I am honored to be this month’s featured author. As creators, we often talk about the craft of making picture books or the business of selling picture books, but today I want to talk about the secret ingredient behind each picture book you see on the shelf:
GRIT.
It’s a term coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, and she defines grit as a mental toughness that helps you persevere even in the face of obstacles. For me, that means recommitting myself to my mission (building an empathetic world through books) every day and tirelessly working on my craft.
The work we do is self-motivated. Unless you are under contract, there is no one telling you that you need to write or illustrate. And even with the best intentions, self-doubt can be paralyzing.
So how does one persevere?
I had to become my biggest cheerleader. Because if you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else? I kept a log of every small win and read the list on bad days. And eventually, the small wins became bigger and bigger wins. After I added “signing a two-book deal with Versify” to my list, I smiled because my first win listed was joining SCBWI, Storyteller Academy, and 12 x 12.
Success does not happen without the help of others. Supportive mentors and peers are essential to the process. Through 12 x 12, I met my debut marketing group, PBSpree (www.pbspree.com). In the book marketing process, these authors uplift me on a daily basis. I hope their encouraging words help you, too.
How to Reset After a Bad Day
“Give yourself a specific amount of time to feel the sadness and disappointment, and as an extension, anger. Feel it deeply. Then shake your body. Literally, shake it off. Read/watch/listen to/do something that fuels you with hope and inspiration. And then make a plan for the next day.” — Jilanne Hoffmann
“Go for a walk, snuggle a pet, and/or confide in a trusted critique partner. I remember one time I got especially scathing feedback from someone in the industry, and I warned my critique partners over email that I might cry at our meeting that night. As we ate chocolate and talked about the feedback (with several of them sharing their own low points), it really lifted my spirits.” — Susan Johnston Taylor
“I’ve gotten a few bad reviews, one from a biggie. I spent a few weeks wallowing and feeling terrible. But you need to pick yourself up and be honest with yourself. Did the review hurt because it was partially true? Or was it just your ego that got bruised? For me, I came to see that part of one of the reviews was true, and the critic had picked up on one of my weaknesses as a writer. That’s ok. LEARN FROM IT. And if something doesn’t resonate with you, LET IT GO. Don’t keep punishing yourself.” — Lydia Lukidis
“Sometimes I need to step away from the writing to give myself a fresh perspective, whether that’s on my story or my mood. There are a variety of things I do. A few that come to mind are: spend time with my family, go for a walk or exercise, listen to upbeat music or something funny if I’m wanting to lift my spirits, play with my cats or dog, clean or organize something, get crafty with paper and glue, read a good book.” — Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
“Take a digital detox. Play with your dog, spend time with an optimist who makes you laugh, or watch a Hallmark movie (with a big bowl of ice cream!). Do something that physically and emotionally distances you from your workspace and your email! Then, decide to move forward.” — Karen M. Greenwald
“We all have tough days. I wallow for five minutes, eat some chocolate and then seek a distraction. Some of my favorite distractions are plotting brand new projects, revising a different manuscript, or jotting down new story ideas. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel after tackling these. They help me counteract the bad stuff and help me refocus on the fun stuff- working towards that future YES!” — Kari Ann Gonzalez
Best Advice Received From A Mentor
“Believe in yourself and your words. Revising is great (writing is revising!), but you don’t need to keep editing yourself. Have the confidence to share your stories with conviction.” — Namita Moolani Mehra
“Remember how subjective this industry is and how much depends on luck and timing as well as talent. A rejection isn’t necessarily a judgment on the quality of your work.” — Caroline Perry
“Don’t let fear be in the driver’s seat. Acknowledge the fear, notice the fear and then remind it you are the driver (from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert)” — Jyoti Rajan Gopal
“From Bethany Hegedus: It takes the time it takes, and ‘Compare and Despair’ means you care.” — Ellen Leventhal
“One people buy your joy, so create from that place of joy, passion, and excitement. Two, if a project doesn’t feel aligned, trust your intuition and wait for what is more aligned to come.” — Erika Jones
“Create opportunities for yourself, don’t expect them to come to you. Always be on the lookout for doors and ways to open them.” — Jessica Stremer
“I just talked with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, who says she has “playdates with words” — I love that and couldn’t agree more. It’s important to keep the element of play and FUN in our writing lives, no matter what.” — Kelsey E. Gross
“Tackle tasks you find challenging using the Pomodoro Technique– I usually do 12-minute intervals of work and then reset my timer if I feel like I can take another 12 minutes. I think Linda Sue Park shared that in a webinar I took through SCBWI.” — Marzieh Abbas
Favorite Books To Inspire Creativity
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamotte
The Artists Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Wishing you so much peace, hope, and grit!
