by Kirsten Pendreigh
I’m loving the inspirational Storystorm posts from successfully published creators! But I also know that the road from shiny new idea to publication is long and winding. There are potholes and wrong turns, dead ends and roadwork delays. So many delays! Sometimes you run out of gas. Sometimes you break down and wonder, should I take the offramp?
When my 2021 picture book debut got cancelled last summer, I had to pull over and refuel. I’d followed all the publishing advice. (Work Hard! Persevere! Be Patient! Toughen Up! Set Clear Goals!) It wasn’t enough. It was time to remind myself why I was on the road at all. Goalposts shift. Years of work can get swept away. Many things are out of our control.
I asked: What is it that sustains me and keeps me trucking along?
My answer? A lesson my son taught me years ago:
Joy in the journey.
Process over [unpredictable] product.
Kids model process over product all the time. My son loved to paint and draw and dig. But he never wanted to keep his paintings or drawings; he didn’t really care what we planted. To him, the joyful process of creating, of digging in, was more important.
What are the things that bring you joy on this writing journey?
For me it’s a long list, that includes:
- creating funny characters and stories in my unique voice
- playing with words: finding the perfect line, the perfect rhythmic pattern
- puzzling out picture books: page turns, art notes, pacing
- diving down rabbit holes of research
- editing and revising
- sharing stories with critique partners, helping them shape their work
- being part of a supportive and loving community of writer
But what do I love most? Generating ideas!
For me, Storystorm is the perfect way to rekindle my creative joy. In this tired old world, how magical, how hopeful, to join almost two thousand other people firing up their synapses and finding new stories to share!
This idea stage is free of judgement and full of possibility. Each new idea is a precious, fragile, exciting secret only your unique brain knows about. It could go anywhere!
Today I challenge YOU, fellow traveller on this long and bumpy road, to cherish this stage. Be open to the joyful sparks waiting for you—as you walk, as you eavesdrop on your kids, as you look out the window at birds, as you laugh about something you read. What calls to you? What triggers a faster thumpetty-thump of your pulse? What gives you that warm glow, that AHA moment?
Respond to those sparks. Nurture them!
Jot something down, even if it’s a fragment of a thought, a nonsensical doodle, or a question. And do it without judgement. Brainstorm like no-one’s watching!
Just for today, forget about all the webinars and craft books and agent/editor/author interviews you read. Forget about 3-act structures and hooks and pitches, and marketability. Forget about the destination.
Because if you start with joy, the rest will follow. Joy is contagious. Readers and editors and agents will feel it too. The stories I start with joy always fare better than the ones I try to “engineer” at the beginning. One of them landed my wonderful agent! Soon, I’ll be able to announce good news about another story, of whales who made my heart go thumpetty-thump. And that debut that got cancelled? It’s going out on sub again. If it doesn’t get picked up, that’s okay; I still love it. It still makes people laugh.
I’ve recently written a lyrical story about nurse logs—fallen trees that nurture new life in the coastal rainforests near my home. Clearly a metaphor for the poet in me! I feel my spirits lift each time I see this regeneration, even on these cold, dark days of isolation and uncertainty. It’s a gift to get to write about things I love. Maybe my log story will end up as firewood. I’ll try to bask in its warm glow. I’ll still be creating with joy. I hope you will too.
Happy Storystorm, fellow travellers!
Kirsten Pendreigh is a children’s author and poet who lives in Vancouver, BC. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary. Kirsten writes both humor and lyrical stories for children, in fiction and non-fiction. Her poems are found in multiple literary anthologies and magazines. Kirsten is an active member of 12x12PB and Storystorm and a regular on Twitter. Please connect with her there @kpiependreigh or through her website or Instagram where she posts pictures of things that bring her joy.
Kirsten is giving away two picture book critiques.
Two separate winners will be randomly selected.
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
810 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 10, 2021 at 8:08 am
Cristina Raymer
Thank you for such great advice, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 8:10 am
Leslie Tayloe
Thank you. Very inspirational.
January 10, 2021 at 8:10 am
Emily Chibwana
Yes! It’s so easy to forget that it’s all about the joy!
January 10, 2021 at 8:12 am
Stacey Corrigan
What a great post to wake up to. Thanks for reminding me to find the joy.
January 10, 2021 at 8:14 am
lisakhan9
You are absolutely right! Find the joy and let the process unfold! Thank you so very much for your inspirational words, so very much appreciated x
Lisa
January 10, 2021 at 8:15 am
Louann Brown
Joy! Just the word makes me smile. I’m easily amused by simple things and find joy every day (despite the crazy world we live in.) I DO need to write down these “thump-ity” moments to remind myself of the many things that keep me going. I may learn something new about myself and how to pass joy on to others.
January 10, 2021 at 7:17 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Yay! Funny, my son used to sing “fump-ity-fump” for Frosty the Snowman. Still makes me smile. And shows up in my writing! 😉
January 11, 2021 at 4:28 pm
kindmindsmartheart
Hi Kirsten Pendreigh! Thank you and storytelleracadamy..first class was phenomenal…so much quality caring content. My technology seems to maybe only letting me reply to someone here not comment myself on your thread/to you directly. Won’t know till I hit enter. I have a really great idea (and have started drawings) at age 59 I can say those are not very common, precious and I haven’t treated them and myself as such. The idea is inspired by pure and precious joy, something I have lost most of lately with age and hardship, and I am certain has a universal connection/appeal beyond my liking it. I worked helping direct a family literacy program and worked with children in the foster system so I know at least how to spot a good idea though haven’t come up with many. Anyway would love to win something supportive for helping me do the book perhaps series as I am absolutely dedicated just so isolated and resourceless I really need support which is not something I’ve asked for for most of my 59 years nor gotten even as a child.
How funny that in trying to post comment the technology shunted me over to wordpress where I had forgotten I had any account and came up with the kindmindsmartheart idea..was going to make a blog or website and was barely able to just stay alive so it all go pushed away and now here I am reminded what must be a decade or more now later. Wow.
January 10, 2021 at 8:15 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for this uplifting reminder to find joy in the journey, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 7:17 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you for reading, Cathy!
January 10, 2021 at 8:17 am
Jeanette Stampone
Such lovely words! Yes, we do need to just enjoy those moments of a-ha! And do you know what? An idea came to me as I was reading your post. Like magic.
January 10, 2021 at 7:18 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Yay! Ideas ARE magic.
January 10, 2021 at 8:19 am
amydunjey
Great tips thanks Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 8:20 am
claireflewis
I loved reading this post – great advice: the stories that start with a sense of joy are usually the best ones!
January 10, 2021 at 8:20 am
58chilihed13
“Nurse trees” I had never heard that idea before, but something in me knew it because I have had three trees on my property over the last decade fail to continue to thrive and I have refused to remove them because of all the life they have nurtured and fed in their death and decay. As bits fall off, if they are too big to leave in the front yard, I drag them to a place where they can continue to rot and feed the bugs, harbor the larvae, fuel the fungi…the birds who seek insects LOVE my version of a smorgasbord!
January 11, 2021 at 2:49 am
kirstenpendreigh
Love this! A win-win for everyone! Just like little saved phrases or idea fragments that might get recycled into a new story!
January 10, 2021 at 8:20 am
Adam Blackman
Thanks for this reminder and reset.
January 10, 2021 at 8:21 am
jodieparachini
Thank you Kirsten. I hope your 2021 journey is a joyful one.
January 10, 2021 at 8:22 am
mbhmaine
This post is so positive and uplifting! Thanks for reminding me to take a look at my journey and remind myself what got me on the road in the first place. I love this line: “It’s a gift to get to write about things I love.” So true and well worth remembering. Thank you for this wonderful post!
January 10, 2021 at 8:06 pm
kirstenpendreigh
It really is.Thank you for reading it! It’s a gift to have someone read your work!
January 10, 2021 at 8:25 am
Sara Ackerman
A timely reminder and it’s so true how the stories written with joy, those that sprout from our true passions and curiosity flow easier and read better than those we try to make into a certain thing because we think we should. Congratulations on your good news!
January 10, 2021 at 7:47 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you, Sara! The “certain thing” books are a slog!
January 10, 2021 at 8:27 am
Emily Durant
Loved this post!! Thank you for this very important reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 8:30 am
rosecappelli
Just what I needed to hear today! Thanks so much and much luck in your continued success.
January 10, 2021 at 8:31 am
Mitchell Linda
My hero. The end.
January 10, 2021 at 8:31 am
Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof)
Thanks so much for this, Kirsten! I needed the reminder to find joy in the journey–sometimes it’s a slog. Fingers crossed for that manuscript out on sub again, here’s hoping its new home will be even better than the one that fell through. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 8:31 am
Sandie Vaisnoras
Loved your post today. How encouraging to a struggling writer. Process over product is a perfect reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 8:34 am
dodiebird
A beautiful read at the crack of dawn. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 8:34 am
marty
Thank you, Kirsten. It must have been so disappointing to hear of your book cancellation. I’m happy to hear it is back out on submission. I love this post about joy in the process and leaving judgement out of idea generating.
January 10, 2021 at 8:35 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Love this quote, “Because if you start with joy, the rest will follow.”
January 10, 2021 at 8:36 am
Mackinzie Rekers
Such wonderful advice! Thank you Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 8:37 am
Shannon Howarth Nelsen
Thanks for the inspiration today, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 8:41 am
CKLange
Thank you so much for your story and advice. You truly spoke to my heart. I felt completely frozen from all creative processes once the pandemic began trickling into the hospitals. Getting the Covid vaccine allowed me to exhale the deep breath I was holding in all these months. Storystorm and your advice and your story are exactly what my creative spirit is hungry for. Thank you being on this journey with me.
CK Lange
January 10, 2021 at 7:52 pm
kirstenpendreigh
I’m so glad to hear this, that you got the vaccine and that you are beginning to feel creative!
January 10, 2021 at 8:42 am
Hannah
Thank you, this is such good advice. I’ve been pushing myself hard recently, and need to remember to focus on the joy!
January 10, 2021 at 8:08 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you, Hannah. That happened to me too. I was thinking of my “goals” 24/7 for a while back then, and felt pretty burnt out.
January 10, 2021 at 8:43 am
Erin Siska
Love this! Thank you for brightening up my day!
January 10, 2021 at 8:44 am
Lynne Marie
Thank you for these important words of wisdom. And there is joy in the JOurneY so I am hoping that everyone finds theirs! Best, Lynne Marie
January 11, 2021 at 2:51 am
kirstenpendreigh
Ha I see what you did there, clever Lynne!!
January 10, 2021 at 8:44 am
Cathy Lentes
It really does come down to joy in the creating, doesn’t it? That is the only part we can control. Best to you with new joyful projects.
January 10, 2021 at 8:49 am
readmybook2002
I felt the same way just trying to “constrict stories” and not going anywhere. Thank you for telling me to enjoy the creation process.
January 10, 2021 at 8:51 am
Lauren Barbieri
I’ve always loved the joy and freeing mess of brainstorming! Thank you for the reminder to carry this through as appreciation for the process that follows.
January 10, 2021 at 8:52 am
Cheryl Keely
Love this. Just this morning I shared a memory that popped up on Facebook that makes me smile every time I see it (and related ones). I’m working on a story somewhat related to the memories and mentioned that I didn’t know whether it would ever see the light of day but I’m enjoying the process of writing this story because I so love the memories and idea behind it. Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 8:59 am
michelemeleen
Storystorm is my favorite too, because I am totally an idea person! Thanks for the friendly reminder to enjoy the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 9:00 am
pathaap
“If you start with joy, the rest will follow” is such a wonderful statement about the writing process. Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 9:06 am
Kimberly Hutmacher
Yes, joy in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 9:08 am
Kristen Tipman
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 9:08 am
Linda Hofke
Sorry about the book cancellation. Hopefully, it will find another home.
And good luck with the nurse logs story. Such a great topic. I’d love to read a book about it.
January 10, 2021 at 8:09 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, Linda. Now I’m feeling more inspired about Nurse Log!
January 10, 2021 at 9:09 am
Jessie
This is wonderful, thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 9:09 am
Joy Pitcairn
Great reminder. Sometimes I forget to just play! Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 9:14 am
Suzanne Lewis
Beautiful shared Absolute Truth. Thanks soooo much for your post, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 9:14 am
Jany Campana
Kirsten, Thank you for your sparking of ideas.
January 10, 2021 at 9:22 am
catherine owen
Learning from children x so so important xxxx
January 10, 2021 at 9:22 am
steveheron
Joy to the world. Love your long list.
January 10, 2021 at 9:22 am
Deborah Foster
Thank you Kirsten! My favorite thing to do is to “dive down that rabbit hole of research” because I have a mind that craves new information.
January 10, 2021 at 9:25 am
Liz Rice
Thanks Kirsten — Thanks for the tips to enjoy the process!
January 10, 2021 at 9:28 am
karamarsee8716
Yes! Joy in the process, so true. Thank you Kirsten. And thanks for the nurse log analogy/visual. Love that.
January 10, 2021 at 9:29 am
EllenB
Thank You Kristen!
This is exactly what I needed this morning.
