Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

11/16/11


Taped to the inside of my dresser is a handwritten note dated November 13, 1993. It reads: I will produce a quality children's book. Over twelve years later, after the publication of The Best Pet of All, I made the addition: I did produce a quality children's book! I've kept that note inside my dresser to remind myself that it's good to have goals and that dreams do come true, even if the road to their realization is long.
Like Christy, most of my goals are the short range ones. Currently my goal each day is to finish the sketch for another two-page spread for my current picture book project, with the goal of having a revised dummy to send to my editor by the end of the month. When I think of all the work I need to do in order to complete the final artwork by spring, I panic. But can I finish one sketch today? Yes, that's doable. And when even that seems insurmountable, I turn to smaller goals: I will finish the sketch of this one character before lunch. Small step by small step I'm inching toward my goal: the completion of the first book where I am both author and illustrator.

8 comments:

Christy said...

Love that note, David! Your strategy of inching toward your goals is clearly working because you keep completing new projects.

Edie Hemingway said...

David,
You are an inspiration! And, I agree, those little step by step goals each day are a great help.

john said...

David, we can't wait to see the book and step by step you are bringing it to us. I remember the first reading and you've come a long way Sketch by sketch.

Mark said...

A great example of tangible goal-setting and achievement, David! I bet it felt good to add that extra "I DID produce a quality children's book" to the corner of your original note. And since then you have kept producing quality work, slow and steady or not. Congratulations!

Stephanie said...

I love that note:)

Library Jewel said...

I am proud of you for sticking to the 2-page-a-day rule while still taking time to do other things you enjoy. I love that you kept that note in your dresser!

Lauren said...

David, I too love that note~ What a wonderful keepsake and reminder of goals set and met! And like everyone else who has commented, I look forward to your book which you are bringing to the world step by step.

betsy woods said...

David, you are my hero!