Natasha Khan Kazi
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Natasha Khan Kazi is the author and illustrator of Moon’s Ramadan (Versify/HarperCollins, February 2023), a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and a yet-to-be-announced forthcoming title. Her creative work is rooted in empathy, diversity, and childhood joy. Natasha is the blogger behind IslamiMommy, where she shares ways to honor Islam through arts & crafts. She is a 2023 Highlights Foundation Muslim Storyteller Fellow. Natasha’s second picture book will be released in 2024 with Versify/HarperCollins. Learn more about Natasha and her books at www.natashakhankazi.com and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Natasha is offering a non-rhyming picture book critique to one lucky 12 x 12 member at the March Check-In! Spring into your new draft today!
Commissions earned from books purchased through the 12 x 12 Bookshop go to support diversity programming and scholarships.
141 Responses
Great article and tips! Thanks for the extra boost of motivation. 🙂
Sigh… I definitely needed this today! Thank you for including so many of our writer-friends and their words of inspiration. After a major bout of Imposter Syndrome, I spent the weekend playing with my dog, biking with my husband, enjoying some evenings in front of college basketball – and yesterday morning, put my butt back in the chair!
Thank you for talking about grit. I needed to hear this today. So excited for you and your picture book releases!
I love the mind reset quotes you included in this post. They are extremely helpful! Also, Grit is a fantastic word to live by on one’s writing journey. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad this posted today, because I need to process a painful pass. Congrats to you, Natasha, on your beautiful new book! And thank you for bringing these inspiring words to all of us!
Wonderful advice! I completely concur with playing with your dog as a way to reset after a bad day. Congratulations, Natasha, on your publishing success thus far!
Great post. You are truly an inspiration!
Thank you Natasha! Your post found me at exactly the right time! I’ve been struggling with how I want to do my full color illustrations in a dummy I’ve been working on for months and hit a low on Monday. Your words, and the words of the mentors you shared, are just what I needed. I’m going to copy your idea and start logging my small wins. I think I’ll even put some up on post-it notes around my desk.
Believe in yourself! I repeat those 3 words often. And try to make a list of all the reasons, the successes that have come my way. I really like that practice of writing down the wins with their dates to remind me that my writing journey is moving forward. Thanks, Natasha!
Thank you for this uplifting post. I REALLY needed it today. We have the same first small wins so I am ready to keep going.
I needed that encouragement today! Thanks! Congratulations on your book, Natasha!
Thank you for such powerful reminders, Natasha! This is post I will return to when I need a boost. I recognize so many names that feel like friends, even though I may never have met them personally. What a wonderful community!
Thank you for these tidbits of advice. I love the emphasis on “grit.” Congratulations on all of your successes!
Thank you for this uplifting post!
Thank you for the great post full of inspiration and motivation. Much needed!
Natasha, I loved your collection of advice from others! Congrats on your success!
There were so many ideas there to dwell on. I agree supportive mentors are wonderful if you find the right critique group of partners who can help boost your spirits and suggest ideas you hadn’t thought of. And hitting a golf ball as hard as you can when a bad day of writing hits or you feel defeated. All of that and exercise–walking helps me work out details that are not working in a manuscript so I’m excited spring is almost here and no more snow.
Thanks for a great post! I loved seeing all the words of wisdom from fellow creatives. True gems!
