditions and cultures can be at their core. So beautiful!
Thank-you for your courageous and heartfelt post. I live with someone who avoids gluten because of his asthma. He was a middle-age adult before he found a way to lessen his attacks by altering his diet. Thank-you for writing a book about a service dog that keeps children safe.
Hi Marie, wow, thank goodness he figured out what was causing his attacks! That must have been absolutely life-changing. Thank you so much for reading!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
You’re welcome, and thank YOU for reading!
Michal, thank you so much for sharing your inspirational stories with us. I am happy to know that your daughter is in a good place and that her darkest days are behind her now. I am excited to go into my stories to looks for a pulse and theme. I think it has something to do with resilience, as the stories that live in my head daily come from dad’s immigration stories; it wasn’t always easy to be the only kid who didn’t speak English at school and dressed funny, but he and his family were so happy to become Americans, that he was able to get past the ridicule he often felt at school. On a side note, my grandparents worked for the Dutch underground in WW II and often kept Jewish children in their home to hide them from Nazi sympathizers. There’s a story in there somewhere! Can’t wait to read your new book; sounds interesting and fun!
Wow Lisa, you have some incredible themes to explore and stories to tell! Resilience – what an incredible theme to dig into. On a personal note, thank you for sharing this story about your grandparents. They must have been extremely brave and amazing people, to risk their lives in order to hide Jews from the Nazis. Most people turned away – but not your grandparents. I’m so glad to know about them!
Thank you 🙂 you rock for taking the time to reply to everyone!!
: }
Everyone wrote such incredible comments! I feel like we created our own little community of empathy here.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t have a common theme running through my stories. No matter how quiet I get to listen to my heart, my head is too noisy. I need help. What can I do?
Hi Linda, maybe THAT is your story. I think it’s more common than people admit for our heads to be noisier than our hearts. It’s so hard to shut out the worries, stress, thoughts, etc. I wonder if you could jump directly into this problem and make the struggle itself into a story.. It’s just an idea to play with, but maybe writing it out and helping your main character find a way through the noise of their head, into the quiet of their heart, will help you as well. But if this doesn’t feel right for you, then I suggest you keep writing anything that appeals to you. The more you write, the more you’ll find your own unique voice and then eventually, those themes will emerge on their own.
Thank you for your idea of put my noise in my head as a story. That’s a great idea. The noise in head does not give me good ideas, or I’d have a book published. LOL
Linda
Dear Michal, I have just joined 12X12, so yours is the first author’s post I’ve read. The story of your family’s bravery is inspiring. The way you have continued their life perspective, always looking for the positive, is a lesson for us all. I look forward to reading ‘I’m a gluten sniffing service Dog’, and when it comes out, ‘The incredible Shrinking lunchroom’, to experience how you’ve incorporated these themes in your writing. Very heartening to hear your daughter is now well, I looked after a few little children with coeliac disease, in my pre-writing profession.
HI Lee, welcome to our wonderful writing community! Thank you for this sweet note, and for reading.
Your post is so inspiring, your words so powerful! I want to read you so badly right now (heading to the bookstore after that!). I like your energy and how you focused on the positive sides in life. I had bad moments in life (like everyone), lost one of my best friends in an attack and went to a impressive number of burial before I was 30. But these kinds of event make me remember that life is short, that you have o do what you like right now. I also want to focus on the bright side, draw cute , funny , write insprational stories…
such a personal, open, and beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of who you are and why you write!
Thank you, Michal, for such a thoughtful post. I’m going to tape this one above my desk: “What are the themes demanding a voice in your work?” Looking forward to reading your book!
What a beautiful post! I have a story in my heart and partially on paper that I just can’t seem to put into the right format. I will keep at it. And I will also read Man’s Search for Meaning soon. I have had it by my bedside for years but haven’t read it yet. Seems like the right time given what is happening in the world at this moment. I’m also looking forward to reading your book. I’ve had celiac disease for almost 19 years, so it will be extra interesting!
Thanks for sharing these incredible insights and personal stories. It inspires me to write from a place of who I am.
Thank you
Thank you for the heart you put into this post. It is truly inspirational!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I can’t wait to read your book.
Hello Michal,
Thank You for sharing! This is a lovely reminder (nudge) that finding gratitude by changing my perspective has the ability to release the burdens I carry 🙂
With gratitude,
debora
What a lovely thing to ponder this morning…. What is my soul trying to write? Thank you!
