Weekly Note: Love What You Do

Plus imposter syndrome, Valentine's, and finding joy

Happy Valentine’s Day! I spent a few hours in my youngest daughter’s classroom today for her class party. I read a book (Nancy Churnin’s Valentine’s For All), and then ran some crafts including decorating bags, making hearts, and covering their teacher’s door with messages about the things they love about her. This my last year as a room parent, I can’t believe I’ll have two middle schoolers in August.

My Valentine’s flowers

Also this week I’ve been head down working on my middle grade nonfiction. I can’t wait to tell you about it. But in the meantime I’ll tell you that my search history is ridiculous and somebody somewhere might be wondering what on earth I’m up to.

As I write this book I’ve been thinking about imposter syndrome. I sold it on proposal with just a chapter and an outline so now I have to live up to what I promised and it’s scary! I have definitely been having some doubts that I can do it. I think it’s probably natural and everyone feels like this sometimes. Tell me you do, too?

I know I can do it, I just need to push past the discomfort that is typical in this stage of a project.

I also picked up this book at the library this week and I’m hoping it will help me remember why I write and find joy in the process (see more on joy below!)

I’ve already the introduction so far and I’m already feeling hopeful.

How was your week? Tell me about your highlights (or lows).

p.s. some of the links are bookshop.org affiliate links so I might earn a small commission if you buy from them, but as always I encourage you to visit your local independent bookstore instead. This month I’ll be donating any affiliate earnings to the LA wildfire relief.

• On Kidlit Survival Guide this week Vicky and I talked about the things that bring us joy.

• Best research practices for nonfiction kidlit writers (very timely for me!).

• This blueprint from

  Adam Ming
  is aimed at illustrators but I think much of it applies to writers too.
  

• A reader recommended The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers to me last week. I got it from Libby and loved it! Thanks for the recommendation, Jamie!

• I also finished reading the Newbery Honor winning The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy. Oh wow, it was so good. I can see why it caught the attention of the award committee. Highly recommend it to my fellow middle grade fans.

• I took my daughter to see Dav Pilkey on stage with 2,500 other people this week. His stories of childhood and his struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and more were so resonant to many in the audience. And the kids went wild when he drew all of their favorite characters.

  

  
  

That’s all for this week!

With love,
Christine xo

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