by Casey Girard
My journey to conceiving my own picture book ideas began when I graduated college as an illustrator. I had my portfolio; I was all ready to go find an author in need. When I got to my first conference I was immediately asked, do you write? I was at a loss. I knew I loved illustrating stories but I figured my job was to illustrate other people’s ideas. Seven years later, many more conferences attended, hundreds of children’s books read, numerous illustrations finished, and much time spent being involved in children’s publishing, I have found the stories I want to write.
At the beginning of creating my own stories, I was overwhelmed. My biggest hurdle was observing the plethora of picture books already out there and then realizing that there was room for mine. I started with thinking about how many books I wanted to read. Most people have to-read lists that will never be finished and that’s how they want it. So, add in that there are an infinite number of stories to be told because life changes constantly and revelations about the world are made every minute, new stories are born every single day with readers waiting to read them.
Getting past fears and doubts let me free to accept and explore my ideas. If you are excited by something, don’t be afraid and don’t doubt your ability to make it into a good picture book. Your voice is unique and you will tell your story in a way that connects with someone else. You can never give up on it and you can never give up on yourself. Don’t let fear hold you back. Work on your craft, give the idea you can’t help but write all the love and time it needs to grow into a publishable book, and you will succeed.
Don’t be afraid:
- To accept your idea
- To start
- To change
- To challenge yourself
- To tackle the story that you love no matter how crazy you think it will seem to others
- To ask for help
- That your idea isn’t worth it
If you love your idea and believe in it as a picture book others will, too.
Casey Girard is a freelance illustrator/designer. She has worked with two authors, illustrating their self-published books, NATTY & RINGO and I LOVE YOU EVERY SECOND. She recently became the Illustrator Coordinator for the New England SCBWI. She recently co-founded the blog Picture This, a site all things picture book art, links, quotes, videos, articles, news, events and more. Stop by for some inspiration. To see more of her work visit her blog – caseyg.com, where she runs two weekly themed posts: Matt’s Choice and Wednesday Animal. You can also find her on Twitter, @CaseyGirard.
Casey is giving away three letters of your choice from her illustrated alphabet. Only the X isn’t available. Leave a comment to enter and a winner will be randomly selected one week from today.
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
90 comments
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November 21, 2011 at 12:29 am
Lorraine
Casey, so true that we have to put aside our own fears to really put those words down and experiment. I love that once I start to do this, I’m surprised by what comes and develops. Thanks for sharing.
November 21, 2011 at 12:35 am
Sandi Hershenson
I like that you say that if you love your idea and believe in it as a picture book then others will too. Sometimes I think that maybe I am the only one who will find my story interesting or funny. . . hopefully there is someone else out there too!
November 21, 2011 at 12:37 am
Marcy P.
Soo, so good. Thank you! I particularly love your last line, “If you love your idea and believe in it as a picture book others will, too.” I need to hear that! I also love being reminded that the same hindrances I have are shared… not that I wish those on anyone else… but just knowing that others deal with the same baggage and fears. Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 3:44 am
Charlotte
It sometimes takes a lot of courage to believe in something that is so personal. . .but you’re right! We gotta go for it :). Fingers crossed on winning those letters. .i love the concept and execution!
November 21, 2011 at 4:58 am
Mona Pease
Thank you-
From time to time we should all be reminded,
“Don’t Be Afraid!”
November 21, 2011 at 5:24 am
Wendy
I always have to remember no idea is unworthy. Thanks for the reminder.
November 21, 2011 at 5:40 am
Catherine Johnson
I love the bit about not giving up on them too. You just never know when you’ll get that extra bit of inspiration. Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 5:58 am
patientdreamer
Thankyou Casey for reminding me that no idea is unworthy. To accept my idea and make a start, to just go for it and challenge myself..
Love your blog to. Thanks again.
November 21, 2011 at 6:01 am
Andrea
I’ve noticed that sometimes I come back to an idea I’ve had years before and can put a new spin on it. So, I love what you said about never giving up! Great post.
November 21, 2011 at 6:36 am
Lori Mozdzierz
I’m with you, Casey! Address your fears. Then put them aside — not always easy — and forge ahead 😀
November 21, 2011 at 6:49 am
Linda Andersen
Casey, your story about being asked if you write in addition to illustrating reminds me of the surprise an author gets when told that he/she has to market as well as write. Thanks for reminding us that there is still room for us and our writing. Keep believing and dreaming. Your art is fun!
November 21, 2011 at 6:57 am
Megan K. Bickel
Wonderful post! I need to be reminded to believe in my ideas. It is hard to stay confident.