Thank you for your thoughts and insights! I’ve been thinking about how each of us is a product or a sum total of our life experience and the stories we choose to tell reflect only bits and pieces. I love to consider the underlying thread in my own and in other’s writing. Thanks for getting me headed down a rabbit hole of self reflection today. Not a bad place to be on this beautiful day😊😊
Thanks, Michal, for the lovely and timely post!
Such an inspiring post.
Michal – Thank you for so many inspirational thoughts! Congratulations on your book!
Michal, what a beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you.
Wow! Thanks for sharing. What a heart-breaking and inspiring story. I’m inspired to find the recurring themes in my own writing.
Good luck with everything on your plate!
Michal, your honest, raw telling of why and what you write for children is one of most inspirational posts I’ve read during the last three years. We DO have a “theme” that beats within each of us. To be brave enough to recognize that theme and weave it within our stories will help us discover our “voice.” I was moved by the stories of your parents; all of my grandparents traveled penniless through Ellis Island from Slovenia. What you wrote reminded me of my paternal grandfather’s memoir that vividly tells of his survival during the struggles in his homeland and new-land. I find a sense of strength within my own core each time I read it. Rise beyond our circumstances; remain ever joyful. Thank you for taking the risk to be vulnerable and authentic with us–“strangers.” Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success…
I love the idea that your writing always includes the themes of your soul. I find that my stories have common themes, as well. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful and personal post!
I have put your words beside my desk: “…search for your heartbeat in your writing”. It speaks to the uniqueness of everyone’s stories Thank you for a great post.
Thank you for being so personal and encouraging us to be. It’s already helping me understand my own themes and why. Though, I think when I set out to purposefully write them – they become a different story. It’s almost better when it’s intertwined with a different plan, if that makes sense. Maybe, I’ve tried too hard in the others and then it can better shine. Such an inspiring post. Thank you. Look forward to reading your book!
Wow. Talk about a calling and a purpose for life. Thank you for sharing. So inspirational.
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m so inspired and your themes resonate with me. Look forward to reading your book!
I appreciate you opening your heart to us. I certainly see themes in my writing.
What an incredible story of family and bravery and spirit. Thanks for sharing.
I love service dogs and detector dogs. This is a book Ithat needed to be written–and published!
“So, as you revise and rewrite, think about which part of your heart is hidden deep in your writing.
What are the themes demanding a voice in your work?
We need to hear the stories only YOU can create.”
Excellent reminder. I’m going to post this in my studio.
Thank you for this compelling post. I sometimes wonder if my experiences aren’t of interest to anyone else. Thank you for the reminder that our stories and experiences are worth telling and sharing.
Michal,
Thank you for sharing so much of your story in this amazing post. I am so inspired by your outlook! There is truly so much we all hold that can be infused in our work.
Thank you for sharing your story. Recently I’ve been noticing how many of my books have to do with found family. Clearly it’s very important to me!
Thank you Michal! I was walking my dog thinking about this same topic, what are the themes in my writing? I work with young children so often an idea comes directly from something they have said or done. However, I find that relationships and humor are always at the heart of my story.
Thank you for your heartfelt essay and your clear look at the world we need to share. Books can be funny AND meaningful. I look forward to reading yours!
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your story!
I enjoyed this honest, powerful post! My six year old daughter is extremely gluten sensitive. I am currently learning more about it, and taking her to a specialist. I know she will love this book! Thank you for writing it, and sharing your experiences. Congratulations on your new book too!
A wonderful and thought provoking post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Michal. Your book looks amazing. I have several friends with service dogs so I always appreciate seeing these furry helpers in children’s books. And wow, your post! It carries the depth and the weight of several books. We all carry several stories whether we realize it or not. Your post inspired me to be brave and try to reframe a few things I’ve been struggling with into potential story ideas to help other people who are going through or will go through similar experiences and pains. Not a new idea, but your words seemed to unlock a new way into story. Thank you and best of luck with your book!
I have soooo much research to do. Thank you.
I have only recently joined the 12×12 community, so this is my first featured author post. I reread it several times! As I read it the first time, I realized that I was reading it through the lens of the current world situation, thinking about your family’s experiences, and how they shaped your perspective…and what the experiences might be for those currently fighting for freedom, or fleeing, seeking safety in far away places. Our prayers are with them…may they find hope, strength and change through a shifted perspective. Then I had to remind myself that this was intended to help me reflect on my writing. So, I reread the post through my “author lens”. Family and my surrounding environments tend to run through what I’ve written so far. Thank you so much for this thought-provoking post! I know it will be staying on my mind!