Ellen
January 10, 2021 at 9:30 am
Kelly Jaques
Kirsten, lovely post! So happy to hear about your journey and lovely reminder to enjoy the process!
January 10, 2021 at 9:31 am
Elyse Trevers
Your post reminded me to pay attention to nature- fallen tree, whales-and really enjoy my surroundings
Enjoy the journey! Great words to start the day. Thank you
January 10, 2021 at 9:33 am
Artsybarncat
Oh my goodness! This was fantastic and perfectly timed! I’m finishing up what I think is the final revision and then —whammo— something else pops up to negate my progress! Thank you so much for the challenge and encouragement! I think I’ll go draw something and throw it away!! 😂❤️
January 11, 2021 at 2:53 am
kirstenpendreigh
Do it!! LOL. But recycle! 😉
January 10, 2021 at 9:35 am
Andrea Mack
I love this post! Thanks for this important reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 9:36 am
Ann Harrell
I’m a “big picture person” so this post spoke to me. And yes, joy, remember the joy….
January 10, 2021 at 9:38 am
romontanaro
Kirsten so inspiring. Love this so much. “Basking in the warm glow” … great insight and viewpoint. Always back to the joy of writing. My kids have inspired me in the same ways … Congratulations and look forward to reading! Love from a fellow Canadian! Rosanna
January 10, 2021 at 9:39 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
This is such a great reminder. It’s so easy to take this all so seriously and lose sight of why we write at all! I’m making a list of why writing brings me joy to pull out when I get down. Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 9:39 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Awesome! I often get lost on the journey with an eye on the destination. This was a great reminder. I am a person who likes when a task is complete and I can cross it off my list….I am learning to let that go and trust the journey! THANK YOU.
Debi
January 10, 2021 at 9:44 am
Tara Cerven
Great read!
I just completed the 12 Days of Christmas 4 Writers and the word I chose to concentrate in this year is JOY 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 9:44 am
lynjekowsky
your website is beautiful, it shows your joy.
January 11, 2021 at 2:54 am
kirstenpendreigh
Oh, thank you Lyn! To be honest, I realized today that it is needing an update! Ooops!
January 10, 2021 at 9:47 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Challenge accepted! I will celebrate the joy of the journey!
January 10, 2021 at 9:50 am
Sandhya Rose
Thank you for such an important message Kirsten. Embrace the joy!
January 10, 2021 at 9:51 am
chersugarlee
Great post! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 9:56 am
Joan Longstaff
If only there could be a joy pandemic – how lovely would that be? Thank you for such an uplifting post. I feel like I have had a virtual hug!
January 11, 2021 at 11:56 am
Brenda Flowers
Amen …
“I have the joy, joy, joy, joy…”
“Where?”
“Down in my heart.”
January 10, 2021 at 9:57 am
libbydemmon
Thank you so much for this post; it’s exactly the message I need today. I hope I get to read your story about nurse logs someday!
January 10, 2021 at 9:58 am
Marla Yablon
Just what I needed this morning!
January 10, 2021 at 10:01 am
kiwijenny
I love this post..Thanks I needed to focus on the joy of the journey. Yay. Is this weird..I dreamed of a story. Yay…So I’d have to add…just sleep more lol
January 10, 2021 at 10:03 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Kirsten for this joyful post.
Congratulations on getting your agent, and books you publish. It is a bumpy ride, buckle up.
January 10, 2021 at 10:03 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
More than ever it’s important to find the joy. I appreciate the reminder, Kirsten. and learning about your path. Best wishes on all of your books!
January 10, 2021 at 10:04 am
Pat Trattles
Thank you so much. Your post gave me a new story idea!
January 10, 2021 at 10:05 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Kirsten for this joyful post.
Congratulations on getting your agent, and books you publish.
January 10, 2021 at 10:06 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Kirsten for this joyful post.
Congratulations on getting your agent.
January 10, 2021 at 10:06 am
Jessica Coupé
Thank you for the inspiration! Great to hear from a fellow Canadian.
January 10, 2021 at 10:06 am
Datta Prabhu
Dear Kirsten, Thank you for this lovely reminder. For all the joy yet to come. Much love.
January 10, 2021 at 10:06 am
Maria
I found this post to be very inspirational. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 10:11 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Kirsten, for leading us on this inspirational joyful journey.
January 10, 2021 at 10:19 am
Lydia Leimbach
Great reminder that just writing is often the joy.
January 10, 2021 at 10:19 am
Shelley Isaacson
Thanks for your honest and inspiring post. Sometimes a fragment of joy is enough. And nurse logs–love it!
January 10, 2021 at 10:20 am
ejessmurray
Thanks, Kirsten! Part of my path to kidlit is through poetry, where I have been working on some goals for a very (very!) long time. It started to feel less joyful more work-ful, and I began thinking about other ways to participate in that good, creative exchange. I LOLed at myself the other day thinking of an idea – will it come to fruition, even as a draft? Dunno, but I feel like I’m on the right path.
January 10, 2021 at 10:20 am
Laura Purdie Salas
“It’s a gift to get to write about things I love.” I love this. I have to pay bills with my writing, but I’m working hard to more clearly separate the writing I do for income and the writing I do for joy (with the bonus that there’s a possibility it *might* bring income somewhere way down the road). But yes, process over product, every time!
January 10, 2021 at 10:21 am
jjarson1
Thank you for this lovely post.
January 10, 2021 at 10:23 am
KIM NOLAN
Thank you Kirsten. I can’t wait to read your story about nurse logs!
January 10, 2021 at 10:23 am
stiefelchana
Thank you for this post, Kirsten! Exactly what I needed today! EnJOY the process!
January 10, 2021 at 10:24 am
Nancy Furstinger
Persevere and it will happen! I’ve had books cancelled only to resurface with new publishers, which is my wish for you.
January 10, 2021 at 10:26 am
Tanya Konerman
Great reminder to keep Joy at the front of this process! With all the ups and downs, it’s important to find the thing that can make it all worth it.
January 10, 2021 at 10:27 am
thecrowsmap
I love this post! Thank you.
Gail Hartman
January 10, 2021 at 10:27 am
Melisa Wrex
Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in all those goals. Thank ya kindly ma’am, for the reminder of the joy.
January 10, 2021 at 10:28 am
Charlotte Offsay
You have so much heart Kirsten! Thank you for sharing your journey I know your books will go far but I love your reminder here to live and enjoy the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 10:28 am
Krissy
Enjoy the ride…so simple, yet so easy to forget! Thank you for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 10:31 am
Genevieve Petrillo
It’s so easy to lose the trees in the forest. Once I focused so hard on a squirrel that I forgot that doggies can’t climb trees. It was a hard lesson. Plus, the ground was also really hard! #ouch
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 10, 2021 at 10:31 am
marsha weiner
thank you. now i feel a bit more ready to talk with my 10 year old grandson who lives in Minnesota, he’s worried about what happened in my hometown of Washington DC- he is fearful for my safety
January 10, 2021 at 10:31 am
Leah Moser
This is great advice. I need to remind myself to enjoy the writing journey!
January 10, 2021 at 10:32 am
Gail Aherne
Thank you, Kirsten, for a dose of AM joy! Very inspirational.
January 10, 2021 at 10:33 am
Julia
Thank you for the reminder that it’s all about joy!
January 10, 2021 at 10:33 am
kathalsey
Kirsten Pendreigh, congrats on your journey, your books and finding your joy! So inspirational! Ty.
January 10, 2021 at 10:34 am
Laurie Knowlton
Thanks for reminding us to hold onto the joy of creating!
January 10, 2021 at 10:34 am
Mrs. Vandivier
So often we strive for the “perfect” idea and get so disappointed when it isn’t all that great. Writing is a bumpy road. Some things work some don’t…learning to be okay with that is the hard part. But we do this out of love….and joy! That feeling needs to push us through. Thank you for the reminder…
January 10, 2021 at 10:38 am
KATHLEEN WILFORD
Thanks for the reminder to keep JOY in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 10:39 am
Doreen Tango Hampton
Your post made me smile. I felt the joy!
January 10, 2021 at 10:42 am
vijikc
Thank you for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 10:45 am
Emily Bertholf
Yes! I love this. A few years back, on a different leg of my writing and mothering journey, I was meeting with another writer friend and picking his brain about how to balance it all, how to follow my dreams and carve time for writing and feed my children and be there for them too, and after a nice lunch and a glass of wine and listening to me while asking me questions about my family and goals, the only words of advice he offered me were follow joy. I cried in the car before heading home because I thought that was no answer at all, not one that addressed my fears and worries and bills. However it stuck and became a mantra, a guiding beacon, and it was absolutely some of the best advice I ever received. Follow joy. Thanks for this great post!
January 10, 2021 at 10:45 am
Deb Sullivan
Thanks, Kirsten, for the thoughtful (and much needed) reminders on why we’re here in the first place. So helpful…..
January 10, 2021 at 10:46 am
Amy Cory
Thank you so much, Kirsten! I love the reminder to “start with joy” . . . so important!
January 10, 2021 at 10:46 am
Arlene Schenker
Kirsten, your joy is contagious. Thank you for reminding me to revel in the joy of writing!
January 10, 2021 at 10:50 am
Sarah Tobias
What a journey! I too enjoy the process. Is is easy to forget that the journey is where the fun is. And as I write this, a story idea is bubbling . . . Bye
January 10, 2021 at 10:53 am
Emerly gueron
Stay motivated. We’re in this together.
January 10, 2021 at 10:53 am
Jeannie Santucci
Kirsten! Kirsten! Kirsten! This was the post I absolutely needed today. With everything going on in the world I’ve been feeling so down and and “uncreative,” which matches the tone of the beginning of your post. Almost like we were commiserating. But then BAM your son teaches me a lesson as well. Every word of your post after that was another step for me to climb out of that hole. And now I’m standing in the bright sun feeling inspired! So thank you so much!
January 11, 2021 at 3:23 am
kirstenpendreigh
Oh, so glad to hear this!
January 10, 2021 at 10:55 am
Little Al
Phew. Thank you. Loving the process.
January 10, 2021 at 11:01 am
Janet Krauthamer
Such great advice! Thanks for the important reminder to begin with joy!
January 10, 2021 at 11:01 am
authoraileenstewart
Chose joy is my motto for life, not just writing :0) Thanks for being part of Story Storm!
January 10, 2021 at 11:01 am
Teresa Daffern
Joy. Such an important element. It should be on the periodic table, that’s how important it is. Thank you for this reminder, Kerstin!
January 10, 2021 at 11:01 am
gattodesign
Thank you Kirsten. My kids are 9 & 12. I am constantly telling them to focus, make sure your drawings are to the right size, get your idea down. They are too busy in there minds and video games but when they finally sit down to write, they have 5 or 6 or more ideas that pop out of their heads. Maybe they have the right idea after all. Thank you for opening my eyes.
January 10, 2021 at 11:02 am
Tracy Hora
This was the perfect post for me to read today! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:04 am
Kaye Wright
Goal posts shift. Boy, does this speak to me, not necessarily about writing, but about life. It’s been a long journey for me to get to this moment. Thank you for this.
January 10, 2021 at 11:04 am
kskeesling
This post came at the perfect time for me to hear it. Thanks to you (and your son) for inspiring joy today!
January 10, 2021 at 11:04 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post thank you Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 11:05 am
Catherine Brewer
As a Visual Arts Teacher, I encourage my students with process over product on a daily basis. It’s great advice and is very freeing in the creative process. Thank you Kirsten.
January 10, 2021 at 11:07 am
Paisley Schade
Love this post!
January 10, 2021 at 11:08 am
Sharon Lillie
did not know about nurture logs. shows that there are many sources of ideas out there.
January 10, 2021 at 11:10 am
chaunceyelephant
Your reminder is SO important. I am enjoying mining the wellspring of creativity. I want to submit manuscripts, but I’m afraid of being derailed from my writing by frustration over not getting published. Your words have reinsured me. Thank you
January 10, 2021 at 11:12 am
tworeelgirls
I love the phrase process over product. That is how I have started to approach my work. I would love to get it published, but if it never did, I would still write it because I get a kick out of it.
January 10, 2021 at 11:12 am
maureenegan
The right day for this! Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 11:13 am
Lisa Clewner
Joy is a wonderful guide.
January 10, 2021 at 11:13 am
sareenmclay
Thank you for your calm, joyful and encouraging post. Best wishes for your picture book sub. I didn’t know the name for the fallen trees in the forest, nurse logs is so apt.
January 10, 2021 at 11:14 am
Jessica Swaim
Thank you, Kirsten, and here’s to joy!
January 10, 2021 at 11:15 am
Cassie Bentley
Thank you for the reminder for process over product. So much joy when you prioritize it that way. I’ve saved too much. Time to toss and play with the process.
January 10, 2021 at 11:16 am
Elizabeth Muster
What great words of wisdom! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:16 am
James Smith
Such a lovely message- and really apt at the moment with everything happening in the world- find the joy, and focus on it. Thanks so much for writing this Kirsten! 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 11:17 am
Aimee Haburjak
Ah…process over product. Couldn’t be more perfect advice for me on my path. Your post sparked joy! It’s astounding what a gift joy is:) thank you, Kirsten
January 10, 2021 at 11:17 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I’m definitely trying to get back to enjoying writing again- why I wanted to be a writer in the first place. The need to being published has kind of taken some of the fun but it’ll still be a good thing if it happens!
