Shooting Your Shot and Manifesting Your Dream
Hello, 12 x 12 family. This is my second year being a member of this awesome community. I will admit, I was very surprised and honored when I was asked to be a featured author. I didn’t think I had anything to say. Would anyone care what I had to say, and what in the world I would write about?
Initially, I only wanted to share the news about having my debut picture book published by Soaring Kite Books (4/2024) called MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE and illustrated by the amazing Adriana Predoi, but the opportunity came up to be featured and I jumped in.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still in the querying trenches just like many of you. I’m actively looking for an agent and constantly putting myself out there where the opportunity seems fit. Either through special webinars, contests, or conferences.
Anything that will help grow my craft.
For my debut, I was able to catch the eye of an independent publisher with my little story via a Twitter pitch (now X). I will tell you: I was not planning to pitch at all because I have pitched this story via different Twitter (X) events resulting in no hearts and queried it multiple times and continuously getting roughly the same response from agents — saying it is sweet, but not the right fit for their list.
Total bummer.
I kept revising and putting myself out there, but I still felt that maybe this was not going to work out.
As you all probably know Twitter pitches run from 8am-8pm and, of course, I waited until about 7:15pm and said what the heck and posted my pitch.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this, but I kept checking, hoping, and doubting there would be any hearts.
Then… I thought my eyes were deceiving me. There was one little heart, beating away, in the little time span that I posted. My first heart ever. I immediately thought it was a mistake (the doubt monster rises). I was beside myself and realized it was from a publisher and not a new friend. At first, I did not think this was for real, but I was wrong.
I did my research and decided to send in my manuscript.
The publisher contacted me back via email saying they were interested and would love to set up a Zoom to discuss my book and possible publication.
I could not believe it. I was beside myself. Is this really happening?
During the zoom we talked about the company and the process and procedures and here we are almost two years later with a spanking new book. Yeah!
I wrote my book baby for my daughter, expressing a parent’s unconditional love, hopes, and dreams for their child and helping to build a strong and lasting foundation.
Like the great Wayne Gretzky said:
You won’t know unless you try, and you must try to believe.
Ask, Believe, Receive!
I hope what I’m writing about makes sense because it sounded good in my head.
On top of believing, do you believe in manifesting? Do you know what manifesting is? To manifest means to attract what we want in life with the right mindset and action.
(How To Manifest Anything: The Ultimate Expert Guide | mindbodygreen)
I will admit, I am sometimes skeptical about the whole process. However, I believe in my dream, and I know that manifesting helps.
Did I always manifest? No, I did not. I was not much of a follower of the concept, but I learned more, and I was encouraged by my mother. I knew I had to try and take some control. I had to try and reduce my fear and negative talk.
There will always be rejections and the feeling of not being good enough, but we must keep trying. You will not know unless you put yourself out there. Enter that contest, set a daily writing goal, read a new chapter, revise an old manuscript, start a new manuscript, go to that conference. Invest in your craft.
I’ve entered my share of writing contests, and they help to get those creative juices flowing. I may not have won, but I put myself out there.
The same goes for submitting to agents/editors and publishers, put yourself out there. It may not happen the first time or the second, but remember, Rome was not built in one day!
You can manifest through prayer, visualization, or vocalization. Try to write down what your goals are. Write down what you are hoping to achieve. It can be about writing or other personal goals. Make sure your goals are clear. Be active in your pursuit. You cannot control everything, but you can control some of the things.
I have my handy dandy notebook. Jot your goals down in a notebook, a pad, or a piece of paper and do it every day. Repetition is the key. Belief is the key. You have the power.
I thank 12 x 12 for this wonderful opportunity. I have met so many wonderful people including my awesome critique partners and am enjoying everything this amazing organization has to offer.
We are in this together. Trust the process!
Much love!
Thelia Hutchinson is a registered nurse, poet, and children’s author. Thelia was born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, New York. With her love of poetry and the birth of her wonderful daughter, Thelia began to extend her love of writing to children’s books. When she is not writing, she loves to read, cook, watch Christmas and rom-com movies, and spend time with her family. Thelia is a member of SCBWI, Mighty Kid Lit, PBbuds, and 12 x 12. More Than You Imagine (Soaring Kite Books, 2024) is her debut picture book.
Thelia is offering one lucky winner a fiction picture book critique at our May 2024 check-in. Let her know in the comments below what you’re shooting for. What dream do you want to manifest?
Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Click here to be added to our waitlist for 2025 and get a free webinar!
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.
101 Responses
What a wonderful, inspiring post, Thelia. CONGRATULATIONS on your debut, and I hope you find a fabulous agent soon! By the way, my first book was published as a result of a Twitter pitch, and I signed with my agent three months after my debut.
Thelia!! Hooray! I loved meeting you at SCBWI NYC and you know I adore your debut book! Can’t wait to see what comes next!! Congratulations on an inspiring post!!!
Thrilled for you and your heartfelt book!
Looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for you!
xx
Such an inspiring post, Thelia. Congratulations on your debut picture book. Wishing you great success and many more book deals. I am manifesting a full time career as an author where I am signing many book deals, making connections, helping budding writers to achieve their goals as a writer, signing a book deal as an author/illustrator. 🙂
Fingers crossed for us with a big dream! 🙂
Love this inspirational post. Ask, believe, receive and manifest are all things I am working on. Thank you for your encouragement. What a beautiful story and book you have.
Wonderful post, Thelia! And congratulations to you on your new book! I look forward to hearing what is in store for you next.
“Believe you deserve it and the Universe will serve it.” Love it! Thanks for such an inspiring post full of solid advice, and congratulations on your debut!
Love this story! Love hearing about successes and writers’ resilience.
The resilience is success in its own right!
Congrats on your debut- it looks beautiful.
What a wonderful story. Congratulations! I hope it happens for me one day. Thank you for your advice!
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing and congrats on your debut!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks Thelia for inspiring me to put myself out there!
Lovely post, Thelia! I adore your book! Thank you for being a bright light in our community, and I wish you many more successes!
Thank you for the wonderful post. So inspiring! I enjoyed reading your story. Congratulations on your book. It looks lovely, and I look forward to reading it.
Thelia, what a beautiful post to start us off for the month of May! It’s full of wisdom and relatable moments and positive ideas.
I love the title of your book as well as the lovely illustrations and sweet message. Congrats on its publication! I know more books are in your future!
Such a positive perspective on being in the trenches!
Thanks for sharing! It’s so important to write down goals. I’ll have to check out manifesting and see what else I can do.
This is the post I needed today! Thank you and huge congrats to you on your debut!
Thelia,
Kudos to you for your last-minute Twitter pitch that translated to a heart. What an encouraging message of hope and perseverance!
Thelia- what a beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational post!! I just love it and need to read this every day! Cheering for you and your beautiful book! Have gifted to two friends already as well. Much love!
Congratulations on your debut. Amazing story about your last minute decision to post your pitch. Timing was on your side.
Your book is beautiful, Thelia! I also love your writing journey story too. It is very hard to believe in our work, but your words are an inspiration. Thank-you for sharing!
Love your book! Thanks so much for sharing.
Beautifully said Thelia! And I am very lucky to call you my critique partner! Thank you for sharing your journey and for the words of inspiration, reminding us to believe and manifest!
Congratulations, Thelia!! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story of facing down the “doubt monster.” You are so right, there will always be rejections and the feeling of not being good enough, but we must keep trying. 🙂
Thank you, Thelia, for your downtown earth article. You made it real and beleiveable.
Congratulations Thelia, I look forward to reading More Than You Imagine. Thank you for your encouraging post and wise words.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
Thelia, What a great, inspiring post! Congratulations on your new book.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring book journey, Thelia! And congratulations on your debut!!
Thank you so much, Thelia. I admit, sometimes I get discouraged and because I’m older, I think: I’m going to run out of time. Yet, despite my age, my brain is still working and mostly on high alert. Thank you for your inspiring words: Ask. Believe. Receive! I had not heard of manifesting, but I’m definitely going to look into it. Again, thank you.
This is such an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your book! I am manifesting a career as a children’s book writer.
Congratulations on your book! Thank you for sharing your story.
Congratulations on your book! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thelia, thank you for sharing. I love the title of your debut book, More Than You Imagine. I’ve never tried Twitter (X) pitches, but the process you described made it seem possible that I should, could give it a try.
A very helpful and inspiring post.
Thank you for sharing your journey — very inspiring!
This is what it’s all about! How inspiring! Congrats on your book deal and your continuing journey. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
Thank you, your journey is very inspiring.