Thank you for sharing your story and your values. It has me thinking a lot about my core values, my purpose, and my passions and discovering how they show up in my work.
I am so grateful for this post, Michal. I think about this *all* the time—about what is my purpose. Not just as a writer, but as a person. I feel so deeply that there is something I am here to do that only I can do, but it’s hard to find my way through to what exactly that is. Sometimes I wonder if I am overthinking things. But, your post gave me the courage and the excitement to delve deep and find out. (May I just share that I am also an immigrant and have two kids who are gluten-intolerant? Nothing as severe as your child, but I can relate, in a small way, to the uncertainty of wondering what is wrong and how you can make your child feel better when there are no answers, and the life-adjustment of going through life without gluten when it seems to be just about everywhere.) Best of luck to you and to your amazing family. Thank you for sharing your stories and your wisdom with us! All the best!!!
Thanks for sharing this personal glimpse of who you are. But it’s so true: what we write is personal and themes recur. Looking forward to reading your new books (I love Service Dog!). Congratulations on all of your publications.
Thank you for your post! I love your suggestion to look for our heartbeats in our stories.
Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, there is purpose in the pain. I appreciate your heartfelt post.
This post, and so many of the comments, have inspired me so much. Thank you, Michal, for sharing your personal story and encouraging us all to look for themes in our writing.
So Inspiring and great advise
So glad I read this. Putting real heart into the books I’m writing is so scary, but probably also what makes books that are filled with heart and carry meaning for readers.
Thank you for your post. I will be looking for common themes in my writing. Congratulations on your upcoming books.
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations for your continued success!
Thank you for sharing your story! Now I’m looking for common threads in my work. I’m looking forward to reading your books!!
Thank you for sharing your own story and your encouragement for finding courage to dig deep into ourselves to find those themes that matter to us and understanding why.
What a beautiful post. Look forward to reading your latest PB!
Thank you so much, Susan!
Wow! What a beautiful, powerful and personal post. Thank you for sharing your experiences and teaching us the power of gratitude. I will be looking into my own works for common themes. Wishing you continued success!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Helen, and I hope you have fun finding your own writing themes!
Thank you for sharing your heart.
It was my honor. Thank you for reading!
Thank you so much for your post. Writing about family and personal experiences is what keeps me going as a writer. As a grandchild of Jewish Russian immigrants, I really connect to your life story. Congratulation on your accomplishments!
Hi Abby, I’m really glad that this spoke to you, and I love our shared immigrant history! Thank you for reading and sharing this.
Your story is familiar. I too am an immigrant from Germany. I see there is a lot of strength you inherited. Your story is inspiring.
Hi Charlotte, it does sound like we have similar family histories! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Thank you so much for this. It is very brave of your to share and get personal with us. I really appreciate this persepctive.
Thank you so much, Dana!
This was very inspirational what you wrote and I love what you said. My journey isn’t as big and wide in measures to your life. It’s actually pretty average so I feel like sometimes I have a hard time finding inspiration around me or themes from my life.
Hi Natalie – from the bottom of my heart, I don’t believe there’s an average life. It sounds like you have a big heart and see what’s important in the world around you. What could be a more important theme to share with kids in our writing?! I hope you believe in yourself and the specialness that comes from only you. But if you get stuck – how about writing about a kid who struggles to find inspiration or their unique themes? We can all absolutely relate to this difficulty. Keep going!
So beautiful and thought provoking! Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Paige!
Thank you for sharing! This is going on a sticky note on my monitor as a grounding question for my next draft:
“What are the themes demanding a voice in your work?”
Oh yay! I hope it inspires you to share your own themes and stories. Thank you for reading and happy writing!
This is such a wonderful and heartfelt post!
Thank you for reading, Meghan!
What a beautiful post. I will be keeping this line in mind when working on my revisions.
“So, as you revise and rewrite, think about which part of your heart is hidden deep in your writing.”
Hi KJ – thank you for this kind comment, and for reading. Happy revising!
Your resilience is so inspirational. I am GF, too! What a cool idea. Thanks for sharing this amazing story, and yours!
Thank you for reading, Emily, and a giant gluten-free hello!