January 10, 2021 at 11:26 am
Becki Kidd
Kudos to you Kirsten. What a great post about remembering why we’re on this journey called Writing in the first place.
January 10, 2021 at 11:26 am
Becky Falkum
This was beautiful, Kirsten. And much needed. Thank you! And I love the idea of a story about nurse logs. I really hope that one gains traction.
January 10, 2021 at 11:26 am
Sarah Meade
Thank you, Kirsten for this inspiring and hopeful post. I love “joy in the journey” and “process over product.” I wrote them down to remind myself.
January 10, 2021 at 11:27 am
beckylevine
Great reminder, thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 11:28 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thank you, Kirsten. And this: “The stories I start with joy always fare better than the ones I try to “engineer” at the beginning.” So, so, so true. ❤
January 10, 2021 at 11:28 am
Lori Gibson
Great post to read on a cold January morning.
January 10, 2021 at 11:30 am
Bennett Dixon
Thank you Kristen for the reminder to that the rigors of structure & discipline can be a hindrance to both creativity & joy. I’m approaching my next Storystorm idea this way!
January 10, 2021 at 11:30 am
authordebradaugherty
Start with joy. I love this! Thank you, Kirsten, for your wonderful writing advice.
January 10, 2021 at 11:31 am
Kathy Crable
Thanks so much for the Sunday morning inspiration!
January 10, 2021 at 11:32 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Thank your for the lovely post, Kirsten! And the reminder to start with joy. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 11:34 am
gattodesign
This post really touched me so I had to post again. I too had a really exciting project that was to be on going for summer camps. Then Covid hit and only one camp took on the project. We are hoping things will change in the upcoming future, but who really knows now. You always have to be open to change and keep moving forward. I tell my kids good habits, daily practice will get you where you want to be. Thanks again.
January 10, 2021 at 11:35 am
Jennifer Weisse
Such an inspirational post & a good reminder. Sometimes the joy gets lost…we need to find our joy & hold onto it. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:39 am
sherry fellores
Thanks for the reminder to not lose our joy in the journey! Great post, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 11:40 am
marty
Love love love this post! Have copied down so many quotes from your message. Thanks for the reminder to start with joy, forgetting (at least temporarily) all the learnings and info we’ve processed about writing that can become debilitating and/or paralyzing 🙂 I’m making a list of what brings me joy in the process – it will be there to remind me on those discouraging days why i’m doing this! Thanks, Kirsten, for all the inspiration.
January 10, 2021 at 11:40 am
Audrey Day-Williams
Kirsten, this was the perfect accompaniment to my Sunday coffee in bed. ;-)! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:41 am
Rebster
Indeed! Here’s to Joy, and whatever it brings!
January 10, 2021 at 11:41 am
Jennifer Skene
Lovely post, Kirsten.
January 10, 2021 at 11:43 am
Meli Glickman
Your persistence is such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 11:43 am
Joyce
Thanks, the tree images will stick with me and remind me to look for details.
January 10, 2021 at 11:45 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 10, 2021 at 11:46 am
Sarah Skolfield (@SarahSkolfield)
I loved this post!! This is the 3rd time this week that joy has been mentioned in regards to writing. The 2nd time it happened, I decided that my word for the year is “joy”. I began the pandemic doing pretty well with writing but that ended in July. I hadn’t figured out what to do about it until mentions of joy started coming up. That’s all it took for me to realize I was putting too much pressure on myself. Now all I’m thinking about is the joy in the process and the ideas are flowing. Your post was perfect for me this morning. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:48 am
Cedar Pruitt
Whew, that sounds so devastating – to lose the debut. But it isn’t. Because it’s not exactly the point. Thanks for showing us that.
January 10, 2021 at 11:48 am
Jessica Potts
Great post! Sometimes we get so lost in trying to be published, we forget why we started in the first place!
January 10, 2021 at 11:49 am
Laurie Carmody
This. I needed this. Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 11:50 am
Jennifer Blanck
Process over product–sounds like a great mantra to me. I really appreciate your post and your perseverance. Congratulations on your upcoming book and best wishes writing and finding that joy!
January 10, 2021 at 11:51 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Wonderful advice! Thanks so much
January 10, 2021 at 11:55 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you Kirsten. Your post is uplifting. Every idea counts. Things will not always be smooth and I should expect bumps along the way to progress.
January 10, 2021 at 11:56 am
pollyrenner
Thank you, Kirsten, for reminding us of the JOY of the process. This writing journey is difficult, so it is nice to be reminded of the WHY we do it:>
January 10, 2021 at 11:56 am
writersideup
Kirsten, such an inspirational post 😀 My FAVorite thing are the pics of your “joyful” son ❤ Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:59 am
Julia A Mills
Great advice for the very strange last few months!
January 10, 2021 at 12:02 pm
paulinetso
Thanks for the reminder for why we write ❤
January 10, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Maria Altizer
Love this! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Jasmine Smith
I remind myself of this constantly. I watch my 4-year-old son dig a hole because it’s fun to dig a hole. I would always ask him what he was painting and he would just say, “A volcano” every time because that represented fun and chaos to him. I call it “art for art’s sake”. It’s a good reason for every writer to have another creative outlet that you have no intention of making a living out of. Thank you for the reminders!
January 10, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Sherry Smith
So sorry your book was cancelled. You have a wonderful agent so hopefully she was able to help you when it happened. A couple of my friends had their books cancelled before. It sucks!
January 10, 2021 at 12:06 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Kirsten 😊
January 10, 2021 at 12:07 pm
cynthiahm
Kirsten, this post came at a great time as I am querying and just received my first rejection of 2021. Thanks for reminding us to find joy in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 12:10 pm
karynellis
Oh! I love this! Yes! Thank you for this deeply important reminder! It’s my first Storystorm and I am LOVING it!
You are, perhaps, familiar with the words of Louise Bogan:
“I cannot believe that the inscrutable universe turns on an axis of suffering; surely the strange beauty of the world must somewhere rest on pure joy!”
January 10, 2021 at 12:11 pm
TammyB
Thank you! Great advice!
January 10, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Susan Schade
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. JOY IN THE JOURNEY!
I’m sorry about your book-your day will come! Thank you for your post!
January 10, 2021 at 12:12 pm
aliciaminor
My wish for you is for your other book to find its way into publishing. We can only wish and hope and believe as your writing partners. Happy new year!
January 10, 2021 at 12:14 pm
jeanjames926
What a beautiful post, with lots of little treasures. Thank you so much, and all the best on your resubmission.
January 10, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Meg
It’s wonderful to use the enthusiasm of kids to find inspiration in our writing journey!
January 10, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Hollie Wolverton
Yes! Process over product!! Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 12:16 pm
kelbelroberts
I love the snippet of an idea to just jot down! Relax and let the thoughts come! Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Susan Niemann
Thank you for the reminder to take joy in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Karen Hunt
Excellent advice! My first round of stories came to me while taking care of my elderly mother 24/7. Now again in a basically sequestered enviornment stories pop into my head making laugh with hopes they will lift others joy meter as well one day.
Enjoyed your thoughts!
January 10, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Virginia Neil
Thank you for a much needed reminder of why I can’t stop. Joy! And why it is okay if my words never find a public home.
January 10, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Laura Bower
Hi, Kristen! I love the idea of process over product – enjoy the journey! So sorry about your book cancellation – good luck getting it back out there and congrats on your other books!
January 10, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Michelle Losardo
JOY in CREATIVITY
WONDER of INSPIRATION
SIGNIFICANCE of A MOMENT
These are why we write.💖
Thank you Kirsten for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleySierra06)
Thanks for tip to look at what excites us and drives us in the writing process.
January 10, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Shaunda Wenger
Thank you, Kirsten! I love the idea of nurse logs and am inspired by the connection in the cycle I see between the life of a tree and the process of creation. Enjoying the process of creativity fuels all that follows and comes full circle to feed the next one.
January 10, 2021 at 12:33 pm
jms5880
Finding joy in what we do is so important. Thank you for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Barbara Senenman
Reading this GAVE ME AN IDEA! Later!
January 10, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Linda Schueler
Here’s to joy!
January 10, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Wow! What a journey and optimism in what would have many give up! Thanks for the reminder to always go back to the joy of why you write. For me, the joy is generating ideas, too. That’s why I love StoryStorm so much. Wishing you the best on your continued journey.
January 10, 2021 at 12:39 pm
adavis6385
Joy is so important!! Thanks for the reminder, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Finding joy in process. Excellent advice, thanks.
January 10, 2021 at 12:40 pm
marynadoughty
Thank you for the encouragement, Kirsten. This journey can be so defeating at times, but your post was a good reminder to enjoy the journey and process and not focus so much on the product. Thank you!
-Maryna Doughty
January 10, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Janice Woods
Thanks for sharing! Great post.☺️
January 10, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Fern Glazer
I too love—and trust—the process, Kirsten. We are such a product-focused society, it’s hard to just enjoy the journey. Thanks for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Thank you Kirsten! Loved this post.
January 10, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
My heart went thumpity thump when I read you live in Vancouver, BC, like me!
January 10, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Thank you for the reminder to find joy in the process! Congrats on your perseverance!
January 10, 2021 at 12:49 pm
suumac
Kirsten your wonderfully, thoughtful post really resonated for me today – thank you for the reminder to enjoy the joy of this very unpredictable journey and to embrace the sheer joy of story ideation.
January 10, 2021 at 12:51 pm
clearywriter
Thank you for your positive outlook and the reminder that the process should be joyful!
January 10, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Catherine
I really enjoyed reading this post and thank you for sharing your son’s inspiration. It’s so true that we sometimes overlook the joy of creation as we work towards an end goal.
January 10, 2021 at 12:54 pm
mommamoocow
Your post brought me joy. What a great reminder of what is important.
January 10, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Yes!! Joy in the journey. So good & so true. Thanks, Kirsten!!
January 10, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Michelle L.
Kirsten, this is exactly what I needed right now. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Julie Reich
It’s important to remember why we are writing: for the joy of it. This post really hit home.
January 10, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Elizabeth Moore
Well put. I had never heard of nurse logs before. I will have to look into this more.
January 10, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Ashley Chalmers
I so needed this advice right now. Thanks so much, Kristen!
January 10, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Jenny Boyd
Sorry about the roadblock with your picture book debut, but good for you for persevering–and doing so with joy and delight. Process over product….What a good philosophy. (Kids are so wise.)
January 10, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I’m so sorry to hear about your roadblock, but I’m so appreciative of your advice to keep moving forward and keep finding joy in the process. “Brainstorm like no one’s watching.” Love it!
January 10, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Shannon Hitchcock (@ShanonHitchcock)
So sorry about your debut. I’ve been there. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 3:15 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you, Shannon! I’m trying my hand with MG this year, and will definitely be checking out your novels!
January 10, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Gail Atherley
Thank you for your poetic words! I enjoy the process and appreciate your affirmation that it is okay to allow the process to be the reason to participate. Have fun with your resubmission!!
January 10, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Sue
What a journey! Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Marlena Leach
I appreciate the encouraging words of Kirsten Pendreigh. I will write the story and set aside all the rules that block the flow of my words.
January 10, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Annie War
Yes! It’s so important to enjoy the process along the way because nothing is guaranteed.
January 10, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Keeping the Me in Mommy
You are so right about needing to find the joy in the process in order to keep on the journey!
January 10, 2021 at 1:20 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
What a great perspective! Your son rocks!
January 10, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Madeleine McLaughlin
I think this is somewhat the same as in bed when my mind is relaxed ideas come. Now to tackle the daytime.
January 10, 2021 at 1:21 pm
jbbower
Storystorm is indeed an excellent way to rekindle that creative joy! Thanks for a great post Kristen!
January 10, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Keeping the Me in Mommy
You are so right about needing to find the joy in the journey!
January 10, 2021 at 1:23 pm
betlw
Sorry about your cancellation, but your book will find its home. I love your encouraging post! It made me stop and think–do I still find joy in writing? If not, I have to find it again. I’m going to study your list of things about writing that bring you joy. I actually love the editing stage when I see my stinky first draft become something new and exciting as I change, cut and add things to my story. Great post!
January 10, 2021 at 1:26 pm
bevbaird
Wonderful, inspiring post! Thank you. Love the idea of “joyful sparks awaiting us” Off to look for some
January 10, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Sarah Hammond
Nurse logs… what a nice idea. Nature is wonderful about teaching us about renewal and regeneration and how one thing ends as another begins.
January 10, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Joy is the journey! Otherwise, it’s drudgery. And THAT never made a picture book! Thanks for sharing the ups & downs of your journey!
January 10, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Mary Bleckwehl
Enjoy every moment is a framed quote my daughter gave me a few years ago. Your article reinforces that mantra! Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Catherine Lee
Thank you for the reminder that there is joy in the doing. Its not just fulfilling when it is done, but every step that can be filled with fun!
