BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME! (A.k.a. Manifest Your Own Destiny!)
I am SO honored to be the 12×12 Featured Author this month! This is my 7th year as a member of this extraordinary group and being here has made all the difference for my career and my confidence. Thank you, Julie and Kelli (and all of you) for having me!
For those who already subscribe to my monthly newsletter, what I’m about to talk about may sound familiar, as I addressed it in both my December and March issues. But I feel like our friends at 12 x 12 could also benefit from this discussion about battling our “ICks” (“Internal Critics”), one of the worst symptoms of that horrible disease we all know and love to hate: Imposter Syndrome!
I first started writing picture books in 2016 and I struggled for several years with some pretty “ICk”y flare ups (I have pictures, but trust me, you don’t want to see them!) The ickiest ones, however, came about whenever someone asked me that dreaded question: “So what do you do for a living?”
Here’s how it went down, EVERY time:
PERSON: “So, what do you do for a living?”
ME: “Um, uh. I write books and poetry for kids.”
PERSON: “That’s amazing! What books have you written?! Where can I read your poetry?!”
ME: “Well…so…um, I’ve written a ton of manuscripts…and, um, some poems… but, well, I’m still unpublished….”
PERSON: “Oh, I see.”
PERSON (in their head, which I know because I can read minds): “So, you’re not a REAL author, ARE you?”
Then, one day, everything changed. I was having this same “ICk”y conversation with someone when, all of a sudden, my youngest son (who was about 7-years-old at the time), interrupted right after the person said “So, what do you do for a living?”
He piped in with extreme enthusiasm and pride, saying:
“SHE’S AN AUTHOR! SHE WRITES BOOKS AND POEMS FOR KIDS!!!”
It was a major “A-Ha!” moment. Even though he’d responded with the same words I’d always used, my son’s delivery made ALL the difference. He said those words with such confidence and certainty that I had no choice but to believe him. I couldn’t help but think: “He’s right! I DO write books and poems for kids. I AM an author! I AM a poet!”
From that moment on, I started fighting off the “ICks” with new attitude.
I no longer told people I was “unpublished” or even “pre-published” but instead, I proudly declared, as my son had: “I am children’s book author and poet!” and I BELIEVED it. I no longer wrote “manuscripts.” I wrote BOOKS. I created a professional website. I drafted a professional bio. I discovered Canva and “published” my poems on social media. I even created business cards!
I began presenting myself to the world as successful author and poet, and by doing so, ended up taking small but tangible steps toward my goal every day. (All of which, by the way, I kept track of on a spreadsheet. Every picture book I read, every poem I submitted, every webinar I attended, etc. all became evidence that I WAS doing the work of a “real” author and poet. This is something I have continued to do every year since. It is a great tool for combatting the “ICks!”)
And guess what? Within a year, I’d sold my first book, BRAINSTORM! to Sleeping Bear Press (without an agent). A few months later, I sold a second book, I WILL ALWAYS BE… (to HarperCollins, also without an agent, via a conference opportunity). A month after that, I received an offer of representation from my agent. I now have eight rhyming picture books published or under contract, including the just-released WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books), as well as dozens of published poems in magazines and anthologies.
The point? BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME! Ignore the “ICks” and BELIEVE that you already are the person you want to be.
And, by the way, what I’m talking about is completely different from “fake it till you make it.” You are NOT faking ANYTHING. If you write – published or not — you ARE a writer. You ARE an author. So believe that. Present that truth to the world. Make small steps toward your goals every day (go ahead, make those business cards! Build that website! Keep track of all those small steps you take and remind yourself that you ARE making progress), and things will start happening for you. I promise.
