Thank you, Debbie! You made me blush!

Hey, kidlit community. This is just a quick note to say thanks. I know it's pretty tough out there right now. Things cycle in and out. It will get sunnier soon. But I'm awfully glad to be in the jumble with you.Hey, kidlit community. This is just a quick note to say thanks. I know it's pretty tough out there right now. Things cycle in and out. It will get sunnier soon. But I'm awfully glad to be in the jumble with you.

When I start doubting myself, it's such a boost knowing I'm part of this marvelous kidlit community. I was reminded of this today. So take this as my reminder to you. You're doing great. There is no timeline. You have so many people just glad to share this space with you.When I start doubting myself, it's such a boost knowing I'm part of this marvelous kidlit community. I was reminded of this today. So take this as my reminder to you. You're doing great. There is no timeline. You have so many people just glad to share this space with you.

Do not give up. Do not lose hope. Show up. Take a moment to look back at how far you've already come. Keep at it. Celebrate the small victories. And someday (soon, I believe it) you'll celebrate the big win, too.Do not give up. Do not lose hope. Show up. Take a moment to look back at how far you've already come. Keep at it. Celebrate the small victories. And someday (soon, I believe it) you'll celebrate the big win, too.

I promise, even if others are making headway, they weren't always, and they'll find themselves struggling again. And you will break through and make progress, even if each step is hard-won.I promise, even if others are making headway, they weren't always, and they'll find themselves struggling again. And you will break through and make progress, even if each step is hard-won.

It's so easy to be run down by feeling like everything is either fighting against an impenetrable wall or a step (or several steps) back. It may feel like everyone else is surging ahead, and you're just stuck.It's so easy to be run down by feeling like everything is either fighting against an impenetrable wall or a step (or several steps) back. It may feel like everyone else is surging ahead, and you're just stuck.

The final point I made in this past weekend's @scbwi presentation, and one I think I make in a lot of presentations, tbh, is this: You have no idea how close you are to achieving your goal, but if you give up now, you'll never get there. Keep goingThe final point I made in this past weekend's @scbwi presentation, and one I think I make in a lot of presentations, tbh, is this: You have no idea how close you are to achieving your goal, but if you give up now, you'll never get there. Keep going

So bummed I missed this topic, but I'm talking about How to Keep it Together When It Feels Like Your Publishing Career is Falling Apart at the SCBWI National Conference on Friday, and we're going to tackle all of these topics, so please come!So bummed I missed this topic, but I'm talking about How to Keep it Together When It Feels Like Your Publishing Career is Falling Apart at the SCBWI National Conference on Friday, and we're going to tackle all of these topics, so please come!

Come find me! I'm taking bookings into September/October.Come find me! I'm taking bookings into September/October.

Ready or not, here comes #kidlitchat! Tonight (Tuesday, July 30), at 9 pm Eastern. See you there!