January 10, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Melissa Trempe is querying (@melissa_trempe)
I love the idea of just enjoying the moment. Trust in the process and find joy in what you write! Good luck with your story on sub and I can’t wait to one day see your whale book!
January 10, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Alison
Thank you for your poetic post Kirsten! It certainly resonates with me. I am also trying to just enjoy the process and focus on the joy of being creative without getting swept away by the pressures of the outcome.
January 10, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Toni Miller
Kirsten, thank you so much for craving that spark of joy in me today! It was just the message I needed to hear.
January 10, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Lynn Baldwin
What a great post. Thank you, Kristen.
January 10, 2021 at 1:36 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Kirsten, this is the perfect post for today. “Joy” is my word for 2021, but amid tumultuous events, it can be hard to feel. I’m going to take my dog for a walk and look for details, not landscapes. Best wishes in your continued publishing success, and I do hope we see that cancelled book get published!
January 10, 2021 at 1:37 pm
Janie Reinart
Kirsten,
Love you joy and “ brainstorm like no one’s watching”❤️
January 10, 2021 at 1:39 pm
Susan Drew
Oh I am all about the idea, and the first draft! I love that! I need to learn to find the joy in editing. First time, third time… tenth time. By that time I have not joy left. But I should. I need to learn how to bring the initial joy back. I’ll work on that this year.
January 10, 2021 at 1:40 pm
Joannie Duris
Thank you, Kirsten, for this joyful post. Being open to joyful sparks around us and exploring these little gems helps us connect with our inner child by modeling process over product.
January 10, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Yes, it’s very much an “enjoy the journey” kind of thing and good to remember that instead of just seeking the “destination.”
January 10, 2021 at 1:45 pm
matthewlasley
I think this is what I needed today, not just in picture book writing or generating ideas, but in life in general. Enjoy the process, love what you do and take time to just be in the moment.
January 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm
Robin Wiesneth
Joyful sparks indeed! Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm
blancamanzanilla
Thank you Ms. Pendreigh.
January 10, 2021 at 1:48 pm
paulajbecker
I find it hard not to judge even at this stage, so thank for the reminder to…well, not! Great ideas, too. Thank you for sharing, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Erin Rew
Yes! Enjoy the process. I am a creator at my core and even if my creations never come to fruition I love the process. 🥰
January 10, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Kirsten, thanks for sharing your joy and optimism. I wish you the best in this new year. May you find a wonderful option for that story that got cancelled. Keep giving joy; wishing you lots.
January 10, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Ciara N M Greenwalt
I looove that metaphor of the nurse log for the way failures (and successes that have been unfairly ripped from us) are the fertile ground for the next new, wonderful thing.
January 10, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Brenda Flowers
“Joy in the journey “….a great reminder, Kirsten. Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Joyce
Oh Kirsten! I hope to see your “debut” as a second or third book on the bookshelves soon! Thank you for modeling the behavior all of us need to succeed as writers and for reminding us what’s important!
January 10, 2021 at 1:58 pm
Susan Twiggs
Kirsten,
Writing is all about the journey. I may or may not get published but I am enjoying the journey!
January 10, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Sarah Kilfoil
You’ve inspired me with your talk of finding joy in ideas and in the process! I do find myself getting bogged down in focusing on the product. Thanks for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 2:03 pm
marnijlo
Thank you so much for this encouragement. I love the idea of writing for the process not the end result. Writing is life giving, joy bringing and soul filling. 💗
January 10, 2021 at 2:03 pm
Heather Rowley
I loved this post! Thanks for bringing a bright approach to writing and sharing with others!
January 10, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thank you, Kristen! I got a spark of a new idea while reading your post!
January 10, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Great post Kirsten – you cannot spell “journey” without “joy”!
January 10, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
Process over product. Great advice. I look forward to seeing your books in print!
January 10, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Eileen Mayo
This post is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story.
January 10, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Bhandi
Thank you for the post. I’ve been having a rough week and it’s negatively affecting my creativity. I’ll just keep going 👏
January 10, 2021 at 2:10 pm
wfedan
Thanks for the reminder! “Enjoy the journey!”
January 10, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Poupette
What a lovely, inspiring, and encouraging story. Thank you, too, for introducing this here nature lover to the term “nurse log.”
January 10, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Sharon E. Langley
Thank you for this reminder. Joy in the journey is an important goal. I will remember that when I’m agonizing over a troublesome revision…lol
January 10, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Thanks for reminder of why I write. It’s because I love the process. Let the ideas flow!
January 10, 2021 at 2:22 pm
jacqueline flesher
my son is also a prolific creator of things. i too have be reminded of the joy of the process when he so willingly discards drawings he’s worked on for hours. what a beautiful reminder to find joy in the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 2:23 pm
tracivw
Yes! Joy in the journey. Thanks for the reminder! And this is how you spell thumpetty-thump –? Thanks for that too. I’ve used thumpety-thump or thumpity-thump. That quickening of the heartbeat is so important. This is my my word this year is HEART.
January 10, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Thanks for sharing your list of what brings you joy – and for the reminder that the joy of writing is in the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 2:25 pm
2riteornot
Thank you for a joyful post.
January 10, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Carole Calladine
The PROCESS is what matters. Thank you to you and your son for reminding us of the joy that process brings.
January 10, 2021 at 2:33 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
“Maybe my _____[fill in the blank] story will end up as firewood. I’ll try to bask in its warm glow. I’ll still be creating with joy.” Such a positive perspective to have no matter where you are on your writing journey. Here’s hoping 2021 will add to your joy!
January 10, 2021 at 2:35 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, Jilanne! Wishing you joyful creating in 2021!
January 10, 2021 at 2:35 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Love this sentiment…thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 2:38 pm
lavern15
Thank you Kirsten for reminding us to just enjoy what we’ve written whether it gets picked up or not and to just find joy in everything that we do because it’s always there even when we don’t recognize it instantly.
January 10, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
So many great points. Looking to children for cues on joy,…and remembering that we are a supportive/loving community of writers hit home with me. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Susan Eyerman
A quote I love from Jane Yolen “Value the process, not the product.” Adding joy is deliberate. Thank you for this message.
January 10, 2021 at 2:42 pm
clairebobrow
I definitely hit the “breakdown” phase of the journey at the end of last year. Even some good news I received couldn’t lift me from the blue state I fell into. But Storystorm is helping me get back on track and this post is just what I needed. Thank you, Kirstin, for reminding us what it’s all about. Here’s to process! And fingers crossed your canceled story will get picked up again!!
January 10, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Lydia Lukidis
It’s true that sometimes we lose the joy in the process- a great reminder to pause and take stock.
January 10, 2021 at 2:45 pm
nataliecohn0258
Thank you for sharing your journey and advice!
January 10, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Sometimes it is easy to forget the joy…I love how your son has reminded us of what is important! Much success to you, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 2:48 pm
Dan Marvin
Idea generation if my very favorite, too. And I see the “process over product” in my daughter’s creativity all the time. Good reminder to take a cue for those we’re writing for. Thanks Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Cathy Ogren
The joy in creating something is all it takes to make me happy. It may not go anywhere, but the creative part of it is fun! Thanks for sharing, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Marcie Mahuta
I just had this convo with another writer. You are spot on. Enjoy the journey & the rest will follow. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Debra Katz
This post was a great reminder to never loose touch with why we write. I agree with Aimee (above) – sometimes it’s easy to forget the joy. Here’s to rekindling the spark!
January 10, 2021 at 3:01 pm
karammitchell
Thanks, Kirsten. I have forgotten to play for a long time. Too many people in my house needing things from me! Thanks for the reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 3:03 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Thank you, Kirsten, for your wisdom. I am looking forward to digging into some joy today and discovering what pops up. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Virginia Rinkel
I love your uplifting post here – bring on the JOY!
January 10, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Debra Shumaker
What a meaningful post. It’s always a good reminder to enjoy the journey. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Aundra Tomlins
Joy is key. Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes it can be hard to find in the chaotic days.
January 10, 2021 at 3:06 pm
bgonsar
Needed this inspiration! Thank you Kirsten.
January 10, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Katie L. Carroll
I’ll be thinking about “process over product” for a long time.
January 10, 2021 at 3:18 pm
alyssa_reynoso_morris
Love this. Writing from a place of joy is something my grandmother would advise. Thanks for this reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Tanja Bauerle
Nurture your spark! I love it. Thank you. Tanja
January 10, 2021 at 3:26 pm
sharon lane holm
thank you for your insight. I think I tend to forget the journey. The initial excitement of a new idea, a new character I’ve created. And fall into the trap, is it good enough etc. I need to remind myself that the excitement that happens in the thought process is what is really rewarding.
January 10, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
Process over product is fabulous advice for finding joy in our writing! Thank you so much, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 3:28 pm
brilliantviewpoint
Hi Kirsten, my heart sank when I read your PB debut for 2021 was cancelled. As if COVID wasn’t enough for 2020. Joy always comes after a challenge. When your book does come out, I hope we are out of COVID and then book marketing will not only be on Zoom. 2021 – here’s to new victories! Monica
January 11, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Brenda Flowers
This was the way I felt, too, when I read about the
debut being cancelled. Loss and delay are hard experiences
Then, I realized how good was already coming forth from the delay. Joy in the process. … such a special truth for us all to remember.
I agree… more victories are coming.
January 10, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Shannon
Thanks for sharing! I loved your quote “be open to joyful sparks awaiting you.” 🤩🎇
January 10, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Megan Whitaker
So glad you look at the writing journey with a positive attitude-I think a book being cancelled would have derailed me for months. Thanks for all your mindful advice!
January 10, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Brian Burak
I love this. Such simple but wise advice. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement! I needed that.
January 10, 2021 at 3:35 pm
amyhouts
I love your optimism! Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Mary York
Kirsten, you’re an inspiration! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Judy Sobanski
Kirsten, your post was so positive and uplifting! I love your determination and your acknowledgment of the pitfalls of the journey you’re on. I’m excited to hear your announcement soon!
January 10, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Darcee A. Freier
Process over product. That strikes home. Thanks for reminding me/us to follow the joy.
January 10, 2021 at 3:40 pm
roberta abussi
Thank you for this post. This definitely is a wake-up call. How many times do we tell children that the product is not important, that what matters is the process? How many times do we tell children that it doesn’t matter if it looks good or not, what matters is what you have learnt and how you felt by doing it? Despite that, I do realize that in my everyday life, I forget about this important message. I forget to daily remind myself that I need to enjoy and make the most out of the process, not just work toward a final product.
January 10, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Jocelyn Rish
So proud of Kirsten and how she moved forward with class and strength!
January 10, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
I really, really want to take your advice and find Joy in the journey. I love to play with words, so I guess just acknowledging the satisfaction that gives me would be a step in the right direction! Thanks for sharing your energy with us!
January 10, 2021 at 3:47 pm
katiefischerwrites
I love your focus on joy and creating for the sake of creating, it’s a good reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Cindy S.
Letting go of all those “rules” is a lot harder than it seems. Thank for giving us permission to do so. Great post.
January 10, 2021 at 3:51 pm
Sara Matson
What do I dread most? Generating Ideas! My inner editor is always at its most vicious at this stage. That’s why I so appreciate the perspective of your words:
“This idea stage is free of judgement and full of possibility. Each new idea is a precious, fragile, exciting secret only your unique brain knows about. It could go anywhere!
Today I challenge YOU, fellow traveller on this long and bumpy road, to cherish this stage.”
I’m going to try to do that. Thanks for the encouragement!
January 10, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Claire Freeland
Thank you this heartfelt and generous post. Here’s to joy and process!
January 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Writer on the run
Thank you Kirsten for the inspiration. In an effort to get things done and move the needle on writing, I can get very prescriptive and focused on the product- I need to get back to the joy of the process!
January 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm
kirstenbockblog
I definitely needed to hear this today! Thank you for your inspirational words.
January 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Maria Marshall
Thank you for your post. This year sapped a bunch of that joy. But slowly, it is coming back. It definitely is easier than I thought to get so focused on the goal – the path – and forget to wonder at the unique trees and nature all around. I appreciate the reminder. Best of Luck!
January 10, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for reminding us that it’s all about the process.
January 10, 2021 at 4:04 pm
Jennifer Raudenbush
I can’t get enough joy this year!
January 10, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Lisa Billa
Thank you for this post! Your list is exactly why I write- a great reminder. I look forward to reading your stories!
January 10, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt)
Just wonderful!
January 10, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great post, Kirsten! I was so impressed with how you weathered that storm of your 2021 book. I appreciate you talking about the difficulties we encounter, and how to move past them. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 4:12 pm
nrompella
This is so true about kids. It’s us adults who encourage the product. This is good to remember for us as well. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Cindy Jeklin
Thanks for such an inspiring post and excellent advice! I’m sorry to hear about your book project being cancelled last year but am looking forward to seeing (and buying) them all when they are sitting on the shelf at Kids Books in Vancouver. Best of luck from a fellow Vancouverite!
January 10, 2021 at 4:14 pm
M.A. Cortez
I really enjoyed this post. It was very inspiring and a good reminder to keep the focus on the joy in the creative process.
January 10, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
May we all enJOY the joy in our writing journeys. Thank you, Kirsten.