FYI, I wrote the first draft of I WILL ALWAYS BE…, the book I sold to HarperCollins, immediately after that experience with my son. As I described, it was during that moment that I finally understood this truth: Whether or not I ever publish a book, and whether or not anyone else thinks I need to publish a book in order to be a “real” writer, I will always be a writer. I will always make time and space in my life to write because it is what I love to do. I WILL ALWAYS BE… (which was initially slated for this year, then pushed to 2024, and now currently — hopefully! — will be released in Spring 2025) is all about reminding kids (and adults!) to enjoy all of their passions — whether or not they ever make it to Broadway or the big leagues or do anything “professional” with that passion at all.
Oh, and if you enjoy podcasts like I do, here are two AWESOME episodes I’ve come across on the topic of manifesting:
**Our own Kirsti Call’s BRAND NEW podcast, Coaching For Creatives, is fabulous! I especially resonated with Episode 5: “Get Yourself Unstuck Part 4: Impossible Dreams.” (https://up.audio/podcasts/itunes1667434150)
**I also highly recommend this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast: “How to Manifest Anything You Want: 4 Simple Steps Backed by Neuroscience & Olympic Athletes.” (https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-13)
I’ll end this post by saying it one last time: Publishing books does NOT make us writers. WRITING makes us writers. Please, don’t ever let the “ICks” tell you otherwise!
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Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. She is the author of BRAINSTORM! and WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW and has six additional rhyming picture books forthcoming, including AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure (Penguin Random House/Rocky Pond Books, 2024) and I WILL ALWAYS BE… (HarperCollins, 2025). Rebecca’s award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives in the suburban jungles of New Jersey with her husband and two boisterous boys. Find out more about Rebecca and sign up for her monthly newsletter where she answers questions about all the publishing things at www.RebeccaGardynLevington.com.
Rebecca is offering a 30-min Ask-Me-Anything Zoom call to one lucky 12 x 12 member at the May Check-In! Make a new draft bloom today!
12 x 12 may earn a commission from books purchased through the links in the post. Proceeds go to fund 12 x 12 diversity programming and scholarships.
134 Responses
The absolute TRUTH! I love this post!
Right?! Thanks for reading and for your support, Shirin! xoxo
Rebecca, what a great post. Thank you for sharing your journey, your turning point, and leaving us with a few takeaways ( podcasts, yes!) at the end. Congratulations on your publications – I love the theme of I WILL ALWAYS BE, what a terrific idea for a book.
Thanks so much, Beth! So glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I needed this encouragement. Thank you!
You are SO welcome! Writing posts like this helps ME to remember these lessons too!
Thank you for these words of wisdom, Rebecca! It hits home for me — I’m always plagued by ICKS!! Thanks for helping me see things in a new way. Congrats on persisting with your dream and all the amazing pubs!
Man, those ICKS!!!! They suck, don’t they!? Happy the post was helpful to you. Keep on keeping on!
Thanks for a great post, Rebecca. I look forward to ALL your upcoming books and I will check out your podcast recommendations as well. Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Melissa! Yes, definitely check out those podcasts. SO great!
I love this! I have that exact conversation … time to revise my response. 🙂 Congrats on your beautiful books!
Thanks Elise! I know…I spent years avoiding people just so I could avoid this conversation! LOL.
This was a fabulous reminder to allow myself to just enjoy writing again, to renew my passion for my passion, because I am a writer, and that alone is an accomplishment to be proud of. Congrats, Rebecca, on your publishing success thus far!
Thanks so much Lauri. YES, ENJOY your craft!!! If you love what you do, you HAVE to do it. What else is life for? 🙂
Rebecca,
What an awesome, uplifting post! We all have these moments. I know I certainly have along my journey! Congratulations on your success!!
Thank you so much, Penny! This journey is so crazy… So happy to finally be in a position to start giving back a little with some of the lessons I’ve learned the hard way. 🙂
My head knows this, but it’s nice to hear it now and again. Thanks for the reminder! And congrats on your books!
Thanks Heather. I know all of this so so much easier said than done. I also need to keep reminding myself of these lessons daily.
