 Guest blog by Vicky Fang Having a main character that can drive multiple books is a key part of creating a chapter book series. But how do you create a series-worthy character? I’m sharing my process in creating the Ava Lin character and series in hopes it will provide fellow writers with strategies to make a chapter book character hold up across multiple books
Ava Lin (Candlewick, 2024 and 2025) is the protagonist of my latest chapter book series, and I’m constantly coming up with new ideas for her. She’s a six-and-a-half year old Chinese American girl who loves bubble tea, treasure, and animals. She’s continually getting herself into confusing social situations, and dives in headfirst with hilarious and unintended results.  AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND! (Credit: Candlewick, ©2024 Vicky Fang) Ava has been a great character to write over and over again. She has become like a member of our family. Whenever we find ourselves cracking up about an earnest, relatable, or hilarious misunderstanding, my kids say “that has to go in an Ava Lin book.” She is a way to look at our honest mistakes and laugh about them. CREATING A GREAT CHARACTER When I approach characters, or teach others to create characters, I like to start with a basic template that includes:
It can be helpful to pick one aspect of your character and exaggerate it. For Ava Lin, I chose her earnestness. This earnestness results in many of her essential qualities: curiosity, optimism, resilience, frustration, etc. By choosing something that gave me a clear sense of how she would react to many different situations, I gave myself a character that would easily scale to many different stories.  AVA LIN, ONE OF A KIND (Credit: Candlewick, ©2025 Vicky Fang) I also started sketching ideas of what Ava might look like. I usually do this whether I’m planning to illustrate or not, as it helps me solidify my mental picture of the character.  Early sketches for Ava Lin, ©2022 Vicky Fang BUILDING YOUR STORY The story and the character go hand in hand. So when I start thinking about the story, I might have to go back and adjust the character, or vice versa. After I have a sense of the character, the key question I’m trying to answer next is: What do they want and why can’t they have it? Ideally, your character’s exaggerated trait contributes to the reason they can’t have what they want. You may have to go back and forth between the pieces, adjusting until you get to something really meaty. This is what makes for a great story: when your character’s own traits exacerbate the obstacles in the way of getting what they want. For Ava Lin, her earnestness causes her to dive into social situations that she doesn’t really understand. More than anything, she wants a best friend! (This is the goal I picked for the first book.) But how do you make a best friend? How do you know when they are your best friend? Ava’s headlong efforts backfire on her, and she has to find ways to figure it out. Fortunately, the very earnestness that causes Ava’s missteps also helps her overcome the obstacles.  AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND! (Credit: Candlewick, ©2024 Vicky Fang) After you write the first draft of your story, take a step back and think about if the themes of the story and your character and plot are all working to create the best tension and resolution possible. Does your character have a satisfying arc from the beginning to the end? Does the voice of the story align with your character and the theme? DEVELOPING A SERIES With Ava’s earnestness getting her into social situations she doesn’t quite understand, it was easy for me to come up with many different story lines for her. In Best Friend!, she wants a best friend and also a super cool notebook. In One of a Kind, she wants to win the most kindness tickets, but loses track of actually being kind. In Super-Duper Happy, she wants to find a connection with her grandmother while also trying to win a gold medal in the school walkathon.  AVA LIN, SUPER-DUPER HAPPY (Credit: Candlewick, ©2025 Vicky Fang) In general, characters that are relatable and proactive will be easier to build a series around. But there are many different ways to do this! A character might be relatable because they explore one emotion that we’ve all felt—maybe it’s fear, or shyness, or recklessness, or hope. A character might be innately proactive, or they might be driven to action by external factors. Find the story that fits your character, and shape your character to fit your story. They both need to work together. GO FORTH AND WRITE!