Suzy Leopold
January 10, 2021 at 4:20 pm
stacey miller
This is such an important point, thank you. That we should love the process not just the finished idea. The way a story takes shape is such a joyus part of writing.
January 10, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Rona Shirdan
Here’s to JOY! Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Congrats on the new whales story–looking forward to hearing the good news soon. So sorry to hear about your canceled debut picture book–hopefully it will get picked up again. Thanks for reminding us to focus on the process over the product–such a good mindset for aspiring kidlit writers.
January 10, 2021 at 4:29 pm
Hélène Sabourin
No joy, no point
Nice that you are in Canada although I’m on the east coast.
January 10, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Erika C Suckow
“Brainstorm like no one is watching!”, This just may be my new motto for the remainder of Storystorm. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
I love the idea of finding joy in the journey. I’ve been noticing nature more on my walks, and your nurse logs reminded me of how the Mesquite trees nurse the Saguaro cactus seedlings here in the desert. I’m sure I can think of some stories from nature. Thank you for your post.
January 10, 2021 at 4:38 pm
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the important reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Alice Fulgione
Writing does fill us with joy. Isn’t that the reason we all write? Thanks so much for this motivational reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Alice Fulgione
Writing does fill us with joy. Isn’t that the reason we all write? Great motivational reminder!
January 10, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Roberta Gibson
Would absolutely love to read your book about nurse logs. That would bring me joy.
January 10, 2021 at 4:44 pm
bonzerb
I loved your post Kirsten and reminder to love what you do.
January 10, 2021 at 4:45 pm
paulastevenson7
Took away so many gems Kirsten…start with joy, the rest will follow. Love it
January 10, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Christine Pinto
Lovely post! Thanks so much for reminding me about what to forget (instructions to engineer) as well as what to remember (joy and process).
thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 4:48 pm
Della
Important reminder to take joy in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Karin Larson
I love this post! Thank you so much for the wonderful advice and inspiration.
January 10, 2021 at 4:55 pm
chardixon47
“It’s a gift to get to write about things I love.” This is the reason I write. Thank you Kirsten for this post of terrific advice. I found joy with you today.
January 10, 2021 at 4:57 pm
Lori Dubbin
Today I will “brainstorm like no one’s watching!” ❤
January 10, 2021 at 4:59 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Your post reminded me to hold on to the reason I started writing in the first place! Thanks so much!
January 10, 2021 at 5:00 pm
Deb Lund
So positive and encouraging! Thanks for adding joy to my day!
January 10, 2021 at 5:00 pm
Jeanne Cherney
Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 5:03 pm
jenlinville2021
One of my joys on this journey is reading these posts. Thank you for sharing!
January 10, 2021 at 5:03 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great post! A reminder to find joy in what you’re doing is so helpful!
January 10, 2021 at 5:06 pm
Jennifer Rathe
I smiled as I read your lists of joys that come from writing! I fell them too!
January 10, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Lisa Gaines
Such a timely post! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 5:14 pm
SHANNA SILVA
You had me at Moira Rose.
January 10, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Carole Shelton
Such a great post – thank you!!
January 10, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Judith Snyder
Taking joy in the journey makes everything so much more fun. Thank you for the reminders.
January 10, 2021 at 5:19 pm
susanzonca
It’s so easy to get stuck in the how to do it “right,” that my joy in creating gets squelched. Thank you for the encouragement to step away from all the rules and regulations so sparks can fly again.
January 11, 2021 at 2:44 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks for reading! I think editors also like to see fresh things; I’ve heard some saying they’re tired of the formulaic stories. It is good to have structure, but sometimes it can be predictable and, like you say, squelch your creativity!
January 10, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Cassy Polimeni
I love this Kirsten! This is a much more beautiful way of saying something I am finally starting to appreciate – in dark times spending time in your head, playing with words and stories can be both a lifeline and a light. It’s the first time I’ve really come to appreciate that on a soul level rather than always wanting to see results from my writing. I’ve scribbled down lots of notes from your beautiful post. Thanks for the inspo!
January 11, 2021 at 2:40 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you so much, Cassy! I’ve found writing very healing, especially my poetry.
January 10, 2021 at 5:22 pm
Ashley Karges
What a wonderful and inspirational post, Kirsten – thank you! Yes to JOY!
January 10, 2021 at 5:25 pm
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri
Thank you for reminding me to focus on the joy in the journey! I find that when I get the most caught up in end product is when I feel my creativity just shrivel up and die.
January 11, 2021 at 2:45 am
kirstenpendreigh
Yes! Don’t let it shrivel up and die, Celeste!!
January 10, 2021 at 5:25 pm
Armineh Manookian
Thank you Kirsten for your encouragement. Sometimes we put so much weight on performance and the final product that we forget about the importance of the journey. I love that, as you pointed out, kids know this truth instinctively.
January 10, 2021 at 5:27 pm
srkckass
Thank you so much for this uplifting post. COVID-19 may be contagious but at least joy is too!
January 10, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Thank you for the words of wisdom. Enjoying the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Cathy McDonnell
Thank you Kirsten, what inspirational words!
January 10, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Caren
I love the idea of process over product! It’s already sparking several ideas. Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Lindsey Hobson
Thank you for this reminder, I definitely needed it!
January 10, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Mary Jane
A salute to joy. On with the journey.
January 10, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Heather Gallagher
All so true, thanks Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 5:38 pm
yangmommy
Such a lovely & heartfelt post! Yes, the joy can always be found in the journey 🙂 (And apparently so can a young Leonardo, LOL!)
January 10, 2021 at 5:40 pm
deirdreprischmann
Such a relevant post!
January 10, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Dawn M.
Rekindling my creative joy. Thanks for the reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 10, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Martha Moore
Oh funny! I’m reading along in your post and saying to myself, “Yes. Yes. Yes!” and I get to the photo of the logs. The way I was reading your post was pretty much full screen and the photos of the logs is gorgeous. So I paused, just savoring it and breathing. And the thought occurred to me, hmm, nurse logs. Maybe I can do something with . . . and start reading again and there it is! You share you’ve written a lyrical story of nurse logs. I for one, hope it gets picked up and published soon. I want to read it!
January 10, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Shirley
Thanks for focusing on the joy of writing. We get too bogged down with crafting a story and miss out on the joy of creating.
January 10, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Stephanie Wildman
One of my joys is reading Kirsten’s stories. What a wonderful post. Love the pics of your son. Here’s to joy, much needed after this week.
January 10, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Kristin Sawyer
Thank you. Joy is one of my favorite words and concepts. I hope to read your story on nurse logs one day; one of my sons and I were just reading about the regeneration that occurs after forest fires.
January 10, 2021 at 5:53 pm
calliebdean
Ever since I visited Olympic National Park, I have found nurse logs fascinating!!! Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the journey, wherever it may lead!
January 11, 2021 at 2:39 am
kirstenpendreigh
They are so amazing! Thanks for reading!
January 10, 2021 at 5:57 pm
amckelle
Thank you Kirsten! I keep a post it by my computer that says “Why I write:” and the top bullet point is for the joy of it. Such good advice to focus on enjoying the process, even when it is hard.
January 10, 2021 at 5:58 pm
tinefg
Thank you so much for the reminder to focus on the play and forget the outcome (there’s plenty of time to worry about that later). There is so much to learn/relearn from our kids! Remembering to enjoy the ride….
January 10, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Brittney
Love the insight! Thank you!!
January 10, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Mark Ceilley
We often forget about the process. We get so focused on the product. Thank you for reminding us to enjoy the process with joy. The process is what writing is all about. Thank you for your inspiring post!
January 10, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you Kirsten for the uplifting post. I look forward to reading your book on nurse logs. Fascinating!
January 10, 2021 at 6:02 pm
Meghan Burch
Thank you Kirsten. I taught art to young children for years and appreciate your reminder that this is a good time to value process over product.
January 10, 2021 at 6:02 pm
Julie
So lovely, Kirsten. Perfect for the start of my JOY year!
January 10, 2021 at 6:04 pm
Jayne Wilson
Thanks ever so much for this Kirsten! I really appreciated this. It was nice to make a list of what you’re joyful for with your writing & what you love most. I got hurt a few years ago & couldn’t write for 3 years. One of the things that I was most joyful for was ‘that my love of writing is back & I consistently write every day’. It might not sound like much to some people but for me it was huge! Thank you for giving me that beautiful reminder. I so enjoyed your post today! ❤️
January 10, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Jess
Great advice – thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 6:09 pm
mooseeggproductions
Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Bea Brown
Thanks for the reminder that we should remember “process over (unpredictable) process. I’ll post it on my desk.
January 10, 2021 at 6:16 pm
Kellie
Thank you Kirsten – and you’re absolutely right about writing with joy v engineering a story. My engineered stories are usually rubbish. Great post.
January 10, 2021 at 6:17 pm
LisaNevada
Oh, I so needed that reminder to enjoy the process! Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 6:17 pm
aidantalkin
Writing what I think up never has the exciting heart of those that come from the heart! Starting to write from emotions today, thanks! Our cool west Coast Drippy rainforests and squishy mosses are calling me for an idea walk!
January 10, 2021 at 6:25 pm
YauMei Chiang
Kirsten, thank you for helping me focus on the joy of the journey. I’ll look out for your PBs and the poetry publications.
January 11, 2021 at 2:08 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you, YauMei!
January 10, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Charles Trevino
Thank you for reminding me about the journey/process!
January 10, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Beth Elliott
Hello fellow Canadian! Your words are true, inspiring, and honest. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
January 11, 2021 at 2:11 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, Beth!
January 10, 2021 at 6:28 pm
Jen MacGregor
I think this is my favourite Story Storm blog post so far!
January 11, 2021 at 2:37 am
kirstenpendreigh
Wow! Thank you, Jen! Wish there was a hug emoji on WordPress!
January 10, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Kay
Great ideas thanks for sharing
January 10, 2021 at 6:34 pm
teacherwriteracker
The joy truly is in the journey!
January 10, 2021 at 6:35 pm
mona861
Thanks for your post full of JOY! I’m thinking, do I stand outside of the forest and look in, or stand inside and look outward, or stand inside and turn a different way to generate ideas? Love this post.
January 11, 2021 at 2:09 am
kirstenpendreigh
So many possibilities!
January 10, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Sara Trofa
I agree, Kirsten: joy is contagious! Thanks for the post : )
January 10, 2021 at 6:36 pm
Heather Kelso
Great post, find the joy! Thank you for sharing your journey that comes with ups and downs, but you kept going.
January 10, 2021 at 6:36 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Yes, here’s to JoY! Thanks for sharing your story and your joy. There are many road blocks or delays and I am coming off of having to caregiver for my adult daughter for about 4 years. Thanks for your inspiration.
January 10, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Sara Trofa
I agree, Kirsten: joy is contagious! Thanks for the post : )
January 10, 2021 at 6:40 pm
Susan Cabael
I like the concept of a fresh new idea as a precious secret, ready for its adventure.
January 10, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Heather Stigall
Definitely great advice. I find joy in the idea stage too, and that’s why I love StoryStorm. I can just jot down anything that comes to mind & not worry about anything else.
January 10, 2021 at 6:42 pm
danielledufayet
Yes! Joy, and you can’t go wrong! Congrats!
January 10, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Jen
Thank you for the essential reminder- it is so freeing to focus on the process instead of the product!!! I have “joy in the journey” on my short list of 2021 mantras.
January 10, 2021 at 6:45 pm
Elizabeth Masterman
This is exactly my approach to Storystorm, I am writing down every little nugget, some of them are just reminders to think about something more deeply at a later date!
January 10, 2021 at 6:51 pm
Jane Mackenzie
It’s definitely got to be about process over product. Thanks for the reminder to look for the joy 😊💕
January 10, 2021 at 6:52 pm
brittanypomales
Expect delays, ain’t that the truth! Thanks for the great post.
January 10, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Monica A. Harris
Kids—-the best source of inspiration because their brains don’t have little annoying editors in them! Looking at life through their eyes, whether it’s for writing ideas OR to just appreciate this amazing life journey, is a gift I hope each of you give yourself for 2021
January 10, 2021 at 6:56 pm
Joyce Uglow
Joy is exactly what we all need. ⭐️
January 10, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thanks for this, Kirsten. And I love the idea of nurse trees. How wonderful.
January 10, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Amy
Thank you for the reminder to look for joy in everyday life. It’s important and will help so much with our writing journeys.
January 10, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Sharon Coffey
Kirsten,
How inspirational your post was! “Ideas are judgement free and full of possibility.” I love that. So very true. And you’re right, we need to make sure we don’t miss the trees because we’re too focused on the forest. Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
Thanks for the reminder that the joy in the journey is what writing for kids is all about (or any kind of writing!) I look forward to your nurse tree story – I have always been fascinated by them. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 7:12 pm
Angela De Groot
Thank you for reminding us to find the joy in creating.
January 10, 2021 at 7:14 pm
mariearden
Brainstorm like no one’s watching. Banish all those inner and outer critics waiting to pounce. Keep ideas judgement free. Great ideas!