November 21, 2011 at 7:09 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
Thanks for the inspiration to explore ideas and persevere. I’m working on a story that is quite different from what I normally write, so I keep telling myself “I can do this!”
November 21, 2011 at 7:11 am
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Casey, your post is a great reminder that doubt and fear can be our biggest challenges because they will slow us down more than rejections. Setting them aside and working on strengthening and improving our writing is the only way of reaching publishing success.
Thanks for lending us some of your courage.
November 21, 2011 at 7:14 am
Louise
So true, if we love our story enough, we also need to believe in it, and not let doubts hinder us. It’s too easy to give in to fears, but where would the world be if all who create listened to their doubts and fears instead of pushing forward through them? Great post!
November 21, 2011 at 7:46 am
M. G. King
It is hard to keep putting yourself on the page, in a business that inevitably results in so much rejection! Thanks for being so honest about the courage that creativity requires. I like to read ART & FEAR by Bayles and Orland whenever I’m plagued by self-doubt.
November 21, 2011 at 7:46 am
Jennifer Kirkeby
Lovely and inspiring blog, Casey! And your illustrations are gorgeous! Thank you for the great reminder to keep on creating even when it doesn’t feel as if our ideas our “worthy”.
November 21, 2011 at 7:47 am
Linda Norman-Lyman
Thanks for the reminders to not be afraid and to never give up. You are an inspiration to all!
November 21, 2011 at 8:00 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Casey, You have given us faith in ourselves, thank you for the inspiration.
November 21, 2011 at 8:04 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thank you Casey. As an author-illustrator, your post was very inspiring. Your illustrations are amazing!
November 21, 2011 at 8:05 am
Alexa
Thanks for being our cheerleader today! Would LOVE a gorgeous letter.
November 21, 2011 at 8:07 am
pascale mackey (@pascalemackey)
Beautiful work Casey! Thanks for the inspiration =)
November 21, 2011 at 8:09 am
angelapenadahle
Thanks for the reminder. There really is nothing to be afraid of and you are absolutely right that if a story is itching to be told, it should be told/written. Thanks for the post! I love those letters!
November 21, 2011 at 8:15 am
Valarie Giogas
A great list to reread from time to time. Thanks, Casey.
November 21, 2011 at 8:15 am
Jodelle Brohard
Thanks for the inspiration and for offering such a great prize. Your letter animals are amazing!
November 21, 2011 at 8:37 am
Donna Black
I love the part about new revelations being born every minute. Thanks!
November 21, 2011 at 8:41 am
Cathy Mealey
Very affirming post about the books that capture our hearts! Thank you!
I went to your Etsy shop and fell in LOVE with letter S! I also learned about the Uakari – neat! I encourage everyone to cleck over and take a look. The panda and Year of the Rabbit print stole my heart too – so appealing! Wishing you much success!
November 21, 2011 at 8:47 am
Tracy Warren (@socialTracyW)
Sometimes it is really hard to get past the fear, but it is important to realize that giving up on your ideas is giving up on yourself. Thanks for you post.
November 21, 2011 at 8:54 am
Laura
One of the many nuggets in your entry, that really strikes a chord with me today, is that we each have have our own unique voice and that if we write with that voice, readers will connect. That is so important, I think, to trust and nurture that voice because it will shine through in our writing.
Thank you for the reminder!
November 21, 2011 at 9:11 am
Marcela S.
Casey,
Your statements are so true and essential for every illustrator/writer:
“Don’t doubt your ability”
“Your voice is unique”
“You can never give up”
“You can never give up on yourself”
“Don’t let fear hold you back”
“Work on your craft”
“You will succeed.”
Thank you for such an inspiring post!
November 21, 2011 at 9:21 am
Lynn
“Your voice is unique and you will tell your story in a way that connects with someone else. You can never give up on it and you can never give up on yourself. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Fear … something that plagued me most of my life, and I am still discovering it hiding in places that cause me to hold back my creative urges. Writing is hard to do when that little voice of fear tells me it’s not good enough or worth my time. Thanks for the encouragement to never give up, and the reminder of uniqueness.
November 21, 2011 at 9:25 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I love your alphanimals, Casey! And thanks for your words of encouragement that no idea is too small or unworthy. Have a Happy Thanksgiving week…
November 21, 2011 at 9:25 am
Debbie Austin
I am a writer wishing I was also an illustrator! Thank you for sharing your insights and reaffirming that we each have a unique voice and story to tell. Your animal letters are so much fun!
November 21, 2011 at 9:31 am
julesmae
“Getting past fears and doubts…” That really is the key to life isn’t it? Nice post.