1 Comment
 Guest blog by Pam Vaughan When people hear the word tenacious, they often imagine someone scaling a mountain or running a marathon against all odds. But for children’s book writers, tenacity often shows up in quieter, humble ways like rewriting a story for the tenth (or hundredth) time, sending one more query after a string of rejections, or asking for feedback even when it stings.  When I worked on my latest picture book, Tenacious Won’t Give Up (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2025), I lived its title every step of the way. There were endless drafts, puzzling plot points, and moments I wondered if the story would ever click or if I should just move on. But how could I write a book called Tenacious and give up? What kept me going was the story’s potential and the encouragement of my writing partners - picture book writing isn't a solo climb after all. They reminded me that persistence isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Sometimes tenacity is a whisper of inspiration or a nod of encouragement. After some passes from editors, one editor responded this way: “Hmm, this one’s tricky! I really love the title and the core of what it’s going after. The story isn’t quite special enough yet. Perhaps a lighter touch on the message might do it? If Pam rethinks it, I’d be happy to take another look.” At first, I saw it as a pass. But then three phrases jumped out:
 I studied all of the editor’s other books, searching for what I was missing. Then I rethought, revised, and refined the manuscript with fresh perspective and trusted feedback. When we resubmitted, the editor said yes. That experience taught me that tenacity isn’t just about trying harder…it’s about trying smarter. Sometimes pushing through isn’t the answer. Listening is. Adjusting is. As children’s authors, we hope our readers keep learning, growing, and believing in themselves. Our own creative journeys mirror that same message. Tenacity isn’t all grit and grind. It’s also patience, openness, and trust. Here are a few ways to cultivate your own quiet tenacity: 1. Find Your Team Children’s literature thrives on community. Join a critique group, trade pages, or share ideas with other writers. Feedback may sting, but it’s a gift that grows your resilience. 2. Redefine Success Tenacity isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting up curious. Instead of asking, “Did I get published?” ask, “What did I learn from this draft or rejection?” Every insight is a step forward. 3. Celebrate Small Steps Every revision, query, or idea scribbled in a notebook counts. These tiny acts of persistence build the foundation for stories that will one day connect deeply with readers. If you’re revising, waiting, or doubting your story today know this: you’re not alone. Your persistence matters. Your words matter. And your tenacity, quiet, humble, and grounded in community can carry you through. How has tenacity shown up in your writing journey? Share your story in the comments so we can all cheer each other on!  In addition to Tenacious Won't Give Up, illustrated by Leanne Hatch, Pam is the author of Missy Wants a Mammoth (Pixel+Ink, 2024), illustrated by Ariel Landy. She is the director of the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and a co-assistant regional advisor for New England SCBWI and holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from the Heller School. Learn more about Pam here.
Staying Organized and Motivated During Difficult Times: Lessons from Writing Through Crisis9/17/2025  Guest blog by Kirsten W. Larson The idea for my latest book, This Is How You Know: How Science Happens (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025), illustrated by Cornelia Li, a lyrical love letter to science, emerged during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. To say that Spring 2020 was a difficult time to maintain creativity is an understatement. We were in lockdown, and my entire family was home. My kids loved nothing more than to spend breaks between classes hanging out in my office. It was lovely, but disruptive to getting any writing done. And then there was the news. It was so difficult to stop doom scrolling and actually write. What did I have to offer the world in the face of such tragedy? Yet somehow, books got written during those chaotic times – including mine. If you’re facing your own difficult season right now, whether it’s personal challenges, political and economic uncertainty, or just “life,” some of the techniques I honed during the pandemic just might help you stay on track. Create Boundaries Around Your Creative Work Time When I started writing in 2012, my kids had naptime – an hour, maybe two in the afternoon if I was lucky. To get any writing done, I learned to shut down all distractions – email, social media, etc. and concentrate solely on getting words on the page. I prioritized whatever magazine article or book I was actively writing, not watching craft webinars or writing blog posts or anything else that could be done with partial attention at other times. In the intervening years, I have become a full-time freelancer and writer, who could write whenever she wanted. But in early 2020, I quickly realized, if I was going to get anything done, it had to be before the rest of the family woke up. I was going to have to pretend like it was naptime and focus relentlessly. Your creative work block doesn’t have to be first thing in the morning. But, it’s critical to identify your peak creative hours and treat them as non-negotiable. During these protected periods, eliminate digital distractions entirely as best you can. Yes, if you have children or aging parents, you may have to respond to texts or urgent phone calls. But, if you can, silence your notifications. Close out your email. Resist the news, TikTok, and Instagram. Consider using social media blocking tools like Freedom or Forest or removing social media apps from your phone to remove temptation during work sessions. The key is recognizing that our devices are designed to capture and fragment our attention. Even a quick check of messages can derail creative momentum for twenty minutes or more. You can read more about this in Deep Work (Grand Central Publishing, 2016) by Cal Newport. By creating technology-free zones around your most important work, you’re not just protecting time, you're protecting the “deep work” necessary to write.  