Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

1/6/09

No stopping


Making resolutions is about introspection and hope. I look at my life. I see behaviors that are not helpful and resolve to change them. If I don’t have this hope as I live each new day, why not just lie down now, roll over and call it quits?

Every year I treat myself to a Japanese calendar. I’m particularly drawn to its format, narrow and deep with sumi painting and a proverb in calligraphy for each month. Last year when I turned to February I read, “Don’t be afraid of going slow, just be afraid of stopping.” It’s appropriate that this encouragement appeared when the zeal of early January resolutions was beginning to flag.

Aesop gave us a wonderful reminder in The Tortoise and the Hare, “Slow and steady wins the race.” I’m definitely a tortoise in my pace. Decades have passed since I decided at age ten to become an author-illustrator. This year, 2009, I win a dream-come-true with the fall publication of my first picture book as both author and illustrator, The East-West House: Noguchi’s Childhood in Japan (Lee & Low).

I am bursting with many more writing ideas and often eager to run like a hare, but I have responsibilities (earning a living, daily chores, and a family). Life slows me down. There is a popular myth that REAL writers and artists have an all-consuming passionate relationship with their work leaving no room for anything else. Do we want to believe that balance and creative expression are incompatible? I can’t/don’t choose to eliminate aspects of my life that interrupt my creative time. It all means that I must accept a slower pace. This year I resolve to plod on, do what I can, keep my eyes on the goal and continue moving.

7 comments:

Stephanie said...

I think you've hit the nail on the head. It's about the finishing, not the speed. And I am so excited for your book!!

Stephanie said...

I think you've hit the nail on the head. It's about the finishing, not the speed. And I am so excited for your book!!

Christy said...

BOy, you can say that again! Wait, you did.
;-)

Mark said...

What a great February proverb! Balance may in fact enhance our creativity, giving us time to "recharge" while ideas marinate in our subconscious. And your success is proof that you are doing things right -- for you!! Congratulations!

Edie Hemingway said...

Christy,
I've always had a special place in my heart for turtles! Congratulations on the upcoming release of your first authored and illustrated book! I can't wait to see it.

john said...

We are all excited to see your new book!

Diane Adams said...

Christy,
Balance is so important to a productive life. Thanks for your great blog. And congrats on your book!