– Julie
November 21, 2011 at 9:55 am
Dana Carey
Great post, Casey. Fear and doubt can hold us all back at one time or another. Thanks for the supportive message. BTW, that alphabet looks amazing.
November 21, 2011 at 10:05 am
Deb Marshall
Thanks, Casey. This is a great post to start the day with!
November 21, 2011 at 10:34 am
Meghan
Thanks so much!
November 21, 2011 at 10:59 am
Brook Gideon
It’s all so scary! What you said at the end will be my new mantra!!! Thanks so much for sharing, inspriring, and shining the light on the thing under the bed!
November 21, 2011 at 11:03 am
Colleen Jensen
Just what I needed to hear this morning – take heart and write your best story! We all need to hear that as we plug away at what we love. Thanks Casey!
PS – I LOVE your alphabet animal creations!
November 21, 2011 at 11:03 am
Carrie F
A great list, Casey, especially the first and last. I sometimes have a hard time accepting and believing in my ideas. That’s a good reminder that that is the first step, and what will sustain you through writing and revising.
November 21, 2011 at 11:06 am
Melissa Kelley
I agree that letting go of fear is one of the hardest things to do – no matter how much I love a story or an idea, I’m always so afraid that others will mock it, hate it, or just plain not get it! Focussing instead on the LOVE. 🙂
November 21, 2011 at 11:20 am
Keri Collins Lewis (@redwriterhood)
As a journalist, it’s hard for me to let go and follow a picture book idea long enough to give it a chance. In my day job, all stories have to be immediately assessed for their viability — will this get picked up? Thanks for your ideas on giving ideas time to develop and grow!
November 21, 2011 at 11:44 am
Rebecca
LOVE these animal letters! Do you do classroom alphabet strips?
November 21, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Tamara Smith
I believe it is that love that keeps me at an idea for the long haul. It is that love that makes the idea viable because of all of the focus and nurturing that gets bestowed upon it…
Such a sweet and positive reminder of that powerful emotion.
Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Gail Handler
Tara, these posts have been so inspiring!!! Casey, I love your animal alphabets and if I’m chosen, I’d love to have “JOY” because that’s what writing for kids is all about! You’re absolutely right about not letting the fear and uncertainty overcome you, whether you write, draw, dance, sing, or create anything else. If you don’t try, you don’t know if you can do it!
November 21, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for the great list. Your letters are beautiful!
November 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Penny Klostermann
Thanks for an inspiring post! Your portfolio is beautiful!
November 21, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Katie Cullinan
Your illustrated alphabet is great. My children and I have a warm spot for baby animals and their parents.
November 21, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Wendy Greenley
I love to hear that you worked for seven years before finding your stories. It isn’t great that it took seven years, but absolutely inspirational that you kept going and believed in yourself! Your illustrated alphabet looks beautiful.
November 21, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Loni Edwards
Just what I need to hear today, Casey. Thank you! You are an inspiration. Great post!
November 21, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Debbie Meyer
Thank you for the encouragement & inspiration, Casey! I think we all needed to hear this today. I love your alphabet animals. I think the D, E & B would look fabulous in my studio. ^__^ (just sayin)
November 21, 2011 at 1:42 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Great post! It’s great to hear that LOTS of people have to keep trying!
November 21, 2011 at 1:43 pm
carterhiggins
I love that…accept your ideas. Sometimes I wonder if mine are too out there to find a home in this big world! I need to work on embracing them. Thanks for the nudge. And–obsessed with elephants. Would love that E!!
November 21, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Sarah C. Pilon
Getting over the hurdle of fear is always such a challenge. It’s nice to be reminded you have to trust yourself and your ideas.
Great Post! 🙂
November 21, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Mary Nelson
I LOVE those letters! I also started out as an illustrator and am turning my thoughts to writing, so I was interested to read Casey’s bio.
Mary Nelson
November 21, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Marina A
Casey,
Thanks for sharing your experience. so reassuring.
November 21, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Nino
Thank you Casey,
Your post is my favorite, so far! 🙂
Best regards from Paris,
Nino
November 21, 2011 at 6:10 pm
Cindy Johnson
What great advice – that we can’t hear too often. I love the thought of all of the books that we haven’t read yet that we want to..and want to keep it that way.
November 21, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Casey, thank you for your encouraging words and beautiful art.
November 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Juliet Clare Bell
Great alphabet letters! Best wishes, Clare.
November 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Erin Pearson
I love the idea that there’s always room for more ideas, more picture books. Your animal illustrations are amazing!
November 21, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Janet O'Neil
Words to remember. Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Christie Wild
Ditto. Ditto. Thanks for the reminder that there IS room for more stories and more picture books. LOVE your animal letter art.