This was such an empowering post — thank you! Sometimes we just need that reminder to persevere, and the tips you compiled are so helpful to that endeavor. Separately, I was at the Moon’s Ramadan launch party yesterday. It was a wonderful conversation. Congratulations on all of your success, and I look forward to reading your books!
Thanks for all the inspiration. Exactly what I needed to keep going.
Wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing and congrats on your two-book deal, that’s amazing!
It all looks so easy to an outsider. Thanks for the encouraging post. Grit is a great word!
Natasha, the pieces of advice are certainly keepers. The next time I’m in your area, we absolutely must !! meet up.
That’s definitely a encouraging post. We all hit those walls and to grind through the tough times is…. well tough!
Thanks for the words of wisdom
Great advice–especially the “eat chocolate” parts! Thanks for sharing these.
Your post couldn’t come at a more perfect time. I just rejoined 12×12 after a couple years away as I was dealing with the death of my mother, settling her estate, and the grief of losing my best friend/#1 writing fan. Not only was I too busy to write, but as life got easier, I realized I had lost my joy and my creativity. After way too many months away, I’m back and slowly, but surely, I am working my way back into the “writing life” process. Your post reminded me of some of the lowest lows in my publishing career, but also some of my highest highs. The books on creativity were much needed so I can’t wait to check them out. Thanks for kicking off March with so much inspiration from so many fellow writers.
” Because if you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?” Very true! Sometimes it’s hard, but you have to have faith in yourself.
Ooh, I’m feeling tingly with support and inspiration! Thank you Natasha & friends.
So much great advice–like a pep talk before a big event. Thank you! And now I have Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” running through my head. Best wishes to all of you!
Natasha! Thank you for sharing “the elephant in the room” with us. We can write and write. We can grow as storytellers. We can submit. But we need most is perseverance during the marathon process. GRIT is the essential pick-axe to hack away at self-doubts, rejections, bleak days, deflating reviews, and “it’s-never-going-to-happen-to-me” feelings. We write for children because we find joy in giving kids life-lines for their feelings and frustrations. In letting kids laugh and escape into a world of imagination through our pages. I congratulate ALL OF YOU on your successes! And I appreciate your candor and sage advice. Sending you all energy and inspiration for your continued success…
Thank you for sharing so many words of advice!
Yeah Natasha! So happy for you and so excited to see Moon’s Ramadan out in the world!! Thank you for the grit message. This business is so tough some times, but if we keep focusing on what fuels our hearts and souls, we will triumph!
Thank you for sharing the wisdom of so many. It is nice to hear that we are not alone, and there are lots of others who have walked this road. We can only learn from their wise words.
Grit, indeed. Without grit, we would give up. And I loved the idea of having chocolate with your critique partners. Our group often uses wine and chocolate to celebrate and to commiserate. Thanks for your post
This was such a lovely wrap-up of so much great advice. It’s reassuring to know everyone’s been there–and that every one of has grit–and can develop even more. No grit, no pearls!
Great post, Natasha! Thank you for sharing a part of your writing journey with us and for sharing those wonderful quotes from members of the writing community.
I totally agree with you that… the secret ingredient behind all books is the authors “Grit.” Grit is the perfect word to use as it hits the nail tight on the head. Grit is what is needed to keep going when nothing is going right… along with snuggling your cat… or in my case, talking to my cat who lays on the arm of my chair watching as I type on the keyboard. She likes watching the arrow as I cut and paste sentences around in my Word documents.
Thanks, Natasha, for all the very useful advice and the books to inspire creativity. It will be great to resort back to my notes from your post when I have those discouraging times.
Great post, Natasha! I like your idea of keeping a log of small wins and rereading it as needed. And just seeing in the comments, Elayne’s mention of pearls, now inspires me to collect a bead (or pearl) for each small win and create a bracelet or necklace as a reminder.
Thank you Natasha for all those encouraging words. I’d not heard of The Pomodoro technique, it sounds especially good for less inspiring days. And congratulations on Moon’s Ramadan, I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Natasha. Peers and mentors are essential to get through the rejection blues.
Thanks Natasha, for this very much needed boost! All the best 🙂
Beth
Thank you for all the great advice.