This “pep talk” was so encouraging. Thank you for reminding me that I am a writer because I write; which is not contingent upon being published. Congrats on your many successes! Brainstorm is one of my favorite picture books.
Aw, thank you so much, Sandra. I’m so glad you love Brainstorm! and so happy you got something from this post. You ARE a writer! You ARE an author! You are DOING IT!!! Keep on keeping on!
Thanks for this mega dose of encouragement, Rebecca. Your son is a treasure snd clearly has the right attitude! Congrats on all your successes!
Thank you, Rose. Yes, my son is incredible. I’ve decided to keep him. 🙂
Rebecca, your message rings true! Thanks for your wisdom.
Thanks Joyce! So glad you think so!
Rebecca, you are an inspiration to all. You have the son who showed you how to have courage to declare yourself a writer and to go for it. Total admiration.
Rebecca, you are an inspiration to all. You have the son who showed you how to have courage to declare yourself a writer and to go for it. Total admiration.
Thank you so much for this amazing post! Your words and message resonate so very much. Congrats on all of your successes. I have and love both BRAINSTORM and WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW and look forward to I WILL ALWAYS BE…God bless your son! Smart young man!!
Aw, thank you so much, Karin. I truly appreciate your kind words. And yes, my son is absolutely BRILLIANT! 🙂
Thank you Rebecca, I needed that after a disappointing critique group chat. It means so much to me to keep trying and get something out there
to prove my family wrong that I can publish something and I am a writer.
What a great post! Congratulations on your success, and thanks for sharing your son’s wise words! 🙂
Thanks so much, Sheri!! Yes, my son is so wise. Even wiser now that he’s a tweenager — or so he keeps telling me. 🙂
Great words that I needed to hear. I hope to be published some day. I’m determined to make it happen for myself!
Thanks Ashley, and if you keep believing in yourself I promise you WILL get there. Just keep on reading and learning and working and putting yourself out there! You’ve got this!
Love this so much, Rebecca! I was just reading your May newsletter and your beautiful poem, Encouragement, fits right in with this inspiring post. Thanks for sharing, and Congrats on all!
Thank you so much, Steena. And thanks for being a subscriber!!! 🙂 I think I write poems like that, honestly, to keep reminding MYSELF of all of this. This business is tough!
Thank you, Rebecca, for the encouragement to stand up and be recognized as a writer even though I haven’t been published. And for the push to create a website and business cards and record every achievement I make towards becoming successful. I look forward to reading your books and I wish you continued success with your writing.
Thank you Jeannette! So happy this post was helpful to you. I truly believe that believing in ourselves is so important. How can we expect anyone to take a chance on us if we can’t even do that, right?!
Yes! What more can I say except mazel tov on your well earned publications.
Thank you, Tina! 🙂
Hi Rebecca! This is a great philosophy. And one I try to live by myself. I have a stack of business cards I’m staring at— my next step is working up the confidence to give them to people! And I have slowly begun to tell people that I write books! It is a process. But you are totally right, that if you write, you are a writer. If you are attending conferences and webinars and networking and reading, etc. etc. then you are living the life of an author! Thanks for the reminder! And look forward to your book chat and book this evening!
So glad you found the post helpful to you, Bridgitte! I heard Leslea Newman recently say: “100% of published authors were once unpublished.” It’s so true. Keep learning and reading and writing and putting your work out in the world and you will be published one day, I’m sure of it.
This post REALLY resonated with me. Your books are wonderful, showed Brainstorm to the children’s librarian where I work and now she’s using it in a writing workshop with kids. Wishing you continued success.
Thank you so much for this important reminder! I have had that exact same conversation with so many people and it always ends up being so awkward. You’re right about approaching it with more confidence and owning what we do.
I’m so glad you found this post a good reminder, Kirsten. I really really hated having to chat with strangers and avoided it all the time. Imposter syndrome is SO real. But if you write, you are a writer. Own it. Believe in yourself.