November 21, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Sharon K. Mayhew (@skmayh)
Great post! Trusting yourself is huge. 😀
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 21, 2011 at 10:04 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
I love the thoughts shared here…thanks!
November 21, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Donna Martin
Great article! Boy, oh boy could I use those letters! ;0)
November 21, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Thanks for the post, Casey! You’re right – it’s so important to believe in yourself, even though it can be hard to do!
November 21, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Bethany Telles
It IS so very hard not to doubt yourself, and the abilities you possess. You gave me the encouragement that I truly needed today.
Fantastic advice! Thank you, Casey!!
November 22, 2011 at 12:20 am
elizabethannewrites
Thank you for this. Especially for the words, “If you are excited by something, don’t be afraid and don’t doubt your ability to make it into a good picture book. Your voice is unique and you will tell your story in a way that connects with someone else.”
Yes.
November 22, 2011 at 12:57 am
Julie D.
I love “new stories are born every single day”. I identify with the doubting thoughts of, ‘what if someone already wrote my story?’, so the perspective of new stories born every day is reassuring and encouraging. Plenty of stories to go around! I also think about all of us doing PiBoIdMo and how many hundreds of ideas we’re coming up with as a group. I bet they are more unique than they are similar!
November 22, 2011 at 4:33 am
Jedda
i love that you say to tackle stories that one loves no matter how crazy they seem to others! thank you…;) it’s always great to be given permission.
November 22, 2011 at 6:39 am
Rebecca C
I think we all need that reminder to never give up on ourselves or on our ideas. Thank you for help in getting past my fears and doubts today!
November 22, 2011 at 7:41 am
Jeannie Brett
loved your post Casey. hope to meet you someday!
November 22, 2011 at 8:38 am
Linda Lodding
I love to imagine that new stories are being bron everyday…lovely to know that ideas are out there…and that readers are waiting!
November 22, 2011 at 10:42 am
Marcie Colleen
Such wonderful encouragement and absolutely stunning illustrations! Thanks for sharing!
November 22, 2011 at 10:47 am
Casey G.
Thank you all for you comments. I am humbled by this response. Good luck on all of your projects, I wish you all success.
thank you.
November 22, 2011 at 11:00 am
Lisa Anchin
Thank you for your advice.
It’s so important not to let fear get in the way of even starting. Being afraid before you even start is the worst feeling. Thank you for reminding to believe in our ideas from the very beginning.
November 22, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Mary Meinking
Thanks for your words of wisdom, to not give up on those stories we love. I’ve got plenty of those floating around and appreciate your push to not give up on those lost souls. Maybe someday they’ll be jewels that sell.
November 22, 2011 at 1:52 pm
janelle mikulas
Thanks!
November 22, 2011 at 3:47 pm
aneducationinbooks
I like your “don’t be afraid” list. Thanks!
November 22, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Joyce Ray
Casey’s comment “there are an infinite number of stories to be told because life changes constantly and revelations about the world are made every minute, new stories are born every single day with readers waiting to read them” is just what I needed to hear. Sometimes I listen to that voice that says “What do you have to say that’s new?” I will look for the revelations that show up in my changing world. Thanks, Casey!
November 22, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your inspiring post!
November 23, 2011 at 7:25 am
cravevsworld
Truly inspired by your “Don’t be afraid” list.
November 23, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Betsy Devany
I absolutely love your illustrations!! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 25, 2011 at 2:27 am
Gary Masskin
Amazing artwork 🙂
November 25, 2011 at 6:40 pm
sketched out
It really can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult to see that there really is room for your story. Thanks Casey for pointing that out. Very wise and nurturing words that I really needed to hear today! Also, allow me to be the gazillionth person to tell you that your animal letters are fab, as well as all your work!!
November 27, 2011 at 1:20 pm
kathyellen
Thanks for the awesome post! So true that we can’t be afraid, but funny about being afraid, you tell yourself not to be, and you still are (just a little bit!) I really liked the paragraph about new stories and how they would fit into the market. That really cheered me up. Thank you again!
November 29, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Jennifer DuBose
I love the idea that yes, there is room for mine, too. Getting it told in a way that others will enjoy reading, now that is the challenge. Thanks for the encouragement!
December 1, 2011 at 1:17 am
Lynn Anne Carol
I’m not sure I’ve made it in time to be entered but that’s okay. I wanted to stop by and tell you how much I loved your animal alphabet.
Thanks for the uplifting thoughts.
Lynn Anne
December 1, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Nancy Furstinger (@AnimalAuthor)
For some reason only this blog leapt into my spam folder, but your animal alphabet is divine!