Thanks, Natasha, for your own and many authors words of wisdom. Two of the inspiration books you listed are my very favorites too. I think I’m going to make a post-it with the word “GRIT” in bold letters and post it above my desk to remind me!
This is wonderful!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for your words of encouragement and from others. I love the importance of grit.
Natasha, one of my small wins was joining a critique group, as I was petrified to do so. Keeping a log of these small achievements is a great idea and I am starting my own log right now. I loved the inspirational quotes you shared with us and I too am a fan of Ann Lamott’s book “Bird by Bird” which I have just finished reading.
I will keep working on my “grit” as you have encouraged us all to do. I wish you much success with “Moon’s Ramadan” and your future titles.
Thank you for the encouragement! The power of chocolate is amazing…
Thank you for the inspiring words! I’ve been writing for a long time and it still (mostly) brings me joy but I’m not good at believing in myself. I love all the pieces of advice you shared.
What a helpful post for dealing with the blahs. I keep a “Yay me!’ sheet and it is a good way to realize how far I’ve come. Slow and steady. Thank you for reminding me of that. good luck with Moon’s Ramadan.
I love this compilation of words of wisdom!
Thanks for sharing, love your choice of advisors too, particularly resonate with Big Magic from Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m saving your post with all the support for those days when I feel to old, too incompetent, or to afraid. I’ll pull on my grit and get going. Thanks.
Thank you for the energy burst and the message on grit, feeling the disappointment and shaking it off.
“Success does not happen without the help of others.” Thank you, Natasha, for your encouraging words and tips. I use grit and a strong grip to get me through those “down” times. There’s also a fur kid in my day. She keeps it real and full of heart. Your post is a keeper.
So much good advice, thank you! Just reading “reset after a bad day” comments is uplifting. I’m going to save this post!
I needed to hear these words. Thank you for sharing such inspiring words of hope and community. I particularly loved the reminder to write from a place of joy and to keep the fun and playfulness in my writing. I’ve printed this post so that I can refer to it whenever I need a “reset after a bad day.”
Thanks for your perspective on grit and perseverance. It’s a bucket that our community refills.
This was just what I needed today! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this much needed encouragement! Congratulations to you on your two book deal!
Thanks for the list of resources! So many…
Love all this advice! Thank you!
Wow, what a beautiful resource of motivating thoughts you’ve compiled. Thank you, Natasha!
Thanks for the inspiration!
What amazing advice! Thanks for the inspiration! 😊
Thank you, Natasha. Some of my favorite take-aways from this post: “The work we do is self-motivating.” “Because if you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?” and “Spend time with an optimist who makes you laugh.”
What an awesome, inspirational post! Thanks!! Going to bookmark this one for those down days.
Thank you for sharing Natasha! This is advice we can use in all parts of our lives, not just writing 🙂
Thank you Natasha for the GRIT posting. so many good words of encouragement that we can put in our heads!
Thank you for all the inspirational advice. You are a blessing!
Oh my goodness! So many gold nuggets of wisdom. Thank you Natasha for sharing!
I so needed this today! Thanks for your article on grit!
Thanks for the inspirational post! I think I’m going to start a list of small wins.
Thanks so much for this, it is really important to build a thick skin isn’t, I’m struggling with that at the moment, but this article helped!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights Natasha.
Great advice! Especially on this gray rainy day when it would be so easy to just sit around and do nothing! Time to go after those opportunities!
Oh my gosh!! What an inspiring (and helpful) blog. Before I go further with my writing, I need to sit down and figure out what my mission statement for myself is. This is such a concrete and important step and I realized that I skipped right over it! Thanks so much Natasha:)
Wow! One post, 15 voices. Thank you so much for collecting and sharing this much compiled wisdom, Natasha.
Thanks for the great ideas to help deal with negativity both from within and without.
Thank you!
Thank you Natasha. This past week was one where self-doubt did overshadow my writing. So many of the quotes resonated with me, but especially “Create opportunities for yourself.” I realize that I’ve followed that advice frequently in life and joining 12X12 is one example.
I’m printing these off to put in my writing binder! Great ideas to keep moving forward. Thank you!