Congratulations Thelia on your debut picture book. I had only a vague idea as to what manifesting was, and your link to “The Ultimate Expert Guide” proved to be informative and inspiring. I think I’ll give it a try.
Thealia, you are so right. “You won’t know unless you try, and you must try to believe.” Sometimes, we give up too soon. Congratulations!
Hi Thelia!
Thank you for your inspiration and congratulations on your PB debut. I look forward to reading your book.
I’m shooting for finding an agent and getting published. I also shoot for writing a new book each month in 12×12. Julie’s challenge has encouraged me write a draft and a revision each month.
The dream that I want to manifest is to get my books into the hands of children and to present my books to the children at their schools.
Congrats Thelia! Thanks for the helpful information!
I’m hoping to get my MS “Rabbi the Rabbit” published as an early reader. I’m looking to connect with authors and publishers in that category.
Thank you for this positive, affirming post. It is just what I needed to read to help keep this writing process in perspective. All the best with your new book!
What a wonderful post. I have wanted to manifest and your post has helped me to decide to do just that. I also am a RN and all that you had to say in this post, I intend to read and reread. Congratulations on having your book published! I look forward to reading More Than You Imagine.
I needed this! Thank you so much for the encouragement and for sharing your beautiful story with the world, Thelia!
So happy for you and your first book and I hope you find your agent soon!
Very inspiring post Thelia. Congratulations on your debut and all your achievements. All the best 🥰🥰
Congratulations on your debut book! What a wonderful theme! You have inspired me to keep submitting regularly. Thank you
It’s always wonderfu to read stories like yours! And, inspiring! Congratulations and thank you for sharing the reminder that we have to keep at it and keep positive.
“Ask, Believe, Receive!” What a concise, inspirational reminder. Thank you so much, Thalia–and congratulations!
Thelia, not Thalia! I noticed my typo as it was posting and couldn’t pull it back. So sorry. And again–congratulations!
I’m excited about your lovely book – thank you for sharing the journey. I’ve felt so much the same about pitch contests, but that one beating heart is everything! Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing, Thelia! Your journey to finding an agent is relatable and validating but your perseverance and courage are very inspiring! Here’s to putting ourselves out there! 🙂
Congrats on your beautiful book, Thelia. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder about putting yourself out there!
Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your debut picture book!
Oh that tiny beating heart that we all strive for! Thank you for sharing that story….it will keep me working hard and manifesting a heart of my own one day! Congratulations on your success and for sharing your experience. I look forward to reading your book!
Thank you for this inspiring post, Thelia! I often find it hard to keep going when the disappointments pile up, but you’re absolutely right that action must be taken if dreams are to come true. Congrats on your beautiful debut PB and thank you for this much-needed encouragement!
Thank you for sharing the fears and hopes of your journey. Congratulations on your book baby!
“Ask. Believe. Receive.” I am going to hold that with me.
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement, Thelia. Congratulations on your lovely debut book!
Thank you so much for the inspiration! This year it has been more challenging to maintain my goal of writing every day and polishing manuscripts that I already have drafts for. I would love some further inspiration and direction with one of them so I can keep pushing through. Thank you!
Thank you for your inspirational post. Congratulations on the publication of your first book.
I appreciate your heartfelt, encouraging, and inspiring post, Thelia. Congrats on your beautiful book!
What a lovely, inspiring post. I must try a Twitter pitch. I do believe! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and congratulations on your book. Can’t wait to read it.
This was so encouraging and relatable. I love how you wrote this because I felt as if you were speaking to me and I thoroughly enjoyed what you had to say. Congratulations on your debut!!!! I just entered a pitch event with no likes, but I did get a slew of appreciation from the writing community, so that was rewarding and it’s always nice to see that those events do work. Thank you for your post.
Love the hope of manifesting what you want in the world.
Thelia, congratulations! You willed that book into being! Sometimes it is difficult to keep believing and remain hopeful, but then that tiny little heart appears!
I love this – MANIFEST! YES! Congrats! I’m so excited to read it soon. Thank you for this inspiring post.
Your pitch was wonderful. I don’t know why it took so long. Best of luck with your writing. Thank you for an inspiring post.
So encouraging! I am back into the query trenches as well after my debut just released. Here’s hoping for us both!
Love it! Definitely important to manifest our dreams:)
If you build it they will come…. when we are writing, we all go through that self-doubt, wondering if it is worth it. Thanks for the inspirational post!
