Taking the Leap
Illustration from Big and Little, A Story of Opposites
I am so excited that my debut author/illustrator picture book, Big and Little, A Story of Opposites, is due out April 2019 with Holiday House.
My road to publication has not been an easy one. I actually spent three years on this story from the time of conception until I turned in all the artwork last spring. This story went through many changes and rewrites. And it only has 28 words in the whole book!
To make matters worse, l didn’t get serious about children’s book writing and publishing until I was nearing the age of 50.
When I first started this quest, my first question was, how can I get published? That is the end goal, right? What good is all these drawings and stories if they stay in my file cabinet where no one can see or read them.
But, there were other questions I should have been asking first:
Do I have what it takes?
What does it take? It takes stamina, long hours of work, and the ability to accept criticism and rejection. (I’m still working on the last one).
It’s important to have a stubborn ignorance about publishing. I remember the first time I heard the statistics for how many people actually get their children’s book published. I was deflated. But fortunately for me, I felt I was already too far into it to quit. So don’t listen too much to the naysayers and the doom and gloomers. Stay ignorant. If it’s something you’re passionate about then be aware it will be a difficult road, but don’t let it stop your pursuit.
Am I open to ideas?
When I first started, I had no idea how to write a good picture book. I attended conferences, webinars, critique groups, and read books about the subject. SCBWI, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. https://www.scbwi.org/ is a huge resource and a great place to connect with others in the business.
You need to be willing to take your story and try it in different ways. Let others read it. Be open to critiques. Listen to others’ opinions and even thought it gets a little overwhelming and confusing at times, it doesn’t hurt to apply some of those ideas.
It helps to have mentors. I have weekly skype classes with illustrator, E. B. Lewis. http://eblewis.com/visual-mentor-learn-from-eb-lewis/
I’ve also had classes with SVS Learn: https://www.svslearn.com/ and The Illustration Dept: https://illustrationdept.com/. These are just a few resources. There are many more classes, webinars and critique groups to help you learn about the business of writing and illustrating.
If a story isn’t working, set it aside and start a new one. I feel like I spent way too much trying to get my first story polished and ready for submission. When actually, the story was flawed from the beginning. Even though my first picture book wasn’t successful, all that work prepared me for my future stories.
Can I deal with the lows?
I find this business is a roller coaster ride. One day I feel like I’m on my way to brilliance and the next day I realize I was delusional and need to start over. Maybe it’s just me, but I often fight the doldrums in the middle of a project. I get in “slumps.” This is when you need to be careful you don’t talk yourself out of creating your stories. So when you’re in a slump, what should you do?
Tell others in the business. Frankly, I don’t think anyone outside of this crazy business will completely understand the ebbs and lows, so find other writers, illustrators, and creatives to commiserate with. Most likely they have all been through it many times as well.
Start a new project. Find something new to work on that will give you a new spark or energy. Then you can come back to the old project with new eyes.
Get out and do new things. Go to museums, shows, libraries, book stores and especially get outside for some exercise. All of these will help your brain get turned on again with fresh, new ideas.
I hope this has helped inspire you to create your own stories. Feel free to connect with me with comments or questions! You can see my artwork at www.cherylpilgrim.com and on Instagram @cherylpilgrim.
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