January 10, 2021 at 7:17 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a fabulous and inspirational post! I love this line: “Brainstorm like no-one’s watching!” And guess what?! Given last year and the unpredictability of this journey, the word I picked for the year (I pick words instead of resolutions) was JOY! Great minds…
January 10, 2021 at 7:25 pm
tinamcho
Thank you for these reminders to find joy!
January 10, 2021 at 7:32 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
This past year was one in which I found myself seriously considering that offramp. Your list reminded me of some of the reasons I decided to keep journeying. And gave me a few more to think about. Hurrah for the process!
January 10, 2021 at 8:04 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Oh, this makes me happy to hear. It was a terrible year, in so many ways. I hope you find more joy in 2021, LeeAnn.
January 10, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Tonnye W. Fletcher
Yes, I sometimes think the offramp is the best place for me. . . But I KNOW I fail if I give up, so I keep trucking! Thanks for reminding me of the JOY I find in writing, creating, and enjoying all the processes and relationships along the way! Let JOY ring out in 2021! Congrats on your success, and blessings for continued successes.
January 10, 2021 at 8:00 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you so much, Tonnye! To you too!
January 10, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Babs Ostapina
Thanks for affirming my 2021 mantra, Kirsten… find joy in the journey! I hope your logs burn bright.
January 10, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Carrie Boone (@PageDoor)
Beautiful and inspiring post! I got my first rejection of 2021 today, and your words couldn’t be better timed. Thanks – I will return to this more than once. Congratulations on your successes and the firewood, both!
January 10, 2021 at 7:59 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you, Carrie! This road is paved with rejections! In the good old days people could paper the walls with them. Or burn them 😉
January 10, 2021 at 7:42 pm
mariamd542
Thanks Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Lisa Bratus
Silence the judge and embrace the joy! I love it! Pure freedom! Like running barefoot through the grass as a child and not caring how dirty your feet get lol! I emphasize process with my elementary writing students all the time and they go with it. I need to follow their lead! Thank you for this post!
January 10, 2021 at 7:56 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Love this! You sound like a wonderful teacher, Lisa!
January 10, 2021 at 7:52 pm
Susan Jobsky
Joy. Such a small word with such a huge impact upon the soul! What is life without joy? I focus on who brings me joy and the stories flow from the depths of my being.
January 10, 2021 at 8:01 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Thanks for the practical “steps”, the ideas for puzzling out even page turns and pacing, and for helping us remember why we wanted to write picture books in the first place!
January 10, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Angie
Ooh, I hope your nurse logs picture book comes to life soon! I am fascinated by them! Thanks for sharing with us! From a fellow Pacific Northwest tree lover.
January 11, 2021 at 2:15 am
kirstenpendreigh
Ah thank you, Angie! We have the best trees here!
January 14, 2021 at 11:09 am
Angie
We do!!!
January 10, 2021 at 8:10 pm
8catpaws
Take the first step with joy, and the story will follow. What a lovely thought!
January 10, 2021 at 8:11 pm
Tricia Thatcher
Such a great post!! Process over product and joy in the journey ❤️
January 10, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Rathi
Thank you for the great advice!
January 10, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Krista Harrington
Kirsten, your post is truly encouraging. I can’t wait to read you books about logs, as I too, am a huge tree lover.
Thanks again!
January 11, 2021 at 2:35 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks Krista! The world needs more tree lovers!
January 10, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Sarah Stuart
Beautiful! Thank you for these wise words. Never has it been more important to savor the journey than during the past difficult year. Best wishes to you!
January 10, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Pat Tiffany Inks
This is my second message from this logged in to wordpress but it doesn’t show up. The other comment was made with out logging into wordpress cause this one doesn’t work.
January 10, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Trine Grillo
You have a lovely attitude. Thanks for modeling that for us!
January 10, 2021 at 8:34 pm
ruthwilson48
Choosing the process over the product is something I need to remind myself to do more of! Thanks for the very helpful advice!
January 10, 2021 at 8:42 pm
John McGranaghan
Thank you for the reminder and the inspiration of what we need to focus on.
January 10, 2021 at 8:43 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for the inspiration, Kirsten! I especially love: Brainstorm like no-one’s watching!
It can be hard to write down an idea that seems too silly…but one super-silly, fun idea that I might have ignored without Storystorm turned into one of my favorite new PB manuscripts in 2020.
January 11, 2021 at 2:36 am
kirstenpendreigh
Yes!! I think we are all craving some silliness — especially kids!
January 10, 2021 at 8:45 pm
Sarah SarahH
Thank you for such an uplifting post, Kirsten. I’m going to be sleeping on this tonight- what do I find most joyful about writing?
January 10, 2021 at 8:53 pm
Amy Fae
Yes! The joy! I think that is a reminder I need – especially these days, and as I try to find my way back into writing. Thank you so much, Kirsten.
January 10, 2021 at 8:57 pm
viviankirkfield
Follow your dream, connect with your passion, and find joy – I know you are doing all of those, Kirsten…thank you for reminding us that joy is waiting to fill our hearts! Lovely post!
January 11, 2021 at 2:15 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thank you dear Vivian! xoxo
January 10, 2021 at 9:00 pm
Amy M. Miller
This is a lesson I am fully embracing this year and beyond. Ready to jump into the joy of creating no matter where it leads!
January 11, 2021 at 2:33 am
kirstenpendreigh
Yay!!
January 10, 2021 at 9:04 pm
marianariosr
Thanks for sharing the importance of keeping the joy alive. I really liked your post and it’s something I want to keep in mind whenever I write, because sometimes the process gets frustrating or complicated, and the point is that even in those moments, I must remember to find the joy and enjoy the process.
January 10, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Thanks Kirsten for the reminder of the process and how much joy we can find there. It takes the pressure off and lets more joy in.
January 10, 2021 at 9:11 pm
muskoshe
Today’s blog is so very relevant to me. My PB debut was to come out in March 2021. Then I got the call that it would be June 2021. Then there was the call that it would be August 2021. Just the other day, I was told that yes, it really would be in late August 2021. Fingers are crossed, hopes are stilled, and I have a new wait and see attitude. On the other hand, I started StoryStorm and so many new ideas are coming up. Even have two ms written for new PBs.
Thanks for this blog today.
January 10, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for sharing your joy with us. I look to my pups to keep our family upbeat. And they have inspired many of my stories.
January 10, 2021 at 9:24 pm
Mary-Claire
That is a very inspiring and joyful way to look at writing! (And I love the thought of nurse trees and their nurturing presence.)
January 10, 2021 at 9:27 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks, Kristen. I love writing humor, too.
January 10, 2021 at 10:56 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Humor is hard! And so powerful — people bond over a good laugh 😉
January 10, 2021 at 9:28 pm
Nancy Colle
Such a joyful post! Thank you:)
January 10, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Nancy Vona
The journey, not the destination. Always an important message to remember. Thank you, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 9:36 pm
seschipper
Thanks so much for this great post today! Super reminder to find and make time for the joy in our life! 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 9:38 pm
EmmieRWerner
JOY in the journey. Thanks for reminding us❤️
January 10, 2021 at 9:38 pm
Renée Neubauer
I came up with 2 Storystorm ideas just from reading your post. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
January 10, 2021 at 10:53 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Wow! That’s awesome! You are a story machine!
January 10, 2021 at 9:38 pm
dazzlengsy
Thank you for reminding us all of why we set out on this journey in the first place 🙂 Always tricky when the mind meddles with the parts where the heart should be taking the lead.
January 10, 2021 at 9:48 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Thank you for the reminder that joy is first and foremost on this journey.
January 10, 2021 at 9:51 pm
phyllischerry.com
Thank you for reminding me why I write. I’d forgotten how much fun it is to share a dream, idea, or sudden inspiration with someone and hope to spark creativity within him or her. All the how-to books and reasons why don’t write a story. We, the authors write our stories and hope they inspire readers.
January 10, 2021 at 9:53 pm
ofmariaantonia
What a great post for today! Thanks for the reminder of what makes writing a joy.
January 10, 2021 at 9:58 pm
TerriMichels
Thank you for a good job!
January 10, 2021 at 10:07 pm
Caitlyn Notaro
Yes! Here’s to joy, wherever she may be. My 2 year old teaches me about loving the journey every day. Kids are wonderful – that’s why we write for them!
January 10, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Marie
Thank you for the encouragement to focus on having joy in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Lori Sheroan
I also find the idea-generating process a joyful experience.
January 10, 2021 at 10:24 pm
Brinton Culp
I love your list of joy! Thank you for highlighting the joy of writing–I hope to enjoy all the trees in the forest.
January 10, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Always a good reminder. Thank you, Kirsten!
January 10, 2021 at 10:28 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thanks so much for this important reminder to enjoy the process! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 10, 2021 at 10:29 pm
DaNeil Olson
Words of wisdom and encouragement I needed to hear today. Thank you.
January 10, 2021 at 10:29 pm
CHRISTINE GRAHAM
Puzzling out is the perfect verb for picture books, and it’s what make them fun.
January 10, 2021 at 10:57 pm
kirstenpendreigh
I think there’s a definite correlation between people who like puzzles and people who write picture books!
January 10, 2021 at 10:40 pm
georgeandjohanna
Thank you for the reminder – seek the joy!
January 10, 2021 at 10:46 pm
dmcbee
What joy to read this post! Such encouragement.
January 10, 2021 at 10:49 pm
Virginia Law Manning
I loved your wonderful, heartfelt post! Thank you and cheers to the journey!!!
January 10, 2021 at 10:50 pm
lois1952
An important reminder. Thank you
January 10, 2021 at 10:53 pm
lois1952
Thanks for talking about these wonderful ideas and books.
January 10, 2021 at 10:56 pm
Jessica Pilarski
Wonderful article!
January 10, 2021 at 10:56 pm
Brandy Dixon
Great post that gets back to the basics of what it means to enJOY writing!
January 10, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Karen Engel
It is good to know everyone’s path has a few bumps in the road and you are not alone. Very motivational, thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 10:59 pm
wyszguy
What a lovely post and a much-needed reminder. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:00 pm
Adriana Bergstrom
I think you’re onto something here! My debut picture book as author/illustrator has been delayed a year, and it is comforting to know that everyone’s path has bumps. It definitely feels almost shameful because we made announcements and shared the joy, and then it’s maybe not happening… even though it’s completely out of our control when things happen like this, it’s good to remind myself why I do what I do.
January 11, 2021 at 2:22 am
kirstenpendreigh
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that Adriana! It is definitely out of your control! I think many projects have been delayed this year. I personally know of quite a few.
January 10, 2021 at 11:04 pm
rosihollinbeck
Sometimes we all lose the joy in this business. Thanks for the reminder to seek it out.
January 10, 2021 at 11:10 pm
Buffy Silverman
Finding joy–great suggestion for story inspiration and life!
January 10, 2021 at 11:13 pm
Michele Ziemke
Such great advice! It reminds of kindergarten students on their first day of art — “where’s the paint?” They have no interest in the rules! LOL.
January 10, 2021 at 11:13 pm
TL Fales
It can be so hard to remember the joy! Thanks for the reminder.
January 10, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the reminder to find the Joy in our stories and in the process!
January 10, 2021 at 11:16 pm
@taotalley
Thanks for sharing joy today. You give a simple and refreshing take on “it’s the journey, not the destination” from the perspective of children so involved in the process. I look forward to reading your stories!
January 10, 2021 at 11:16 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you for bringing us back to basics – love of the process!
January 10, 2021 at 11:17 pm
writeremmcbride
“Start with joy, the rest will follow.” Oh, how I needed to read that! I study and start, and prepare and repair…and forget the joy for the work that needs to be done! Thank you, Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 2:29 am
kirstenpendreigh
I’m so glad it resonated for you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:22 pm
jilltatara
Here’s to joy! and to loving the process! Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:31 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
KRISTEN: THANK YOU for your TRULY INSPIRING post! I NEEDED to read EACH AND EVERY word of it today! By sharing what brings you joy, and inspiring us to discover and FOCUS on what brings us joy, you have FILLED my “empty gas dank” to OVERFLOWING!!! Now it’s time for me to get back on the road to fulfilling my writing dreams. I THANK YOU!!!
January 11, 2021 at 2:24 am
kirstenpendreigh
YAY! That is amazing! Thank you!!
January 10, 2021 at 11:41 pm
angiecal76
Very inspiring post, Kristen (and your son has the right idea when it comes to enjoying the process).
January 10, 2021 at 11:43 pm
boardmancamera
Your words are balm to my weary soul!
January 10, 2021 at 11:47 pm
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you for the reminder that process should be the focus sometimes!
January 11, 2021 at 12:00 am
Gabi Snyder
Hooray for finding joy in the process! Thanks for this timely reminder, Kirsten. I needed this today. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 2:22 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks for reading, Gabi! Your book brought me joy this year!
January 11, 2021 at 12:03 am
Mary Beth Rice
Joy in the journey! Thank you, Kristen!
January 11, 2021 at 12:05 am
streetlynn
Thanks for reminding me of the joys of the process! Lynn Street
January 11, 2021 at 12:09 am
R.G. Spaulding
Good to enjoy the process! Thank you.