What a dream come true! I’m glad you were swooped out of the X slush pile and have this beautiful book! Congratulations! Your post is great!
Congratulations, Thelia! Thank you for sharing the journey of your book. Good luck with your agent search. I’m sure we will see many more books from you!
What a modest and upbeat attitude! Congratulations on your book. May you continue to manifest all your goals!
So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story!
Dear Thelia, I didn’t want to read your post because I am overwhelmed with life and don’t have a lot of “spare” time…and I have read so many of these author posts, often feeling like they are written by people unlike me (they are successful in the kidlit market and often have agents/editors that soak up all their stories). Your post is so genuine, so real, and so much like me–the doubts, fears, wishful thinking, hopes. You’re braver than I am, though–you kept putting out the story you believed in, whereas I tend to tuck away those that get rejected a few times. I am grateful for your post and your honesty and your inspiration. I love the reminder to be intentional and am inspired to return to trying to manifest what I want in my life. Thank you!!
Thelia: I loved hearing that you’re “still in the trenches.” It can be discouraging, but you’ve given me hope. I too can believe in the dream. Thank you.
Congratulations on your debut!!! Thank you for the encouragement to continue putting ourselves out there & taking risks!
Hi, Thelia — What great advice! Love the Wayne Gretzky quote and the mindbodygreen link. Thanks for keeping it real, too. I am also a procrastinator…as you can tell. lol I am certain you will have an agent and more pb’s soon. Your book looks wonderful and has a true universal theme.
What am I hoping/dreaming for? Getting an offer and getting published. So many ideas…just need to send them in. My perfectionist self is also an issue.
Thanks again for your wise words!
Linda P.
Thank you for such an inspirational post, Thelia! I am looking forward to reading your book. Congratulations!!!
Thank you.
Looking forward to reading this book.
Theila thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Love all of this, and the manifestation link is a great resource.
Thank you for the inspiration! You have inspired me to keep trying, keep putting myself out there, and to BELIEVE it can happen.
What a boost this gave me, Thelia. You’ve inspired me to add to this round of queries by the end of the week. I’m excited to read your book and to see where the next one takes you.
As a complete newbie to writing, your words are very motivating. My first dream is to create time and space so that the stories in my heart can take shape on paper. Thank you for modeling what courage in this field looks like!
Congratulations, Thelia! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for such an inspiration post! I believe in manifesting your journey! Congratulations on your beautiful book! I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am going to work on manifesting what I want! I can’t wait to read your beautiful book!
Thank you for sharing your story! I will work on manifesting what I want/need. (An agent)! 🙂
Can’t wait to read your book!
Wow thank you so much for sharing, this is exactly what I needed to hear as I figure out how to start the query process. Manifestation is so powerful and this gave me the reminder that I needed. Excited to read your book!
I loved your inspiring post! I’m a huge believer in manifesting and our connection to the universe. Isn’t it the best when we get a sign?! Thank you for sharing your story!
I so enjoyed reading your inspirational story. Believing, persisting, and manifesting may be a perfect trifecta for authors! Congratulations!
Woah my goodness, your recounting of the pitch process on Twitter (X) is EXACTLY how it goes for me–I felt all those feels. =) Thank you for the encouragement. Trust the process! Thank you for being part of the process for me. =)
Congratulations on your debut PB! Thanks for sharing your journey. It is encouraging and inspirational.
Congratulations, Thelia! Love the reminder of the Gretzky quote. I should probably tattoo that backwards on my forehead so I see it when I look in the mirror. Okay, I’m not going to do that, but maybe a post-it note would be just as effective.
Your book looks sweet and adorable.
I loved this post! It really drives the point home that we have to believe in ourselves and work to bring our dreams to life.
What a lucky child, to have such a positive mom!!
Congratulations on your book, and thank you for such an inspiring post!
Congrats, Thelia, on your debut book! Love the Gretzky quote and this post. Thank you!
Thelia:
Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring words of your debut! It’s so nice to know the beginning chapters of your journey as a published author! And I didn’t know about twitter either. Great info! Best of luck on all your future treasures!
Thelia, Thank you for sharing your mantra (thought tool): Ask. Believe. Receive. Congratulations on your debut!
Loved this post, Thelia! Congrats on your debut–it looks so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your well-earned words of wisdom!