This was really helpful. My fifth book is in production, but it has been a long time since this book was acquired and I have been feeling very ICKY of late. So the positive energy of this post spoke to me.
Oh Caroline, I’m right there with you. People think that once you get books published you no longer feel the ICKs. I have been in the exact same boat lately with rejection after rejection. SO ICKY. But you just have to keep going for it and doing the thing you love and believe that tomorrow will bring better things as long as you are continuing to do what you love.
Aha! The dreaded ICKs! Thank you for this amazing motivational article!
They are SO awful, aren’t they?! Thanks so much Sue!
Thank you for this awesome post! I spent years as a classroom teacher helping my students to see themselves as writers. It’s so important for us to give ourselves that same gift. I just visited your website, and am so looking forward to your Book Chat!
Yes! I feel like my change in attitude — taking myself more seriously as a writer — has also helped my kids take me more seriously as well. They believe in me even more now because they see me believing in myself. See you later tonight! 🙂
Rebecca, a much appreciated post. The “ICks” can really get a person down. Thank you for reminding us, that all we pursue in our hope of being published one day has already made us writers. Congratulations on your past, present and future success.
Wow. Thank you, Rebecca. This what just what I needed right now.
Thank you for this post! Why is it we struggle to call ourselves writers?! I love the energy and the emphasis you bring to the point.
Oh golly. So many nuggets of truth in here! Thank you so much Rebecca!! I’m really looking forward to watching the replay of your book chat. 🙂
Thank you, Rebecca! Such an important topic to share as we all work toward publication. Thank you as well for the amazing podcast recommendations!
Great post, Rebecca, it really connected with me!! Thank you for giving us a peak at your writing journey. We all need to quiet that “Doubting Thomas Voice” or the “ICks” as you called them! In 2023, I hope to prove my nagging inner voice wrong… I AM a writer, whether I ever become published or not… so “DTV”… put that in your pipe and smoke it!!
Great post with excellent advice, Rebecca. We have to walk the walk. And not be embarrassed or timid about our passion for writing.
Rebecca, This is all 100% true. We are not “aspiring,” we are already doing the work. I keep track of most things, but I never thought to keep track of courses taken. It’s actually a good idea. Time for a new spreadsheet! Thanks for the post and the author chat. By the way we are Barefoot Book sisters. My book, Bring Back the Babka! comes out in the fall.
Yesss!! I’m glad you wrote this (and decided this for yourself), Rebecca! Every person who writes is a writer. Period. I’m glad that your son is so proud of you, and helped you come to this conclusion.
Thank you so much for this—it’s the most important thing I need to hear and remember in MANY areas of my life. I’m so glad I decided to listen to the book chat this morning, too! I’m off to order 2 copies of “Whatever Comes Tomorrow” — one for me and one for a gift. Congratulations on all the hard work that went towards creating these stories and your success with them. I’ll be watching for more!
So True and wise. A huge yes to believing in ourself first and not letting how we think others may think define us.
Wow! Did I need to read this today! Thank you so much for your encouragement and for sharing your journey with us! Congratulations on your upcoming book! 🙂
Thank you for this post, it came at a perfect time for me. I needed to hear this today. Thank you for sharing.
I love this! Thanks so much for your inspiring words Rebecca! You’ve got me fired up. I interviewed Kirstine Call on my IG Live show about having a positive attitude as an author.
So much great advice here. Thanks for the reminders! Just finished watching your book chat and found you had even more gems to offer there. Congrats on all your success. Love WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW.
I love this so much! I feel empowered. I feel motivated. I feel…heard. I tend to refer to myself as “author in training” or “wannabe author”. It’s always the future me I’m describing. Not the me now. Not the me who is working so hard to make the future me hold her traditionally published books in her hands. This was terrific. Thanks so much, Rebecca. Also, I adored your Book Chat! (Just finished catching up on that, too.) Congratulations on your well-earned career. Best of luck as you continue this amazing path. And again, thank you!!