Thanks for a great blog Michal. I agree that gratitude is the path to living our life. Looking forward to getting a copy of “I’m a gluten sniffing service dog”. My whole family is g-free.
Hi Mary Jo, thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy the book! I’m sending a gluten-free hello to all of you!
Thank you for your heartfelt honesty and inspiration. And the reminder that an attitude of gratitude changes everything for the better.
Attitude of gratitude. Exactly! Thank you for reading, Elizabeth.
Michal,
Thank you for your brave honesty and for asking us to dig deeper in our writing. I am, too, a child of survivors and I often include gratitude and optimism in my writing. I gravitate towards the social emotional themes because I want my books to heal.
Hi Ilana, I’m so sorry to hear that your parents also went through the Holocaust, but glad to know you now and be able to share this with a fellow writer. I look forward to reading your stories!
What a beautiful observation Michal. And an insightful perspective on how we can identify and tap into the meaningful themes that wrap their way through our own lives. Thank you.
Hi Bennett, thank you so much!
I appreciate you sharing your family history. I am so drawn to books regarding the holocaust, I feel like it acknowledges those lives lost as valuable and never to be forgotten. I really love your advice of looking for reoccurring themes. Thank you
Hi Claire, I love what you say about acknowledging and remembering. THANK YOU for doing this and sharing history with our younger generations. And thank you for reading!
My voice is still evolving, but I’d say sibling relationships are a key part of my themes.
Sibling relations are a great theme. Happy writing!
What a strong person you are, Michal! What a gift to turn adversity into positives and to find humor everywhere! I don’t have many manuscripts under my belt yet (but hopefully soon with the help of 12×12 challenge) so your last four lines, your “call to action”, has lit my fire! Thank you for sharing your journey. I am looking forward to reading your books!
Hi Ava, I’m thrilled this lit your fire! Don’t even worry about having a ton of manuscripts under your belt (I’m with you here. Some of my writing partners are amazingly prolific and I’m soooooooo slow). Just keep going. I’m so glad you’re here and writing with us!
Man’s Search for Meaning is probably the most impactful books in my life. It changed my perspective and was a reminder how much control we do have, even when it feels like we have none at all. I have a daughter whose life changed overnight with a difficult diagnoses. She has been so courageous and inspiring. I am glad your daughter is doing well!
Hi Leah, I hope your daughter is ok. She sounds amazing and so strong! Yes, it really is an incredible book, isn’t it? So important in reminding us what matters and what we control.
Thanks for sharing your journey! I can see the relationship with your life and the books that you write. Lovely!
Thank you so much, Bev!
Thank you, Michal, for sharing your personal story and passion for writing about what’s so close to your heart. Congratulations on the wonderful book.
Hi Dee! Thank you for reading and commenting. : }
What an inspiring post, and I love the awesome service dog being a poodle. Thank you x
I love the awesome service dog being a poodle. Thank you for this inspiring blog post x
Hi Catherine – I never knew how awesome poodles were before we got Chewie. They are amazing! Thank you so much for reading.
Thanks for encouraging us to be brave and get personal! xx
My pleasure (although I was almost not brave enough to do it!). Thank you for reading, Emrah.
Thank you for sharing the stories etched deep in your bones (love that phrase you used) and the way they inform your writing.
Hi Erica, thank you so much. I hope it helps a bit as you find your own themes!
Michal, thank you so much for sharing your personal story and these stories for kids. The world needs to hear! I look forward to reading them.
Isn’t it amazing how our small personal stories somehow resonate on a big scale with kids? I really appreciate you reading and commenting!
Thank you for writing such a thought provoking piece. There are so many take aways from this! So many questions to be asking ourselves with our own personal stories. Really looking forward to reading the finished book
Hi Sabrina, I’m so glad this spoke to you. Thank you for reading and commenting!
What a thought provoking post! Thank you.
Hi Belinda, thank you for reading!
Thank you for the heartfelt post. Michal. What incredible stories and experiences you draw from. It made me reflect on my own well of inspiration and strength–nature and the self awareness that comes from being quiet enough to listen to the messages there.
Hi Megan, if only we all knew how to be quiet enough to listen to the messages in nature. Wow – that’s a real gift! I hope you share this as you write because it is such a powerful concept.
Mickal, thank you for this confirmation about using my past history as a resource for stories. I feel as though the best work I am doing is based on my experiences as a child.