Harness the Power of Accountability Partners I have had an accountability partner, fellow KidLit author Marcie Colleen, for about eight years. She’s my secret weapon. During COVID-19, our accountability relationship became even more important for getting the work done. Every morning, which is when we schedule our creative work, Marcie and I text each other at 5:30 a.m. to check in. In that text, we each set a goal for our work time, which runs from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. It could be a chapter in a novel, 1,000 words, a comic outline, or revising a picture book draft. We aim to be as specific and measurable with our goals as we can. And then, at 7 a.m. we check on progress toward the goal. Knowing I will report to Marcie keeps me focused and on task instead of checking email or scrolling the news. There are different ways to structure these partnerships. Some accountability partners have write-ins, either in person or over Zoom, which forces members to be “butt in chair” and just write. Others trade email goals and check ins or do it via social media (though be careful with the latter, so you don’t end up distracted). And, of course, your creative work time should be whatever works best for you and your partner. Look for accountability partners within your existing writing communities like classes, critique groups, or online communities. Marcie and I met through the 12x12 Picture Book Writing community and became critique partners before we became accountability partners.  The Daily “To Do”: Make Invisible Work Visible I’m a big “to do” list person. My daily calendar and “to do” list have always contained a mix of both work and family “to dos,” including scheduling kids’ doctors’ appointments, carpool runs, or grocery shopping. I am a big advocate for putting both household and personal tasks on your list. This might seem obvious, but many creative people fail to account for the time and energy these responsibilities require. Childcare, exercise, oil changes, and fixing the leaky sink aren’t just things that happen in the background, they’re real time commitments that limit our availability for other work. By making this invisible work visible on my to-do list, I can plan my creative time more realistically. I also get a motivational boost from checking off these essential tasks, rather than feeling like they’re just draining time from my “real” work. Tackling To-Do Lists I keep both monthly and daily to-do lists in my writer’s notebook. The monthly master list serves as a brain dump. It includes my creative project(s) at the top, other work tasks that must be completed that month (critiques, newsletters, teaching, etc.) but also any major household tasks and items I need to help my kids manage (like college applications). The list takes up two pages in my notebook. It’s huge. However, if I looked at it every day, I would be paralyzed. Instead, each day, I select about three work “have to dos” (the top priority being my primary creative project) and three home “have to dos” (one of which is exercise). Then I can add up to three “nice to dos” total from my work and home lists. I’m careful not to overload any single day. If I put more than about five things down for work on any one day, I start to feel stressed, mostly because I worry I can’t get it all done. This approach for including both work and home tasks and limiting them comes from Catherine Price’s wisdom in The Power of Fun (Dial Press, 2021). Embrace Flexibility Within Structure The final lesson from writing through crisis is the importance of flexibility. Sometimes life gets complicated. Kids get sick (or we get sick) and need to regroup. We move. A pipe bursts. That’s ok. We have to “nurture our inner artist” as Julia Cameron says in The Artist’s Way (Tarcher, 2016). That may mean stepping back sometimes to fill ourselves up, but always trying to stay in touch with our work, even if it’s just 15 minutes of journaling or brainstorming ideas for your novel.  The Long View Writing This Is How You Know during the pandemic reminded me that sometimes our most meaningful work emerges during difficult periods. Protecting your creative time, using an accountability partner, and crafting realistic “to do” lists can help. I hope these small steps will help you get your words on the page too.  Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA, but now writes books for curious kids. She is the acclaimed author of over 30 nonfiction books for young readers, including The Fire of Stars (Chronicle Books, 2023), an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor book, as well as the craft book Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A step-by-step revision guide (Both/And, 2023), praised as “a must-have for every nonfiction picture book writer’s bookshelf.” You can also find her hosting the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations podcast, which takes a deep dive into the craft and business of children’s nonfiction.