January 11, 2021 at 12:23 am
Mary Ann Blair
I also love how kids can remind us to just enjoy the journey, even if the end result isn’t what we want! Thanks for the this post!
January 11, 2021 at 12:24 am
Peggy Dobbs
Thank you for the message of joy. So appreciated!
January 11, 2021 at 12:49 am
tdjw
Wow thank you so much for sharing
January 11, 2021 at 12:50 am
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Thank you for this reminder to take pleasure from the process! My fingers are crossed for you!
January 11, 2021 at 12:57 am
Sheri
It is too true that joy gives life and animation that can never exist in purely mechanical writing. It is true, too, that our world needs more joy.
January 11, 2021 at 12:59 am
Lucretia S.
Thank you for sharing your ideas and insights, Kirsten. Most of all, I needed to hear the reminder about noting what brings me joy in the “hazardous journey” of writing. Nice post!
January 11, 2021 at 1:03 am
Becky Ross Michael
Loved learning about your process!
January 11, 2021 at 1:23 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Good reminder to be on the lookout for joy.
January 11, 2021 at 1:23 am
Dea Brayden
I ask myself what brings you joy every day, but until now, I never thought that these might become story prompts! Yay!
January 11, 2021 at 2:25 am
kirstenpendreigh
What a great daily practice, Dea!
January 11, 2021 at 1:31 am
Joanne Roberts
StoryStorm definitely sparks my joy!! Thanks.
January 11, 2021 at 1:32 am
Brooke Graham
I love the concept of starting with joy – the story idea must bring joy in order to put your heart and soul into the long journey that follows. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 1:40 am
Loralee Petersen
That’s an excellent point! There is no reason for this journey without the joy. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 1:48 am
Nadia Salomon
Thank you for sharing your journey and your persistence. Wishing you the best in 2021! Can’t wait to hear more about your good news.
January 11, 2021 at 2:28 am
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, Nadia! I’m looking forward to your debut!
January 11, 2021 at 2:05 am
Artelle Lenthall
Love it! Totally believe in the power of the journey over the destination.
January 11, 2021 at 2:08 am
Artelle Lenthall
Btw, my 2020 debut was postponed for the second time to October this year 🤞Glad you have some good news coming too🙂
January 11, 2021 at 2:31 am
A Brewer
I actually really liked the cadence of this post. The flow of your words gave such a cheerful flow. I am excited to look into your books. Thanks.
January 11, 2021 at 2:33 am
Marcia Berneger
I love your reminder to enjoy the process! I’ve been jotting down ideas all month on various scraps of paper. I gathered them today an wrote them onto my computer. I was surprised to see I had 15 ideas. It was so much fun finding all the idea.
January 11, 2021 at 2:43 am
Amanda Lieber
Thank you for your inspirational words.
January 11, 2021 at 3:04 am
bookthreader
I will remember this. Start with joy! ☺️
Moni
January 11, 2021 at 3:48 am
Rebecca Arent-Draper
Kristen, you are right on!
2020 was a huge “detour” for so many of us!
Thanks for the uplifting encouragement to continue the journey! Joy! (I’m loving it!) ❤️
January 11, 2021 at 3:47 am
Rebecca Arent-Draper
Kristen, you are right on!
2020 was a huge “detour” for so many of us!
Thanks for the uplifting encouragement to continue the journey! Joy! (I’m loving it!) ❤️
January 11, 2021 at 3:57 am
Varda Livney
Great reminder for me….. thanks!
January 11, 2021 at 4:04 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
I love all the JOY talk! It truly is amazing how kids find such joy in the process of things, in the making up of ideas etc…
January 11, 2021 at 4:59 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 5:02 am
cravevsworld
Wonderfully positive post! Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 5:35 am
tarajpotter
Such a joyous, uplifting post! Thanks. I’m already nurturing my sparks! So sorry about your debut – what a bummer.
January 11, 2021 at 6:56 am
Aly Kenna
Thank you Kirsten for reminding us that it’s okay to write for the love of it. That’s what it’s all about really but sometimes it’s nice just to be reminded. Good luck with your whale book and all those other irons you have in the fire. I am confident your cancelled debut will find a new home.
January 11, 2021 at 7:08 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
This is just what I needed to read today, and I’ll have to print it and keep it near because I know I’ll need to read it again soon. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
January 11, 2021 at 7:54 am
Alexis_Bookdragon
Joy is contagious! Thank you for your words of wisdom-truly inspiring.
January 11, 2021 at 8:21 am
jill
Thanks for the creative perspective, Kirsten! I love the process of creating temporary art. I make snow sculptures, sidewalk art, decorative cakes, and have art nights with my kids with art prompts. The one thing I had never considered was finding the joy in the process of writing. I recently returned to school to complete my Bachelor’s and it’s been a wonderful process of discovery. It’s caused me to understand that rejection and rewrites are part of the process. I stopped taking it personally. That was freeing. With your fresh perspective, I’m going to try pull more joy out of the process. I’ve enjoyed brainstorming so far. This has been a great learning experience that is pushing me farther than I expected. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 11, 2021 at 8:26 am
Jamie Bills
I feel like I needed to hear this today. Thank you so much. There is so much joy in the process. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 8:40 am
acottykid
Thank you for sharing.
January 11, 2021 at 8:54 am
naturewalkwithgod
I’m always telling my college writing students to look for joy in the journey, in the process. Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing your joy with us! –Kim
January 11, 2021 at 8:58 am
faygie1
I just wanted to say how much I love this post! Thank you Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 9:18 am
Hank Dallago
Thank you Kirsten for reminding us that it all stems from joy – especially when it’s anything to do with children – joy is at the heart of any story.
January 11, 2021 at 9:19 am
Marzieh Abbas
I simply love this post! one of the best ones yet! Thanks Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 9:22 am
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Kirsten, I remember reading your post on 12×12 when your book was canceled. My heart broke for you, but also I went into total panic because I had JUST signed the contract for my own debut (and, if I’m honest, I’m still in panic a little — its not slated until 2022) but I LOVE your attitude and how you picked yourself up and remembered to find JOY in the process. It truly is what’s most important. In fact, I ended up writing a PB about that I feel is one of the best things I’ve ever written. It’s so true that when a book is conceived in joy, you just KNOW it was meant to be, and even if it never finds a home, I’m so glad I was able to write it. All the best to you on your journey! And thanks for this post. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 9:26 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for writing about joy. It just might be contagious!
January 11, 2021 at 9:29 am
pbbeckyk
I feel this! I am always most confident in the manuscripts that I write most joyfully. Thank you for your words. Your log story sounds amazing!
January 11, 2021 at 9:33 am
Kathryn Cunningham
Thanks for the wonderful post!
January 11, 2021 at 9:39 am
Jay
A wonderful and timely reminder that we appreciate the joy in our writing journey. Thank you Kirsten.
January 11, 2021 at 9:55 am
Alicia Curley
Joy is so under emphasized in this industry! Thank you for reminding us. I am happiest when I’m working on stories that bring me joy, even if people say there’s no chance of them selling. The joy is in the puzzle, the challenge, the fun. Something we often need to remind ourselves!
January 11, 2021 at 9:59 am
Suz Halko
Yay! What a great reminder. I’m printing out your Moira and pinning it up by my desk—like right now!
January 11, 2021 at 10:00 am
karasibilia
Great post, Kirsten! A wonderful reminder about finding joy and appreciating the journey.
January 11, 2021 at 10:34 am
Joan Swanson
Thank you for your post. I got two ideas while reading your post!
January 11, 2021 at 10:43 am
lanearnold
A Joy Jig after reading this…
January 11, 2021 at 10:54 am
Lori Shapiro
Kirsten,
I truly appreciate you sharing how important the process is and it’s not always about the result. I love that example with your son How poignant! And he’s pretty cute too !! But I know I sometimes lose track of the process as I’m focused on the end result. I am jotting down all kinds of ideas and… we will see!! Thanks again!!
January 11, 2021 at 11:03 am
kate carroll
Great Monday morning post! Recalling what gives me joy when I write was like finding a forgotten gift. And that gives me joy and motivation too!
Catching those memories of your son took me back to that place and I loved it! Thanks!
January 11, 2021 at 11:05 am
crdram12
Kirsten, I’m so sorry about your book; that must have been heartbreaking. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing your experience and using it to remind others what writing is all about. I’m saving this post, so I can come back to it the next time I’ve had a setback. Thank you.
January 11, 2021 at 11:18 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
Great comment about a story leading with joy versus engineering a story. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 11:32 am
Laurie Bouck
I love the idea of starting with joy – I’ll have to try that! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 11:36 am
amomnextdoor
Thanks for your reminder about joy at a moment when I was feeling most discouraged. I’m having trouble breaking out of the lethargy and terror of 2020 to move back toward creating. Thank you for the nudge.
January 11, 2021 at 11:40 am
mginsberg10
Thank you for sharing your inspirational point of view! Micki
January 11, 2021 at 11:45 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Kirsten, I’m making my list of what brings me joy in the writing process right now! (And it’s bringing me joy.) Thank you! I hope your cancelled debut finds a happy new home.
January 11, 2021 at 11:46 am
Michele Helsel
What a joy-filled read! Encouraging!
January 11, 2021 at 11:55 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank you for sharing! My debut pb was canceled fall 2019. It was heartbreaking, but like you said, we do it for the joy. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 11, 2021 at 11:58 am
Lauren Hidalgo
Reading these blog posts have been so inspiring, but yours has helped fill in a gaping hole that has opened up on my path. I wanted to write stories because it’s such a creative experience, but I got caught up in the “engineering.” Thanks for the reminder to just enjoy the whole process and not to get too caught up in the product.
January 11, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Karen
You’re so right about looking to our kids for inspiration. Thank you for reminding me. I wish you luck on that submission.
January 11, 2021 at 12:18 pm
melissamiles1
This message was much needed today! Thanks so much for your encouraging post. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you so much for this post, Kirsten. Your words are true and uplifting. A much needed message!!
January 11, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Anita Banks
Thank you for the reminder!
January 11, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Margie Markarian
Great reminders to find the joy especially after another unsettling news week. Thanks! Good luck with the next round of subs!
January 11, 2021 at 12:37 pm
mariemessinger
Jump ropes and apple sauce–thanks for an important reminder!
January 11, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Nichole Bowers
Kirsten Pendreigh, your words reaffirm one of my strongest beliefs as a writer. Finding joy in the journey. Like you, generating ideas is what I love most! I will never stop writing, even if I am never published. It is too exhilarating! I value your thoughts and advice. Thank you for sharing!
January 11, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Kassy Keppol
thank you
January 11, 2021 at 12:41 pm
boygirlparty
2020 was a challenging year to nurture joy, so I appreciate this reminder to nurture it and let it grow!! thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Cheryl
Good post — I came up with an idea almost immediately that related to your comment about fallen trees. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 11, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Susan
Thanks for adding kindling to the hearth. May your projects find warm homes.
January 11, 2021 at 1:03 pm
writeknit
I love this post! My favorite so far this year. Enjoying the process is so important to me 🙂
I compare it to knitting (which I also love). I knit lots and lots of socks. Some ask why I don’t branch out to bigger, more complicated things but I love the soothing process of one stitch at a time. How lovely to think of writing the same. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Susan Wroble
Oh, this just re-framed so much for me! I love that framework of Joy — and, to be honest, of friendship with my critique group and the writing community.
January 11, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for reminding us not to take the off-ramp and that, for me, the joyful process of creating, of digging in, is more important.
January 11, 2021 at 1:40 pm
Katie Williams
So much joy was lost for me this last year, I love the reminder to go back to the basics and just enjoy the process. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 1:46 pm
topangamaria
JOY as a SUPER power = NICE
January 11, 2021 at 2:09 pm
martyfindley
I love the idea of finding joy in the process!
January 11, 2021 at 2:11 pm
claireannette1
Kirsten, Thank you for bring joy to my day. I’m heading out to see what sparks I can find. I hope your manuscript finds a new home soon.
January 11, 2021 at 2:26 pm
jensubra
This was the perfect encouragement for me today, Kirsten. I’ve definitely lost the joy and have been swamped with the burden of learn-more-do-more. Thanks for the perspective adjustment!
January 11, 2021 at 2:35 pm
syorkeviney
Thank you Kristen. Playing with words, ideas and pictures is truly my joy…. the nuttier the better!
January 11, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Robin Bailey
Kirsten, thank you for that encouraging post. I am so glad you kept moving forward despite the hurdles. I live in the beautiful PNW and I look forward to your nurse log story. 🙂 Thank you for the reminder to start from the place of joy!
January 11, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
This was such great encouragement! I need to focus more on the joy! Thanks so much!
January 11, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you – just what I needed to read today!
January 11, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Heather Kinser
This post is going to help me reset. I just know it! And…I hope I get to read that ‘nurse logs’ story one day. What an outstanding PB concept. (Ooo…and also hoping to win a critique.)
January 11, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Debra Bartsch
Kirsten Pendreigh Joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Oh ya! When we find the joy in whatever we are after, it truly gets us through .
Thank you for sharing your joy and I look forward to reading your books! Sharing joy with others.