Hi Randy, definitely use your past history and childhood! I bet you have some amazing connections and stories to share.
Wow! I can’t believe I almost missed this post! It’s probably my favorite to date! Thanks for challenging us to dig deep, feel, pull through, and find gratitude, joy, and purpose.
Oh that’s amazing to hear! Thank you for writing and letting me know it resonated with you!
Thank you for sharing this, very inspiring! …and congrats on your books, rock on! 🙂
Hi Claudia, thank you!
Michal,
Yes, I agree that my personal theme are a current that runs through my writing. Mine are: family persistance and curiosity.
Family, persistence, and curiosity are perfect themes for picture books! I love that.
WOW! What a heritage you have! Your family story is amazing–I’m sorry for what they went through, but also inspired by their strength…thank you for sharing. I can see how this would impact you and your writing. Congrats on all your books! What specificity you share with a gluten sniffing dog–and how universally important to know and understand!
Hi Marci, I’m so glad this post spoke to you. Thank you for reading, and happy writing!
Thank you for your post, Michal. I have noticed I write a lot of drafts about grandmas 🙂 Definitely one of my themes. I appreciate that you shared such personal information with us. I will continue to look for themes in my writing.
Congratulations on your picture books! They look very fun!! 🙂
Grandmas are a fabulous theme! I hope you have a wonderful time writing about these lovely human beings, and thank you so much for reading!
Hi, Michal! I remember reading I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG on Tinker & Talk with Lynne Marie. I find it wonderful for many reasons, including that my niblings have peanut allergy, and that I had a very smart black poodle as a girl!
Hi Debra – it was a lot of fun doing Tinker & Talk with all of you! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Hi Michal! I am also a child and grandchild of immigrants and the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor. Your post is so meaningful to me. Thank you for sharing and using your strength and perseverance to tell your stories. “Those who survived usually had a purpose bigger than themselves…We all have a purpose.” So good for us to remember in our current times. Thank you again!
Hi Kati, I’m so glad to “meet” you here but am sorry we have this painful past in common. Thank you for reading and for this lovely comment!
This was such a touching and moving post. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us, Michal! I can’t wait to read your stories!
It was my honor! Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing your personal story. Congrats on your upcoming books!
Hi Joy, thank you for reading!
Love this informative book and the cute little poodle illustrations!
Thank you, Elspeth!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a daughter with a disability and your article got me to thinking of the tough times … and the story ideas started flowing! Thank you for the inspiration! Blessings to you and your family!
Hi Maureen, I’m so glad that this blog got your creative juices flowing and you’re able to incorporate the themes of your life! Blessings to your daughter and all of you as well.
Michal – I loved your first descriptions of who you are, then the change in perspective. A life lesson for me just in those sentences. Reminds me of something I read in which a friend dies. Another friend, who misses him, changes his outlook on small daily annoyances, thinking about how his deceased friend would welcome those small moments.
Hi Nancy, wow, that is so very true. I think about that outlook and perspective a lot, especially after having almost lost our daughter. In comparison, those small daily annoyances just don’t feel as annoying anymore. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me to appreciate every small moment!
Thank you for sharing your family history. Your picture book is so exciting. I have heard so much about Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity and nothing about gluten sniffing dogs.
Hi Elizabeth, these dogs are so amazing! I hadn’t known until recently about all the things a dog can be trained to do (epilepsy and diabetes alerts, dairy and peanut detection, autism assistance!). Thank you so much for reading.
Love this post! I feel like recurring themes in my stories are family connections (especially across generations) and food. Not sure what that says about me!
Ohhhhh, family connections and food. Those are fantastic themes to use in your writing!
Stories are so powerful! I love this call to action for us to get personal and tell our stories. I needed to hear that today. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad this resonated with you! Thank you for reading!
As one of my best friends has celiac, I will be looking for your book! Loved reading about your family’s strong history.
Hi Trisha, thank you for sharing my book with your friend. I hope she’s healthy and feeling well. Celiac is a toughie!
This is deep work. Thank you for encouraging us to push ourselves deeper without our books. One of my themes is how we can use our connections to the past to deepen our connections to each other in the present. We can all use that right now!
YES! We really can need to all work at connecting better to each other right now. I love that!
Wow, thank you for this very powerful post, Michal. Perspective and gratitude are wonderful tools, especially when life is heavy. Congrats on your books – looking forward to what’s next from you!