Connect on Instagram: @kirstenwlarson Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirstenwlarson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirstenLarsonWrites Web: Kirstenwlarson.com  Dear Fellow-writer in the Query Trenches or on Submission, Hi there. I recognize you by your thin smile and guarded eyes when non-writers ask how your writing is going and tell you that they know someone who had just (self-)published a book. Also, by your impressive thick skin and your duck-like quality of letting rejections run off your back like, well, water. Also, and mostly this: I recognize you by your Gatsby-esque extraordinary gift for hope and the bravery by which you wear your heart on your sleeve. And I want to write you a little note of encouragement, because this brave thing that you are doing, putting your heart out there time and time again, just to hear “it is not for me”, or “I didn’t connect to your work the way I would have liked to,” or the deafening silence of no response – this brave thing is really, really hard. Oh, you pretend that it is not. You make light of it by playing rejection bingo, or comparing fastest rejection times, or celebrating “champagne” rejections. You tell yourself it is the industry and publishing is just really tough right now, and that might be true, but honestly, it was just as tough last year, or five years ago. The truth is, it gets tiring carrying so many nos. It is challenging to keep believing in your stories and the quality of your work. I see you. I feel you. I am you. And so, I just want to say that it is okay to feel the heaviness of this process. Every rejection is someone saying no to your dream. That hurts. But that does not mean your dream is worthless or unattainable. So, wallow for a bit. Acknowledge the sting, but then take action:
And remember, fellow-writer. Your dreams, your words, your stories, YOU are worthy, Write bravely, Amanda  by Kelly Carey I have let dozens of distractions knock me off my writing goals the past few months. Some have been fully necessary while others have been suspiciously less worthy. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same. I’m woefully off track. Like a lawn mower left too long in a garden shed, I feel like I need someone or something to knock the rust off, fill me with motivating motor oil, and push me out into the yard so I can whip, whip, whip my creative blades. Good news! It’s June! And June Year’s Eve is my favorite goal blasting holiday! You and I are only halfway through 2025 and that means we have six months to earn our carrots and put happy check marks next to the goals we set back in January. Get those goals out. They might look like an overgrown knee deep lawn that should have been better tended, but don't worry! Rev up a weedwhacker attitude and review your completed tasks. Then use June Year's Eve to map out a winning strategy for success. Think of the warm feeling a solid 24 Carrot Writing year would bring and let that motivate you! Need a little more motivation? Try these:
 ~ by Annie Cronin Romano I have been an associate agent for nearly four years and have participated in quite a few virtual conferences and pitch sessions. Last month, I had the privilege of attending my first in-person conference (as an agent) at a writing conference in Boston. It was wonderful to finally meet writers face-to-face, chat with agenting peers, and feel that creative energy buzzing in the air. Such a positive atmosphere! So imagine my concern when a volunteer who was working the pitch check-in desk shared with me, “You know, nearly everyone waiting out there is terrified. I keep telling them how nice you all are, and to just breathe, but they are so nervous. They seem to feel this is their best shot to get an agent, I think.” Now, this should not have been news to me. As a writer myself, I have done a few agent/editor pitch sessions in which I shared my pitch or read my opening pages. But it’s been a few years since I’ve been on the writer’s side of the table. My memory is clearly failing me. What could I do to put these lovely writers at ease? How could I let them know that a pitch session is not something to be anxious about, but rather is an opportunity to connect with industry folks and gain perspective on how you're presenting your work? So I decided to put together a list of advice for writers thinking of signing up for an agent pitch session to help ease those to-be-expected and understandable nerves. Pitch Session Preparation Tips:
I hope these tips will help writers feel a bit less anxious as they wait outside their next agent pitch session. Butterflies are perfectly normal, but remember, agents are looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your work. Your manuscript could be their next treasured project! And you may not land an agent that day, but you can learn how to better pitch your book to increase your manuscript’s chance of standing out in future submissions. So… breathe, smile, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this! Annie Romano is one of the founders of 24 Carrot Writing, as well as a kidlit and adult fiction writer and an associate agent at Olswanger Literary, where she represents adult fiction. To learn more about her, visit her website at www.anniecroninromano.com.