Your comments resonated with me. I always tell students when I do school visits they are authors and if their teacher posts their stories, they are published authors. The smiles I get back are huge!
It’s May 20 and I’m finally reading your post. Thank-you for writing it as too often I sink into self-doubt and wonder why I put up with all the struggle of being a writer and pushing my work out into the world. It’s a daunting “career” but I do love to write, so I guess one way or another I’m stuck with it. Posts like yours push me along, one step at a time. I love your books and your blog. One of my Mother’s Day gifts was a bookstore gift certificate. I already own Brainstorm. Whatever Comes Tomorrow is high on my list of books to buy.
Thank you for providing the validation that we all need at times. I am a writer!
Rebecca, this is such an inspiring, validating, and true message. It was a joy to read. Thanks so much!
Rebecca,
I love your writing and I am so thrilled that your words and your heart are part of the kidlit world. Your story is inspiring and I am grateful that you are willing to share it with us. Thank you!! x
Thank you for the inspiring post. Paraphrasing the Cowardly Lion – “I do believe I’m a writer. I do believe. I do. I do. I do.”
It’s definitely all about perspective. So glad your son saw you as successful and that you decided to agree with that perspective!!!
THANK YOU for this post! I’ve had this ICK conversation so many times. Most people have no idea what it takes to be published. I appreciate this so much!
Hi Rebecca,
I think you ought to add “motivational speaker” the your list of many talents because that was a VERY motivational message you delivered. I loved the “ICK” theme! How clever!
Thanks for keeping us motivated this month and for the great writing tips. I’m going to check out some of those resources for sure!
Many thanks,
Maria
Don’t you hate that question about what you do? lol I’m traditionally published in short fiction (both mystery and romance), trade articles, poetry and humor. Then there’s the question of “Where can I buy your work?” Hmm. Not everyone likes anthologies, and books are expensive. I don’t think people want to spend $30 to read a short story of mine. But I have had the business cards and website for a very long time. I still use the cards a lot. And it never hurts to grab your domain name for the day you can list your own book. Great article. One of my favorite. I’m glad your son was your spokesperson. lol BTW, I saw a dog t-shirt with the author’s book cover on it. That’s one of my plans.
This post was so inspiring! I really appreciate it. Gives me hope!
I JUST READ THIS POST AGAIN.
PERFECT ADVICE FOR THE “ICKS”!
NEW MANTRA – I AM AN AUTHOR, PLEASE THANK YOUR SMART SON FOR THE HELP!
I JUST READ THIS POST AGAIN.
PERFECT ADVICE FOR THE “ICKS”!
Yesssss, truth! Love this pep talk, thank you Rebecca!
Rebecca, Thank you for this powerful interview! What a concept and what a help for those of us who question if we are “real” writers. I need to keep your words in my head! Congratulations on your books!
Rebecca, you’re an inspiration to us all! Your dedication to children’s lit and the passion in your words make us all feel like we can follow our writing journey with
courage and determination. Thanks for everything!
Congratulations on your books! Thank you for the podcast recommendations.
Great share! Thanks Rebecca!
THANK YOU for such a INSPIRATIONAL post which I have read several times since it’s the KICK IN THE BUTT I needed! 🙂 On that note… Any suggestions for beginning posts to KICKSTART new social media accounts of an “unpublished” author? HA!
Thank you for your kind words! And YES, I do have suggestions for social media posting. Whether you are published or not, and no matter how long you’ve been on social media, the best thing is to always be a kind #KidLit citizen by giving whatever support you can to other creators. Commenting on and retweeting posts from authors you admire/books you love/events/giveaways, etc. shows folks in the business that you care about and support other authors and it WILL be noticed and appreciated. You can also start threads that ask questions that you may be pondering about the business and inviting others to comment. The more people see you “out there” the more they’ll remember how supportive you are and will return the favor down the road. Karma is REAL. (By the way, I love this question so much — I may ponder on this question more and steal it for an upcoming newsletter, if you don’t mind. I have a FAQ section where I answer questions like this. Thanks for the great question!)