Thank you for this lovely comment, Kari, for reading/commenting, and for the congratulations!
Thank you for this post, Michal. I will definitely be looking through my work to discover what common themes show up. So glad your daughter has managed her celiac disease and is enjoying her life.
Hi Judy, thank you so much, and happy writing!
This post was amazing! I’m looking forward to reading your books!
Hi Alice, thank you for reading!
Michal, What a devastating family history. Thank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts, outlook and sense of purpose. I also have a teenager who has struggled with depression. He did a three-month wilderness program where they read “Man’s Search for Meaning,” and I re-read it recently, too. What a truly extraordinary human being Elie Wiesel was. The heart of my stories delve into curiosity, wonder, and exploring nature to uplift us through our struggles.
Hi Katherine, I am sorry to hear that your son also went through a depression. Hopefully the wilderness program helped him feel back to himself emotionally? What a difficult road for everyone – sending a mom hug of support and understanding. Keep writing about curiosity, wonder, and nature!
Thank you for this meaningful and heartfelt post.
It was my honor. Thank you for reading.
Such a beautiful and resonating post. Thank you for sharing this inspiration.
Thank you, Renata, and happy writing!
Michal,
Thank you for such a moving and inspirational post. I’ve realized that much of my writing is about nature which is where I connect with everything.
Nature is such a great theme to use in your writing, especially since it is special to you!
Thank you for such a personal and reflective blog post, Michal. Appreciate your words and experiences you’ve shared. I’ve begun to do more journaling and self reflection and noticed how it helps with my picture book writing and clarity into my manuscripts’ themes.
Thanks Nikki! I bet the journaling and self-reflection lead to some fabulous stories from your heart.
I love this! What wonderful advice to look for the thematic “heartbeat” that makes us who we are and motivates us to write. Thank you so much for sharing your family story, both the devastating and the hopeful.
I know I always come back to valuing diversity (often neurodiversity, since I’m Autistic) and the importance of imagination, but I’ll definitely put some thought into understanding myself and my writing more. Thank you!
Hi Carrie, writing about neurodiversity (and diversity in general) is perfect! I am excited for you to create these stories from your heart. Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you for such a tender and thought-provoking post. I am a former elementary school teacher. Even though I have stepped away from the classroom, I still feel the pull to make a positive impact on the lives of children. The theme that tends to be prevalent in my writing is authenticity. I want to empower children to embrace all the different parts and pieces within them. Self-acceptance gives hope to empathy and kindness.
Authenticity is a fabulous theme! I bet you have some wonderful stories to tell with this idea in mind. Thank you for commenting and for reading.
I appreciate your sharing the deep and personal. You are an inspiration. Thank you for the reminder that we can be grateful through anything, even the toughest times. I’ll be searching for reoccurring themes. 🙂 Thank you, and congrats on your 2 upcoming releases!
Thank you so much for reading, Sara!
Thank you so much for sharing your story—your authenticity and vulnerability shine through!
Hi Pamela, that’s really nice to hear. I’m glad this resonated with you!
How wonderful to hear your story!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing your story. What a wonderful theme in the face of hardships.
Thank you Karen!
Thank you for sharing your powerful story and offering heartfelt, inspiring advice. Looking forward to reading your books!
It was my honor. Thank you for reading!
What a powerful, inspiring post. Digging deep and searching for the heartbeat of my stories – love that! Thank you, Michal, and congratulations on your books!!
Thank you so much, Judy!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful insights on writing, Michal. It is very inspirational to think about recurrent themes in one’s writing.
Hi Amy, thank you for the comment and for reading!
Michal- How this resonates with me! Though I’m second-generation Polish American, much of what you experienced was passed down in the ethos of my culture. I also love the idea that themes and soul go hand in hand. So true! Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Margaret, I’m thrilled this resonated and spoke to you! Thank you so much for reading.
Wow! Thank you for sharing, Michal. That was such a powerful post. Not only for me as a writer, but as a human and seeing so many challenges in the world. But I love the quote and your follow-up statement:
“Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering, but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward. The primary human drive is not pleasure, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”
Those who survived usually had a purpose bigger than themselves.
I’m writing those in my journal and then thinking about the themes in my writing. Thank you!
Hi Christine – that’s wonderful to hear! I hope this all helps you as you keep digging deep for your own themes and writing!