 ~ by Amanda Smith Before leaving on a revision retreat in the summer, I left my two boys with detailed instructions on cleaning their closets. One of the check boxes stated: Are you ready to get rid of some of the soft toys in your closet? If so, put them in my room. No, I am not being unreasonable. Both my boys are on the other side of 16. It’s time. Throughout the years, I'd broached the snuggie-subject, only to be brushed off with a “not right now,” but this time, three days into my trip, my husband sent a picture of two containers, lovingly covered with spread bandanas, like colorful funeral shrouds.  Sometimes revision is exactly like getting rid of loveys. Friendly, fluffy, comforting words that are just hanging out in the closet of your manuscript – really not bothering anyone. But these words are taking up space, making it hard to maneuver, or to add anything more useful. Here are a few strategies for letting go: The “not right now” mentality: Sometimes we save revisions for later, because at the moment it seems too hard to cut, or we don't know what to do in the space that is left. The cure: It is easier to make big cuts on paper. Print out your manuscript so that you can cross out sections without actually deleting anything yet. As you cross out, make notes in the margins or on sticky notes of all your ideas to fix, connect, or fill those spaces. The benefit: You get a big picture overview, and nothing has been irreversibly altered, but you've made room for new ideas. Cutting ruthlessly: Sometimes words and scenes that were necessary to make your story grow, are no longer needed. They belonged to your draft’s childhood and might actually get in the way of your manuscript launching. Ruthless revising asks, Marie Kondo-style, "Is this still useful? Do I still love it?" You may combine this with the "not right now" strategy by doing it on paper, but commit that when you have crossed it out on paper, it must be deleted from the manuscript. No backsies. The cure: Ruthless cutting, especially of backstory and info dumping that you initially needed to get to the heart of the story, leaves more space for the all-important story. The benefit: A mature manuscript. Sad goodbyes: At some point you will have to actually delete from the actual manuscript. This is sad and painful, because as writers we take care to write well, to weigh words, and to measure sentences, and we take pleasure in the result of our labor. Sometimes when we have to purge, we might need to put those words in another room under a colorful bandana just until we're sure. The cure: For each project, keep a darlings folder. When you cut something from a manuscript, paste it into a document in your darlings folder. That way you can still honor the words. You can tell them, “You are beautifully written and precious, but you are pre-writing and not needed here. Your job was to get me where I needed to go. You did that well. Thank you.” The benefit: Well, just in case, and because letting go is hard.  After my older child went back to college this fall, I slid open his closet to put away some linens. On the shelf, at eye level, sat Shamu, the beloved orca that resided in his bed since he was two until well into his middle school years. Next to Shamu sat Baby Tiger, the white tiger hand-puppet whose cuteness always resulted in belly laughs which morphed into a sweet gentleness in this boy and ended in a hug-fest. Every time. On the top shelf were a few other carefully selected fuzzy friends, including the puppy his preschool teacher gave him the day his baby brother was born. I nodded with approval and relief. Because sometimes we should also unapologetically hold on to the good stuff.
