I have been in the query trenches for a while now. I know I have many more agents to query, and of course, I am not giving up, but every once in a while, I have those thoughts that I am not good enough to be chosen. Imposter syndrome is NOT fun. I constantly overthink every query and almost give myself a rejection before I even hit send. Don't worry; I eventually came to my senses and continued sending out my queries. I enter contests with high hopes and then feel my heart sink when I don't see my name. This journey is a rollercoaster—but it's mine. Even if I don't win a contest, I always seem to make new writer friends that are on this same rollercoaster. That, to me, is a win.
Another win is watching my daughter be inspired by Mommy, never giving up. When I was talking to her teacher at parent-teacher interviews, her teacher talked about the Writers Workshop that they do in class. Apparently, my daughter shares inspiring comments about how writing is like going on an adventure. You get to choose where you go, how you get there and what happens. She is six. She talks about being a writer like me. It makes me so proud to see her passion for books and writing. Seeing that she believes in me just motivates me so much more. Her teacher asked me to come to talk during one of their writer's workshops and talk about my stories, my passion for writing, and how I get my ideas. I am going to work with them to help them come up with their own ideas. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
On another note, Today I was going through boxes and bins of old teaching paperwork, and university stuff that I have been holding on to for way too long and came across a box of my childhood things and several of my sketchbooks. Seeing all of my old work was the final sign I needed to get back into drawing. I always loved drawing and painting, but when I finished school, I just stopped doing it. I didn't make time between university, working evenings, studying and practicums, and later teaching and building a family. I miss it. So with encouragement from my critique partners and a LOT of work, perhaps someday I will be able to add the word illustrator behind the title of Author.
Thanks for reading!
Happy Writing.
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