Exquisite Anticipation

Since I was a child, I get super excited and nearly cross-eyed with Christmas anticipation. 

Holiday writing, editing, winter themes and beauty (I love snow) now combine to add to my professional glee.

There is a magical sparkle in the air that seems to coat nearly everyone and everything to some extent. Granted a few Scrooges still persist, but thankfully they are few in my daily sphere.

It seems anticipation and hope are key to our human existence and especially a reflection of childlike optimism. Will I get the puzzle I want? Wagon? Pony? Gifts are a delicious mystery and can potentially contain anything before they are opened. Well, maybe not a large pony.

Next time you are looking for a new book project, think about the anticipation prior to the holidays or getting a new tooth or waiting for the cat to have kittens. Children's writers, unlike other genre writers (e.g. science fiction), have actually experienced (and been) the very audience they serve. Enjoy the fun and fingers crossed for the pony! -Q

Big Dog, Little Dog

With the publishing world in a major state of flux, have you ever wondered whether you make a difference? When you see the rankings of well known authors in the high thousands, do you cringe and wonder if there is any hope for the average dedicated children's writer? 

I used to think that way until I figured out that I need to create children's stories based on who I am and not follow trends (although I've never wanted to write about vampires or a zombie apocalypse). I'm not a big dog (yet), but I'm not a tiny dog either. I'm just a writer focusing on being #1 to the reader who buys my books. (Readers are #1 to me.) 
What do you think?
-Q