How do you know if it's good stuff? Ask how it contributes to your story. Does it lead to belly laughs or hug-fests like Baby Tiger? Does it reveal something about the character? Hold onto it! Ask whether the scene helps your character on his journey. Does it mark a big life moment for your character, like Puppy? Some words carry deep emotional value, even if they don't necessarily move the plot forward. Whether they are precious memories that promise safety and comfort like Shamu, or whether they bring the character's heartache or suffering to life, curate some space for a few of these emotionally laden scenes. Because as much as we have to eventually clean out the carnival prizes and scruffy beanie babies of our manuscript, some friends (and words) are keepers.  ~Guest blog by Michele Regenold Opportunities abound for your professional growth as a kidlit writer! Conferences, workshops, classes, retreats—in-person and online. Plus books, podcasts, newsletters, and websites, including this one. But there is another option: You can work one-on-one with a book coach. What does a book coach do? A book coach is a smart, experienced editor who provides feedback on your writing. This includes specific suggestions for helping you accomplish your writing goals as well as ongoing encouragement and support as you work toward achieving those goals. Most book coaches provide both written feedback and oral feedback. For each submission a client sends me, for example, I return to them a short editorial letter with my big picture feedback along with their manuscript to which I’ve added my questions and comments. Then we have a call via Zoom to discuss any questions and reactions to the feedback and plan their next submission. Book coaching relationships can last from a few weeks to a year or more, depending on the writer’s needs and goals, and the book coach’s approach. Why would you want to hire a book coach? Two core elements that a book coach brings to the work are accountability and feedback. Your book coach wants to help you craft the best story you can and accomplish your writing goals. Some writers want more guidance early in the process and they seek help with the story premise, the characters, the plot, and the first draft. On the other hand, sometimes writers with a completed draft are too close to the story to see it clearly and a book coach can guide them out of their story wilderness. When to hire a book coach? You’ll get the most benefit from working with a book coach when:
 What to look for in a book coach? Their specialty Much like literary agents and book editors, book coaches tend to specialize in terms of age group and genre. A book coach for adult mysteries and thrillers wouldn’t take on a writer of picture books, and probably not a writer of middle grade mysteries either, but maybe a writer of young adult mysteries. For instance, I focus on helping writers of middle grade and young adult novels. In terms of genre, I’ve worked with clients writing MG historical, MG contemporary, MG science fiction, YA fantasy, and YA science fiction. I’d balk at novels in verse, however, since I rarely read them. Consider what you need the most help with—is it the tropes of your genre or is it targeting the age group of your audience? The experience level of writers they help Consider your level of experience as a writer and your understanding of how fiction works. If novel writing is new to you, then seek a book coach who works best with newer writers. They’ll help you learn basic craft elements like the fundamentals of a scene and a character arc. Likewise, if you’ve already written a novel or two, a book coach who works with experienced writers may be a better fit. The stage of the writing process Also consider how much of your story has been written—a few pages, a partial draft, a complete draft. Some book coaches prefer to work on revision of an existing draft while others prefer to help you plan and execute a first draft. The book coach’s credentials There is no official licensing for book coaches. However, there is a company called Author Accelerator that provides an extensive certification course for people who’d like to become book coaches. They maintain a searchable list of Author Accelerator-certified book coaches. Other credentials include advanced degrees, professional writing and editing work and references from clients. Most book coaches offer a free “discovery” or “intake” call after reviewing your submission packet, which is an opportunity for you to assess whether you are a good match. If you want to write, but don’t know where to start, or if you are stuck in your work-in-progress and need a different perspective, consider hiring a book coach to help you realize your book-dreams!  Bio:
Michele Regenold is an Author Accelerator-certified book coach specializing in MG and YA fiction. She helps writers with big ambitions realize their goals through 1:1 coaching. Michele is a writer herself, mainly of middle grade fiction that often includes an animal character’s point of view. She’s represented by Mary Cummings with Great River Literary. Contact Michele on her website, check out her blog, and discover more about her tool for interviewing characters.  by Kelly Carey I am struggling to set my 2025 goals. Yup. Ten years of 24 Carrot Writing, an entire philosophy centered on finding publishing success by setting goals, and I’m stymied. It’s embarrassing. I’ve written dozens of blog posts on goal setting. Championed the benefits. Encouraged, preached, and even nagged all of you to set goals. But here I am. More than halfway through January, and I can’t figure out my 2025 goals. My primary objective is to get another book deal. But I’ve been gripping that macro goal so hard for so long that my hands are cramping and I’m crushing my dream. My first book deal came six years ago. The book launched four years ago, and two years ago I landed a wonderful, hardworking agent. I had momentum. I ran on a mental treadmill faster and faster with the slope getting higher and higher, fully convinced that any less effort would be a massive squandering of all this buzz. I was determined not to fitter this time away. But here is what happened. The longer I went without a book deal, the more manic I became. Do you know what you can’t do when you are manic? Write in a wonderful place of creative bliss. Enjoy the process. Be happy. Flow.  During a guided meditation last week, the instructor said you cannot catch a feather with anything other than an open palm. Letting a feather float into an outstretched hand, or a snowflake land on a waiting tongue, is exactly the creative magic I want in my writing. To make it happen, I need to unclench my fists and be ready to receive the inspiration and opportunities the universe is offering. But how do I do that and still set measurable goals? There must be a balance between manic goal setting and floating on the current of “whatever dude.” But what is it? A family member suggested I check out Planned Happenstance. Planned Happenstance is a theory developed by John Krumboltz that suggests folks don’t need a planned conventional career path but rather can succeed by paying attention to and taking advantage of unplanned and serendipitous events. Krumboltz’s theory says that you shouldn’t become so rigidly committed to your plans, or in my case goals, that you miss the chance to explore new opportunities. Even more, Planned Happenstance encourages people to be open to new ideas that spark their interest, bring them joy, and coincide with their skill set. Planned Happenstance is about flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to persist through obstacles with a positive attitude focused on growth and learning. Pursing a creative career seems custom made for applying the theory of Planned Happenstance. The whole idea of being an author is to be open to the inspiration of your muse. To be untethered and inspired and inventive. Through the lens of Planned Happenstance, setting goals makes sense. I can’t control when the next book deal is going to come, but I can embrace the joy of writing. I can develop the story ideas and revise the rough drafts that make me smile. I can actively look for and pursue new opportunities to contribute to the KidLit industry. I can connect with my writing community, learn, and increase my skill set. When the book deal comes, I will be ready to take full advantage of catching that beautiful floating feather as it lands in my open palm. I’m off to set my 2025 goals with excited curiosity for what happenstance is going to send my way. I hope you are too. To learn more about Planned Happenstance, check out these articles:
https://marcr.net/marcr-for-career-professionals/career-theory/career-theories-and-theorists/planned-happenstance-theory-krumboltz-levin/ https://london.sunderland.ac.uk/about/news-home/careers-development/planned-happenstance/ https://www.careers.govt.nz/resources/career-practice/career-theory-models/krumboltzs-theory/  Guest blog by Emma Dhesi Writing a book can feel like an exhilarating adventure—until self-doubt, writer’s block, and the sheer complexity of the process set in. For beginner fiction writers, these challenges can feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset and tools, you can conquer them and achieve your writing dreams. As a bestselling author and certified book coach, I’ve learned that success in writing is as much about managing your mindset as it is about mastering the craft. To help new writers navigate this journey, I’ve developed a framework built around four essential pillars: Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun. These pillars are the foundation of a resilient author mindset, helping you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and rediscover the joy of writing. Let’s dive into each pillar and explore how it can transform your writing journey.  