I think the struggle to be positive and keep on going is primarily with yourself. The naysayers are always there-in everything. But I am my own worst enemy when I drop the self-care and compassion. Thanks for a great post! Big fan of Angela Duckworth!
Thanks for the inspiring post! And al the wonderful quotes and advice. Love for your advice to create opportunities for yourself!
Natasha, than you for your inspiring words. I am getting ready to submit, and yes, fear set in. I question myself, is my manuscript ready? I have revised it many many times. I am digging in deep mustering up “grit” to get it submitted. I am also illustrating my book, which means I need to double up on my grit. I wish you continued successes. Marlena
This was a fun read. I love the mentor advice especially to have conviction in the power of your own words. I’m always editing and I worry the spirit of the story gets lost.
This is a great collection of inspiring words! Thank you!
Thank you for the wonderful post!
This is so very true. I have to remind myself to be proud of what I do and keep showing up. Every. single. day. Thank you!
So true. And I’ll be using your tips to reset again today.
Natasha – thank you for this so helpful post. Being your own advocate, shaking off disappointment, having a circle of friends/inspirers/critique partners is important to persevere. And you’re right. GRIT is the name of the game. Thank you.
I love the word “grit.” I have “nevertheless she persisted” tattooed on my wrist, but I should add “grit”!
It always nice to read from other successful writers that it’s not always a cakewalk for this career we feel so passionate about! Thanks for including comments from other writers.
One thing I’ve liked doing in 12×12 is looking at my spreadsheet–I’m trying to “beat” myself from last year and be more productive. Last year, I wrote seven new mss and revised a lot. I just missed writing a new mss in March, but I’ve written two so far this year and revised SO MUCH! It’s great to read my 2023 spreadsheet to help reset when I feel stuck or down. Now I just need to start sending my work out!
Thanks for the words of encouragement!
Thanks for the great ideas.
Thank you for all the motivation to keep going. I REALLY need this right now.
Thanks so much Natasha. It is so important to believe in yourself. This is a very inspiring post. Keeping on…Keeping on and doing it with a smile.
Thanks! Taking it bird by bird year after year does result in quite a flock.
This was a great post. It’s easy to wallow and quit, so thanks for the ideas to help pick yourself up.
I SO needed to hear this today! I’ve been struggling a bit in the past week, so thank you, and thanks to all the wonderfully generous authors whose advice you were able to post.
A 12 minute timer is exactly what I need. 12 minutes can get sucked up in so many little ways and to put those minutes into writing is a great idea. Thank you and Congratulations on your book!
Thank you for this much needed encouragement and reminder that my mission of wanting to teach kids health related topics/concepts in imaginatively fun ways should always be at the forefront of my grind.
Yes, grit is important. And I felt bad for the writer who got a bad review. Imagine getting rejection after rejection, finally getting published, and then someone doesn’t like your book? This is a tough business to be in. Good luck with your books and thanks for sharing.
I love the 12 minute tip as I can find that time first thing in the morning and just need to remind myself to break down those tasks. Thank you!
Such an inspiring article! Love the lists of things to do to bring spirits up:)
So many encouraging nuggets in this post! Thank you! I love the quote you shared, “Create opportunities for yourself, don’t expect them to come to you. Always be on the lookout for doors and ways to open them.” — Jessica Stremer
It has been a week! And reading this was just what I needed. Thank you.
thanks for all these great tips and uplifting quotes! 🙂
Thank you for a wonderful and inspiring blog post, Natasha!!! Love those quotes!!
Excellent post! I understand what it’s like to be your own cheerleader. After a rejection, sometimes it takes a cheer squad to push me forward!
Thank you for the inspiring post and congratulations on your beautiful new book, Moon’s Ramadan!
What an encouraging and helpful post! Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to add “Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking: by Bayles and Orland to your list of texts. I also love watching the montage from Legally Blonde when I need a pick-me-up!
Thanks so much for that inspiring post!
Thank you for this post! It is hard to stay motivated and you and your writing buddies have shared a LOT of good advice.
Thank you for reminding me about grit! I need more of it.
