I am so thrilled to have come across this post. Thank you for being a children’s author who occasionally drops the f-bomb. Seriously refreshing. 😁
Like you, I was told by an English teacher (and even a psychology teacher) that I should take up a career in writing. Others had specifically said that I should write children’s books. So, obviously, I went to work in the operating room instead, so that I could get yelled at by surgeons. I mean, what greater joy is there? 🙄 I did that for 12 years and then told myself to fuck off. So I quit the job to pursue writing and making art. That was 10 months ago. It has been a roller coaster of a journey, but I’m just now settling into the idea of writing and illustrating books for adults and books for children. Aside from what others have said, it makes perfect sense for me to give it a go. The only books I enjoy reading from cover to cover are children’s books…
All that to say THANK YOU for sharing your story on how you discovered what to do with your life. It really resonated with me and made me laugh. Sorry I rambled! 🧡
I so appreciate your response, Melissa! I'm really glad my post resonated with and entertained you. Thank YOU for reading it, and taking the time to reply.
As for the f-bombs, well - I think it's unlikely I'll ever get any into my picture books and past the gatekeepers, so here seems the next best place 😂 Plus, I'm fairly confident there won't be many kids reading my writing on here!
You sound passionate about your career change, and writing and illustrating, and true, burning passion can take one a long way, I think. I hope that telling yourself to fuck off - and then actually f-ing off - will prove, down the line, to be EXACTLY what you needed. It's a tough gig, often - but in the good moments, those times when you LOVE the idea that just popped into your mind, or the way it's shaping up as you write, it's the best job, and doesn't feel like work.
I wish you all the best with your new journey, and feel free to ask if there's anything I can help with - I'd be happy to!
That’s fair for the f-bombs. 😆 I’ll continue to appreciate them here on Substack!
Fucking off was honestly the best thing for me. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the type of art that I really want to create. The time away from my life-sucking job allowed me to focus on my art like never before. Soon, I will be returning to that job because…well…shit’s getting tough. But! I won’t be giving up on my dreams. Every spare minute will be spent on tending to my craft and hoping to escape the day-job once and for all. I know in my heart that I’m meant to write and illustrate books so I will continue to strive for that, always.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s very generous of you to offer your expertise. I will surely be in touch. ☺️
Literally every year, on multiple occasions, I weigh up whether I’m in denial or burying my head in the sand about the reality of trying to earn a proper living from this career - this year, especially, as I’m a parent now. It’s the lack of control over ‘success’ and progression, as well as the financial uncertainty, month-to-month, that’s so tough, I think - so I completely empathise, and understand the need to return to a previous career. But it’s great that you’ve learned so much from the decision you made, and you’ve renewed hunger for realising your dreams. I have a feeling you’ll escape the day job once-and-for-all sooner rather than later 💪🏻
You’re very welcome! It’s my pleasure. Thank you again for reading and responding 😊
Thank you for sharing this! I had a similar experience with teaching (though it took me 6 years to realise it) where I ended up throwing up every time I was meant to go into work… sometimes our bodies tell us things we don’t know. I am now trying to find my way but using art rather than words. Glad to see it all worked out so well for you!
Thank YOU for reading it, and your comment, and subscribing. I do appreciate it. I’m sorry to hear you ending up feeling that way, and I take my hat off to you for lasting 6 years in teaching! As you say, you just know sometimes that it’s not the right path - or your body makes sure that you know, eventually. I hope you’re in a happier place now, and feeling excited/fulfilled by your creative endeavours. Best of luck! 😊
I am so thrilled to have come across this post. Thank you for being a children’s author who occasionally drops the f-bomb. Seriously refreshing. 😁
Like you, I was told by an English teacher (and even a psychology teacher) that I should take up a career in writing. Others had specifically said that I should write children’s books. So, obviously, I went to work in the operating room instead, so that I could get yelled at by surgeons. I mean, what greater joy is there? 🙄 I did that for 12 years and then told myself to fuck off. So I quit the job to pursue writing and making art. That was 10 months ago. It has been a roller coaster of a journey, but I’m just now settling into the idea of writing and illustrating books for adults and books for children. Aside from what others have said, it makes perfect sense for me to give it a go. The only books I enjoy reading from cover to cover are children’s books…
All that to say THANK YOU for sharing your story on how you discovered what to do with your life. It really resonated with me and made me laugh. Sorry I rambled! 🧡
I so appreciate your response, Melissa! I'm really glad my post resonated with and entertained you. Thank YOU for reading it, and taking the time to reply.
As for the f-bombs, well - I think it's unlikely I'll ever get any into my picture books and past the gatekeepers, so here seems the next best place 😂 Plus, I'm fairly confident there won't be many kids reading my writing on here!
You sound passionate about your career change, and writing and illustrating, and true, burning passion can take one a long way, I think. I hope that telling yourself to fuck off - and then actually f-ing off - will prove, down the line, to be EXACTLY what you needed. It's a tough gig, often - but in the good moments, those times when you LOVE the idea that just popped into your mind, or the way it's shaping up as you write, it's the best job, and doesn't feel like work.
I wish you all the best with your new journey, and feel free to ask if there's anything I can help with - I'd be happy to!
That’s fair for the f-bombs. 😆 I’ll continue to appreciate them here on Substack!
Fucking off was honestly the best thing for me. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the type of art that I really want to create. The time away from my life-sucking job allowed me to focus on my art like never before. Soon, I will be returning to that job because…well…shit’s getting tough. But! I won’t be giving up on my dreams. Every spare minute will be spent on tending to my craft and hoping to escape the day-job once and for all. I know in my heart that I’m meant to write and illustrate books so I will continue to strive for that, always.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s very generous of you to offer your expertise. I will surely be in touch. ☺️
Literally every year, on multiple occasions, I weigh up whether I’m in denial or burying my head in the sand about the reality of trying to earn a proper living from this career - this year, especially, as I’m a parent now. It’s the lack of control over ‘success’ and progression, as well as the financial uncertainty, month-to-month, that’s so tough, I think - so I completely empathise, and understand the need to return to a previous career. But it’s great that you’ve learned so much from the decision you made, and you’ve renewed hunger for realising your dreams. I have a feeling you’ll escape the day job once-and-for-all sooner rather than later 💪🏻
You’re very welcome! It’s my pleasure. Thank you again for reading and responding 😊
Thank you for sharing this! I had a similar experience with teaching (though it took me 6 years to realise it) where I ended up throwing up every time I was meant to go into work… sometimes our bodies tell us things we don’t know. I am now trying to find my way but using art rather than words. Glad to see it all worked out so well for you!
Thank YOU for reading it, and your comment, and subscribing. I do appreciate it. I’m sorry to hear you ending up feeling that way, and I take my hat off to you for lasting 6 years in teaching! As you say, you just know sometimes that it’s not the right path - or your body makes sure that you know, eventually. I hope you’re in a happier place now, and feeling excited/fulfilled by your creative endeavours. Best of luck! 😊
Loved this Simon :) can’t wait to see more insights into the world of publishing and being a children’s book author
Thanks so much Victoria! I appreciate your feedback. Plenty more insights to come 😊