Thank you for these words of wisdom. You are an inspiration! Congratulations on your successes. I have and love both BRAINSTORM! and WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW and look forward to adding I WILL ALWAYS BE… to my library as well when the time comes.
Thanks for that hefty dose of inspiration! I needed it.
Thanks for the reminder that what you think of yourself is what you manifest. Great inspiration!
Thank you for sharing this with your 12×12 family. I Will Always Be sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to read it. Fingers crossed for a spring 2025 release!
I love the energy coming from this post–thank you, Rebecca! Writing DOES make us writers, and shouting that into the universe is a great start. Bonus when you have a publicist in the family. Your son is going to go far, just like you!
I love this reminder! And we are still writers even if we’re currently having writer’s block.
This is a most encouraging post! Congratulations on all of your books.
Such an encouraging post! “…you ARE a writer. You ARE an author. So believe that. Present that truth to the world.” Love it! Thank you so much!
Thank you, Rebecca, for the encouraging words. Just what I needed to read right now! To your continued success!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us and for talking about your experiences with the ICKs. Oh, how I can relate to that! Also, great podcast recommendations! I listened to both, and they were fantastic.
I definitely needed that today. I’ve had the ick’s all morning. I’ve been trying to get published since 2012 and it’s hard to keep going sometimes. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for the much needed post. You encouraged me.
Such wisdom and conviction out of the mouths of babes. What a wonderful son! Thank you for your encouraging words!
Very inspiring words. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for your encouragement. I will admit that I write because so many ideas pop into my head that I think will make a great story. Some of my ideas do end up with a few draft revisions that I am proud of, others, I hold off for another day. I write because I love the craft. When I think of submissions, the icks start to creep. I don’t quite know what I am waiting for. But, your pep talk has helped me to hang in there.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging post, Rebecca!
Yes, doing the work and presenting ourselves with confidence! Thank you for this!
Thank you, Rebecca! So much good stuff in this post! I appreciate your encouragement and also your suggestions for podcasts to listen to. And big kudos to your son for helping you see your truth! 🙂
Congratulations on your picture book success, now and in the future!
I can whole-heartedly second everything you’ve said here! Great advice!!
I so needed to read this today, thank you!!
It brought up a memory: When my son was about six, the kids were asked to bring their fav books to school, and he said he wanted to bring one of my unpublished stories. I went into total protection mode — ‘No, your teacher meant a proper published story.’ In retrospect, what was I modelling to him (let alone to myself) about every human’s right to claim his/her own identity and act accordingly???!!! Now I know better, so I will do better.
Huge congrats on your journey.
Thanks ! I needed that ! I don’t like those “talks” either. Congratulations on your stories (and the ones you published too !)
What a wonderful “go get ’em!” post!!! Inspiration we writers need time & time again! Thank you!
Thank you, Rebecca, for your very inspiring post. I’m also going to stop saying that I’m pre-published or unpublished and that I am a writer. It does sound great! And thank you for sharing your journey. I always love to hear how authors got started and how they came to be published and find an agent. Kudos to you! I look forward to reading your books and I wish you continued success with your writing.
Excellent post Rebecca. And you are so glad to have such a great son in your corner. Here’s to lots of continued success.
Thank you, Rebecca! I needed this and will be tattooing “I am an author!” on my arm 🙂
The only response to this post is “Yes!” Resoundingly. WE will always be….Something to smile about as we dig into our journals, sketchpads, computers…
Rebecca, I needed to read this right at this PERFECT moment. Thank you for sharing your story and giving us practical steps to push back on the imposter syndrome and voices in our heads! Grateful!
Thank you, Rebecca! Your words of encouragement mean so much. It’s so easy to feel like I’m not making progress but keeping track of everything says otherwise! Wonderful advice. Congrats on all your successes!