Awareness: Understanding Your Landscape Every journey begins with awareness—and your writing journey is no different. Awareness means taking stock of where you are right now in your writing life. Are you just starting out? Have you been dabbling for years but never finished a project? Or perhaps you’ve finished drafts but feel stuck revising? For many authors, the excitement of starting their first book can quickly give way to the realization that writing is harder than it seems. But awareness of your starting point is empowering. It allows you to set realistic goals and embrace the learning process. As a beginner, it’s important to acknowledge that writing is a skill that develops over time. When you understand that you’re at the start of a long but rewarding journey, you can focus on building your skills step by step. This awareness helps you avoid unrealistic expectations and keeps you grounded as you move forward. Acceptance: Embracing Your Current State Once you’ve gained awareness of where you are, the next step is acceptance. This is about making peace with your current level of skill and experience. It’s easy to compare yourself to seasoned authors or feel frustrated by your progress, but acceptance frees you from these negative emotions. Acceptance doesn’t mean settling for less or giving up on your goals. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that growth takes time and that every writer’s journey is unique. By embracing your current state, you create space for improvement without unnecessary pressure. In the author community, it’s common to see writers at all stages of their careers. Some are publishing multiple books a year, while others are still struggling with their first draft. The key is to focus on your own progress and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be right now. Growth: Embracing the Challenge The third pillar, growth, is where the magic happens—but it’s also where the hard work begins. Growth requires you to push through the challenges of writing, whether it’s overcoming procrastination, battling imposter syndrome, or simply finding the discipline to write consistently. Writing a book is like solving a complex puzzle. There’s the initial burst of excitement when you start, but eventually, you’ll hit the “messy middle” of the process. This is where doubts creep in, plot holes appear, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. Growth happens when you persevere through these moments. It’s important to remember that growth is not linear. Some days, you’ll make great strides, while others may feel like a step backward. But every challenge you face—whether it’s revising a tricky scene or learning to take constructive feedback—helps you become a stronger writer. Allow yourself the space to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. Growth is not about perfection; it’s about progress.  Fun: Reconnecting with Joy The final pillar is fun—perhaps the most overlooked yet most critical part of the writing process. Writing should bring you joy. After all, isn’t that why you started in the first place? It’s easy to lose sight of the joy when you’re bogged down by deadlines, self-imposed pressure, or the desire to create a “perfect” book. But reconnecting with the fun of writing can reignite your creativity and keep you motivated for the long haul. Think back to the moment you decided to write your book. Was it a story idea that excited you? A character that wouldn’t leave your mind? Revisit those sparks of inspiration whenever you feel stuck. Fun doesn’t just come from the act of writing—it can also come from celebrating your milestones, connecting with fellow writers, or exploring new genres and styles. When you focus on enjoying the journey, writing becomes less of a chore and more of a creative adventure. Conclusion: Building Your Author Success The four pillars--Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun—provide a strong foundation for your writing journey. They help you navigate the ups and downs, stay focused on your goals, and remember why you started writing in the first place. Becoming a successful author isn’t just about finishing a book; it’s about who you become in the process. Writing challenges you to grow, to think deeply, and to persevere. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dream of becoming a published author. Take Action: Your 21 Days of Writing Inspiration If you’re ready to put these four pillars into action, I have the perfect resource to help you get started. My 21 Days of Writing Inspiration video series is designed to give you the daily motivation, expert guidance, and support you need to build momentum and finish your book. This free program includes: Daily Motivation: Short, actionable videos sent straight to your inbox to help you develop a consistent writing habit. Expert Guidance: Proven strategies to overcome writer’s block and stay focused. Support and Encouragement: Because writing a book is easier when you don’t feel alone. These tips helped me write the first draft of my debut novel, stay on track during revisions, and finally finish my book—and they can do the same for you. Sign up for your free 21 Days of Writing Inspiration here. Remember, every great author started right where you are now. Embrace the journey, nurture these four pillars, and watch your author success unfold. You’ve got this!
|
Peruse blogs for advice and tips from KidLit creatives.
Categories
All
Archives
September 2025
Click to set custom HTML
Click on the RSS Feed button above to receive notifications of new posts on this blog.
|
RSS Feed