I think the advice to, ” search for your heartbeat in your writing,” is really important. I really believe if we can find this inner thread or mission, we will be better writers and begin to carve out our own niche that our future readers will feel and seek out from us. Great advice!
Thank you so much for this lovely note, Christa, and for reading!
Wow, thank you for that incredible post and for sharing your story. You inspire me to want to figure out my themes and the reason behind them. Can’t wait to read your books.
Woo hoo! That makes me so happy! Thank you for reading, Cinzia.
Thank you for sharing your story, and your advice. I got a lot out of both. I will definitely work on finding my voice and purpose when I write.
Thank you, Tracy, and happy writing!
Thank you for the deep and inspirational post—so much to think about. It all really resonated with me. I’m looking forward to reading your books.
I’m so glad! Thank you for reading.
Wonderful advice!
Thank you for your vulnerability, honesty and incredible story, Michal. It’s so heartwarming to see how you have passed on your strength to your daughter. <3
Thank you so much, Katie!
Thank you for sharing the heart from which you write! A few of the “themes”/”vital ideas”/”pieces of me” that I have seen emerge in my writing are positive persistence, struggling and coping with anxiety, environmental concerns and also family.
Hi Kristen, those are such important themes to include in our books for kids. I hope you are finding ways to weave these into stories you create! Thank you for writing this note, and for reading.
Your story is very inspiring – thank you for sharing. I also find the humor in things and love to surround myself with lots of funny! I should incorporate this more in my stories I think. Patience is a big theme in my life and is something I always try to work on. I see this in my own kids, as well. I think I’ll need to ponder what other life themes seem to show up in my work. Thank you for the idea!
Hi Mary, surrounding ourselves with the funny makes life so much better, doesn’t it? I hope you do incorporate it into your work! Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you for such a moving and inspiring post! I’ve got some soul searching to do!
Hi Nicole, I’m so glad this spoke to you. Thank you for reading!
What a beautiful heartfelt post, Michal. Thank you for sharing poignant events from your life, your daughter’s life and your parents’ lives impacting the themes of your picture books.
I love your testimonial message of hope based from true thanksgiving.
My brother-in-law is on a strict gluten free diet. I didn’t realize there are dogs trained to sniff gluten. I hope to share this post and your book with him one day.
I believe your picture books will help and inspire many people.
Michal, your post touched my heart. Thank you for the encouragement to remember how our life experiences can impact the themes of our stories.
Taking the time to mine our stones of remembrance is a powerful exercise.
Hi Benda, thank you for letting me know this touched your heart. I’m so happy!
Wow, what an amazing post. Thank you for getting personal with us and sharing what your themes are and how you make the most of every struggle. Also, I will definitely check out your book, I’m a gluten-sniffing service dog (as a dietitian, this is one picture book I need on my shelf!).
Oh yay! I hope you (and your clients) enjoy the book. Thank you so much for writing!
Michal,
Your family is so strong. I love your life perspective of seeing the positive even when it is extremely hard.
Identity, immigration, and empowerment are themes that constantly appear in my stories.
Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring post!
Those are AMAZING themes to include in your stories! Thank you for letting me know, and for reading!
Thank you for the gluten-sniffing dog story. My daughter says she would like a dog that sniffs out tomatoes, corn, and sunflowers and wants to know where she can get one. She plans to call the dog Sniff.
Sniff is a fabulous doggy name! I love it!
Thank you for sharing your story! You have given me much to think about as I mine my childhood and family stories and current motherhood journey. What are the larger themes indeed!
Motherhood has so many themes, doesn’t it?! I hope you have a great time digging for the themes that speak loudest to you. Thank you for reading!
This is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story with us and advice on how to dig deep to find our own themes.
I’m really happy it spoke to you, Jen. Thank you for reading!
Writing is strongest when it has heart, so thank you for sharing your experiences. I love how you broke it down into themes of life!
Hi Phyllis, thank you for reading!
Michal, I relate to you on so many levels. We have common family histories and both of my daughters have gluten and dairy intolerances. While not nearly as dangerous as Celiacs, for a kid, not being able to eat pizza, cake or ice cream at birthday parties, like everyone else, was really hard for them. The stories are in me and I can only hope to tell them authentically and creatively. Thanks for your inspiration.
Hi Margot – being gluten and dairy intolerant can be so difficult for kids (and adults!). I hope that both of your daughters are doing well and feeling healthy. Thank you for reading.