Thank you for the motivation to start the summer on a writing note! Question for you: How often do you submit your poetry to magazines and anthologies? I have written a bunch on social media but have never really considered submitting them anywhere else. Is it as satisfying as picture book publishing? Thanks!
Your story, encouragement, and advice for changing how I describe my writing gave me a renewed commitment to this work and passion. Thank you!
Words of wisdom! Thank you so much! Loved reading your story! YES, we are writers!!! Best wishes!
Adjusting one’s perspective and confidence are great advice. Thank you for shedding light on the “ICks.” The dreaded “What do you do?” question, has haunted me for a long time…(formerly) as an at-home mom, and then, as a preschool teacher in a room full of PhD’s. Only recently, have I shared with the “PhD’s” my writing journey and in doing so, I have struggled to explain. From now on…I’m an “Author” of over twenty picture books and counting…here’s my card.
Brilliant thanks Rebecca,
My Dad was always telling me to call myself an author before my debut PB Star was published in September 2021. I did at least say I was a writer, because I wrote, but refused to say author until I felt validated by publication. I’m still not sure what I believe about the two terms, but I certainly loved and benefitted from my Dad’s faith in me. I have also found the chase for publication sometimes dulls my love of writing and have to remind myself why I started this in the first place. Did you have that too, in those early days, even after your first book was published?
You are on fire, Rebecca! What a positive force in the kidlit community too:)
Your words struck me. I have been telling myself (and trying to believe) I am a writer because I DO write stories for kids. BUT . . . I couldn’t embrace the word ‘author’ without being published. It still feels uncomfortable, but I’m now calling myself an author. Thank you for the insight and reminder that we are writers and authors no matter where we are in the journey.
Congrats on all your successes! Love this post and will check out the podcasts. Plus that fortune cookie quote rewritten in big letters on my vision board as a reminder. Thanks!
Thank you for your inspirational post! Congratulations on all your successes!
Yes! Thank you! This is a wonderful, inspiring post and I really enjoyed your book chat as well! I love your idea of documenting all the classes, conferences, and books read to remind us that we are doing the work of writers, and love what you said in your book chat about each being on our own path. I can’t wait to get your “Afikoman, Where’d You Go?” for my kids and nephew!
I love the truth of mind over matter, presenting yourself as an author and it will happen.
Well said Rebecca! I actually started calling myself a ‘writer’ in order to encourage a friend and co-worker who has been published in his field many times, but still didn’t call himself out in the world as a writer, as writing was a hobby for him. Once he got comfortable saying it, he told me never to call myself anything other than a ‘writer’ when someone asks what I do. Now we both call ourselves (and each other) ‘writers’. It worked!
Effort and perseverance pay off!
Thank you! I understand. Some people think that the work we do is a “hobby.”
Rebecca, What a great shot of inspiration you have injected us with here, Rebecca! Thank you for all you shared–and congrats on your EIGHT rhyming picture books published or under contract!!! Wow! I hope you have an empty bookshelf set aside for all those! LOL!
Persistence and passion pay off! Congratulations and thank you for the inspirational post.
Thank you for sharing your inspiration. Congratulations!
Thanks, Rebecca! The post and the links are fantastic. I just finished listening to the Mel Robbins podcast. May you manifest many more dreams to reality!
Yep, and I can’t hear this enough–WRITERS WRITE. It’s really that simple, isn’t it? Thanks for the reminder, Rebecca.
I got chills while reading this! I’ve come to this post a tad bit late… but I believe it was also at the “right” time. I have been dealing with imposter syndrome, burn out/writer’s block and just life wanting me to….slow down and live life a bit. Which I’m happily doing and is doing wonders for all the above. Though I have found myself not being confident at times, even after publishing a book. When people ask about it, i get shy or whatever ick that is. But lately I have shifted after a recent event I attended, where I just felt alive with my passion for why I do what I do. So thank you for reminding all of us to believe in ourselves!!! Btw, how precious is your son! <3