I am bookmarking this post for those low days, it’s always good to feel supported and have some gentle suggestions!
What a wonderful list of positive suggestions for when those rejections seem overwhelming at worst and disappointing at best. (Just got one yesterday :). Thank you !
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for so much encouragement and for sharing the term ‘grit’ with all of us. I totally agree with you that we all need a lot of courage, self-motivation and
a strong spirit to continue writing in spite of letters of rejection, others not quite understanding why we love writing children’s books and overall frustration at the very slow process of getting agented and getting a book deal. Many thanks from the bottom of my heart!!
Also, thanks so much for the recommendation to read Big Magic! I’m listening to it now and loving the encouragement. 🙂
Couldn’t agree more that persistence is key! Thank you for such an uplifting post!
So much motivation here! Thank you!
It is sometimes tough to keep going in this business. Thank you for sharing the inspiring and motivating comments. It helps to know that everyone has “those days” and we just have to power through, stay positive and believe in ourselves!
I am going to save some of your quotes because they are so inspiring. They will become part of my “down” days. Thank-you for that!
Love this! Thanks for the inspiration and tips.
This was the perfect post! I think all of us need to be reminded to have a little grit … hit the reset button from time to time. I loved the way you included advice from a number of people, both in the reset and advice sections. It helped us see how much we all have in common (and the variety of ways we can all help ourselves when we might get “stuck”).
Thanks!
Thank you, Natasha. This is an important reminder that, wherever we are in our writing, we just keep on keeping on.
Building an empathetic world through books is such a big, juicy ‘why’ for your mission! Thank you.
Thank you for the inspiration. I am going to restart my “success”. or “accomplishes” list.
Thank you Natasha for the reminder to reset. I have never read any of those books, so I will check them out.
Thank you for such a helpful, inspirational post. It has been easy to get stuck on the gray days or when I can’t see forward progress. Lots of helpful suggestions here!
You’ve shared so many nuggets with us, Natasha! Thank you!
I love this advice! Not every day can be a victory, so guidance on how to cope is much needed. This post is an important reminder that we are not alone in our journey. Everyone has bad days, but we can persevere and leverage resources to get back on track.
This quote needs to be on every wall next to some words of wisdom from Duckworth in her book on Grit. “Don’t let fear be in the driver’s seat. Acknowledge the fear, notice the fear and then remind it you are the driver (from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert)” — Jyoti Rajan Gopal
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this post. I love the idea of the list of small wins, and the quotes about resetting after a bad day and thoughts from mentors are extremely helpful.
Thanks for sharing all of these words of wisdom!!
Grit! That is absolutely key when working on your craft. Thank you, Natasha, for this reminder along with many other nuggets of insight and wisdom.
Thank you for this collection of great advice!
This sounds so familiar, so familiar! Thanks- good to know the journey is not a lonely one.
Thank you so much for this inspiring post and all the quotes. I might print a few of them and post them on my wall as a motivation. Really loved this one especially:
Give yourself a specific amount of time to feel the sadness and disappointment, and as an extension, anger. Feel it deeply. Then shake your body.
I tend to wallow and overthink. It’s important to feel the feels, but then to shake that feeling off and move on.
Great article! Thank you for sharing your tips! I needed this today.
This was so helpful. I find myself swinging wildly from big hope to big despair. The day before yesterday, I began to think my idea could perhaps be a graphic novel because it seemed too old for a picture book and it kept popping into my head as a play or musical. I went to the library, got a bunch of graphic novels out and listened to an SCBWI webinar about the graphic novel process. Then I plummeted. It seemed impossible as just a writer to break into that market. Now I need to pick myself up again—keep researching my topic because it is interesting to me and will be interesting to others in some kind of format.
Profound advice, Natasha! Grit and perseverance are an integral part of the writing process. The analogy, “Playdates with words” and playdates with the three books you mention are very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you for this slew of coping skills and the acknowledgement that working to get our writing published can be a challenge!
Yes, GRIT… I love that, so inspiring, thanks Natasha!
Thank you for the uplifting post. It came at a time that I really needed to hear it.