January 11, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Elizabeth S Harris
Beautiful blog. The last time I felt joy was when I quit sugar for a spell…that was a long time ago. I love the message, and I think I want to live where you live. Thanks for sharing.
January 11, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Joy Wieder
Thanks for the reminder to find the joy in the process. But if you’re looking for joy, wherever she may be, I’m right here – lol!
January 11, 2021 at 5:48 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Ha! Hi Joy! Cheers to you! 🙂
January 13, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Joy Wieder
I just re-watched a seminar with Sophie Blackall who found an old etching of a cut away view of a lighthouse at a flea market. She was going to pass it by but her friend told her not to ignore the things that tug at you. She bought it, stuck it in a drawer, found it years later & it inspired her Caldecott award winning book. I love the advice not to ignore the things that tug at you!
January 11, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Heather Elizabeth
Thanks, Kirsten, for sharing your joy!
January 11, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I’m sorry for the delay with your book. I hope it finds it’s right home and I’m thoroughly intrigued by the nurse logs idea. Good luck.
January 11, 2021 at 3:23 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thank you for this gorgeous post, Kirsten. Today I am embracing the joyful sparks on this beautiful journey!
January 11, 2021 at 5:53 pm
kirstenpendreigh
thank you Jen!
January 11, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Cindy Johnson
What a wonderful reminder to live in the moment. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for the post, Kirsten! So sorry about your book being delayed. You sure have a good attitude though. Best of luck.
January 11, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Stephanie Jones
Thank you so much for this Kirsten-important!!
January 11, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for sharing your story, Kirsten! Very inspiring! I’m looking forward to hearing your good news!
January 11, 2021 at 4:04 pm
Patti Ranson
I love your ‘roadwork’ analogy that we can all relate to 🙂 Here’s to the joy of idea creation!
January 11, 2021 at 4:17 pm
susaninez0905
Thank you for this inspirational post. It is a great reminder to embrace the child in us, especially as we write. 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 4:27 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Ah, love this post so much! Thank you, Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Aimee Larke
Love this post so much! With 2 small children and working full time, I have to remind myself all the time to just enjoy this journey and keep writing. There is so much joy in writing for children!
January 11, 2021 at 5:50 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Wow! I’m amazed you find any time to write! Bravo!
January 11, 2021 at 4:43 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
I love this! Let’s remember the joy in our writing! Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
You are contagiously positive. Your blog is what I needed today. Thank you for sharing, and good luck with your re-submission!
January 11, 2021 at 4:54 pm
debobrienbookscom
This blog reminds me of the old saying, “If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” We all have our days of frustration, but we need to keep joy in our hearts. Thank you, Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm
rgstones
Such a great reminder. Thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Sandy Perlic
Ah! I needed this reminder that I write for children because I love it. I should focus on that joy instead of all the other things crowding into my brain when I write. Thank you, Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Linda Bozzo
It’s an important reminder to enjoy the process.
January 11, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Rozana Rajkumari
This is so important! Thanks so much for the reminder.
January 11, 2021 at 5:23 pm
jenwritespbs
Great post! Thank you for reminding us to keep joy in our writing! Congratulations on your books!
January 11, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Janet Sheets
My favorite time in the writing process is similar to yours — when I’ve got an idea I love, and have come up with a few phrases that excite me. There are so many possibilities ahead! At that point, it’s just joy. But then comes the work of trying to make words on paper live up to the anticipation.
January 11, 2021 at 5:40 pm
paulabpuckett
Beautiful post. Thanks for the encouragement to create with JOY!
January 11, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for your reminder to find the joy in what we do. And to focus on process.
January 11, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Kristi Bartholomew
Thank you, Kirsten! This is my focus for 2021- living int he moment and enjoying the creative process. 15 years in fashion design where the process was whackadoodle and the obsession was constant product burnt me out. Ready to enjoy creating again! Would love to win a critique!
January 11, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Susannah Crispe
Great post thanks Kirsten, I’ve just written down 3 ideas while reading your words!
January 11, 2021 at 6:42 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Sometimes the Journey out shines the destination!
January 11, 2021 at 6:59 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for the inspiration and advice, Kristen!
January 11, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Nancy Riley
I love this. This is why I like Storystorm and the flurries of ideas that come to me in January. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and inspritation.
January 11, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Your positive, energetic mindset is contagious. Maybe the wrong word to use these days but I’m using it anyway. I love to sink into revisions and realize I lost track of time. Thanks for the reminder to focus on the joy.
January 11, 2021 at 7:47 pm
Michele Rietz
Thanks for the reminder to keep JOY as part of the process, Kirsten. So easy to get caught up in all the stuff and pretty soon joy is nowhere to be found.
Good luck with your PBs.
January 11, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Kris H
Thank you for the reminder!
January 11, 2021 at 8:01 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Congrats on the upcoming release – I know how hard it is to see a book delayed, but it’s worth the wait!
January 11, 2021 at 8:23 pm
Michelle Cusolito
Love this! Reminds me of Jane Yolen’s TAKE JOY.
(Commenting because I wanted to. If by some freak chance I win, please give it to a newer/pre-published writer).
January 11, 2021 at 8:48 pm
allyenz
Thank you, Kirsten, your words ring so true for me. I am all about the process (maybe to a fault?) and less so the product, and the spark of new ideas and possibilities brings me so much joy. I love thinking about story ideas. Oh, the possibilities! I’ve heard many authors say
January 11, 2021 at 9:13 pm
donnacangelosi
Kirsten, I love this energetic, heart-felt post and your reminder to let joy and process lead the way! I hope you hear good news about your manuscript soon!
January 11, 2021 at 9:26 pm
doreenrobinson
Thanks for reminding me that I need to enjoy the process – sometimes that gets lost in the “day-to-day cross stuff off the to-do list” mentality that I have.
January 11, 2021 at 9:31 pm
gmv246
Nice post. Trying hard to enjoy the process.
January 11, 2021 at 9:32 pm
htaylorwrites
Great advice, Kirsten! Looking forward to seeing your work on shelves soon.
January 11, 2021 at 9:51 pm
nicolesalterbraun
You had me at Moira! (My favorite show) Coming up w/ the ideas is also my favorite part of the process probably because it’s the easiest for me to do. I just need to get better at all the other stuff!
January 11, 2021 at 9:58 pm
JC
“Start with joy”, what wonderful advice, thank you!
January 11, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Amy Newbold
I love this post. One of the things I want to focus on this year is remembering the joy of writing, and this post was a great reminder to me to remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Thanks, Kirsten!
January 11, 2021 at 10:06 pm
dedra davis
I needed this slap in the face today! Amongst all the rejection, it’s so important to remember I love writing kidlit! I love it!! Thanks for the reminder!
January 11, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Nadine Poper
What an inspirational post today!! I often am out in the forest and forget to look at the trees. Thank you for this HUGE reminder.
January 11, 2021 at 10:44 pm
Cathleen Collins
Thank you – my writing spirit was instantly lifted.
January 11, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Garnett Natasha
Raising my glass to contagious joy. Thanks, Kirsten.
January 11, 2021 at 11:03 pm
Megan M.
This is an amazing reminder. Sometimes, it does seem all about the end product, about the achievement. But there’s so much else along the way!
January 11, 2021 at 11:34 pm
David McMullin
Thank you, Kirsten, for the inspiration.
January 11, 2021 at 11:38 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I hate to admit this, but recently I’ve had a hard time sitting down to work on my stories, complete the dummies, send out the queries.
While world events keep demanding stress-type attention…. Zoom dances has been my mainstay because they are sparking my joy and connection.
I also usually love the brainstorming part but wasn’t feeling inspired. You’ve brought me back to “Beginner’s Mind”. Process over product. Show up with some spark of joy inside and no expectation of how to use it… but it will show up… maybe even a story idea in here… hmmm.
January 11, 2021 at 11:44 pm
triciacandy
Thanks, Kirsten! I love this post! Start with joy!
January 12, 2021 at 12:10 am
Alicia Meyers
Thanks for sharing Kirsten!
January 12, 2021 at 12:22 am
susanfilkins
Kirsten! Great post! It is a journey with many stops and obstacles. Thanks s for your honesty.
January 12, 2021 at 12:29 am
Amy Leskowski
You had me at “brainstorm like nobody’s watching” and a gif of Moira Rose 🙂 (OK, you had me much sooner than those lol!) Thank you!!!
January 12, 2021 at 1:24 am
Melissa Koch
There is definitely JOY in the JOurneY.
January 12, 2021 at 1:38 am
Brenda Grant Lower
I think learning to pick ourselves up and reevaluate where we are, what brings us joy is so important! If we aren’t happy now, when will we be?
January 12, 2021 at 2:02 am
Gaby
Hi Kristen, your post remind me to play with my dog, that bring me joy. Thanks!
January 12, 2021 at 3:00 am
Jeannette Suhr
What brings me joy is the satisfaction of completing a PB based on what I have learned in my first year of writing and learning how to write. What also brings me joy is creating comical characters, happy endings, characters that children fall in love with, and stories that children want read to them over and over again. Thanks for sharing your joys!
January 12, 2021 at 3:26 am
Shar
THANK YOU for this post. It was just what I need to read right now. My first book came out last year and I’ve been trying to learn about marketing and still feel like I’m not good at it. And i have been seeing so many best of lists and getting discouraged bc I’ve struggled to get attention for my little book that I love so much. And getting overwhelmed by the manuscripts I’m working on that feel so far away from being real books. But … your words remind me why I write and that I need to appreciate and find joy in the process. Thank you thank you. ❤️
January 12, 2021 at 6:11 am
Jodie Scoullar
Forget about the destination. That resonated with me because I definitely find myself focusing on where I want to be and not enough on the actual getting there. I needed to read this!
January 12, 2021 at 9:19 am
jjsewell416
Great post Kristen! Writing for kids really needs to be about the joy of writing and sharing. And I love nurse logs and trees in all their stages of life! I hope you do write a book about nurse logs. My friend who winters in Arizona told me about their nurse trees: The point of the nurse tree is to protect the young cactus by offering shade, warmth and moisture so that it can grow. Wouldn’t that make an interesting comparison in a book about how trees are nurturing beings?
January 12, 2021 at 9:54 am
kmajor2013
Your advice here is golden, for sure! I’ve seen too my critique partners just give up writing for lack of success. It’s disappointing to see. If we all adopt your philosophy, I believe we will be happier and more content with our writing. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2021 at 10:58 am
Penelope McNally
Joy! Thank you for this reminder – forget about the rules and destination for awhile and just write! I really needed to read this today, thank you for the inspirational post!
January 12, 2021 at 11:24 am
Melissa Stoller
Hi Kirsten – thanks for an inspiring post. I love your thoughts about writing with joy. I look forward to hearing your book good news!!
January 12, 2021 at 11:24 am
curryelizabeth
Yes! Always joy first! And remembering why we are doing it in the first place. Thanks for the great post and congratulations on your successes.
January 12, 2021 at 11:25 am
shellshock7
Lovely tell your mother!
January 12, 2021 at 11:33 am
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you very much for this post!
January 12, 2021 at 11:54 am
Daryl Gottier
So much joy is found in the journey. And hopefully ideas are lurking there too. Thanks!!
January 12, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Lydia Loeber
Thank you for your excellent post. I’m struggling to find the joy during homeschooling as every time I sit to focus on a picture book my son interrupts. On the other hand, he’s given me loads of new ideas – just no time to explore them at this stage!
January 12, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Amy H
Thank you Kristen for the reminder that the initial idea is part of the process. I love the middle part of the process but struggle with the spark.
January 12, 2021 at 12:14 pm
pjaegly
Kirsten, your post reminded me when I was in my 20s working in a bank and a senior citizen customer shared with me that our greatest joys in life were when we were learning something we had not quite mastered. When I reflected on my life, I realized he was correct. Your post reminds us to enjoy the joys that are right at our fingertips. Thank you!
January 12, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Judy Palermo
Thanks, Kristen. Joy in the process is incredibly important no matter where you are in your journey!
January 12, 2021 at 1:07 pm
andynarwhal
Picture books can be CANCELLED?! Eek, a tip of the hat for persevering and love the idea of a nurse log picture book.
January 12, 2021 at 2:13 pm
kidlitgail
My heart breaks thinking of getting to publication and then having it yanked away. That would call for some wine or chocolate or both! I LOVE the title NURSE LOGS, it’s so intriguing! Wishing you much luck with it!
January 12, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Nice reminder to enjoy the journey. Thanks.
January 12, 2021 at 2:35 pm
jessica shaw
Thank you for this important reminder, Kirsten. My debut has been pushed back due to Covid. Disappointing, of course, but we writers are a patient and persistent bunch!
January 12, 2021 at 2:56 pm
hlapehn
I loved this, Kirsten! It’s such a great reminder to focus on the process and learn to love it. I once heard a friend say, “Learn to love the process or get out.” He was absolutely right. Publishing is not for the faint of heart and results are never under our control. Thank you for sharing your story and encouragement!
January 12, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Jose Cruz
“Process over product.” What a great mantra to have, especially in these increasingly unpredictable times. It seems to be tempting bait for us creatives to get locked into that checklist mentality:
Step 1: Write brilliant MS
Step 2: Get an awesome agent
Step 3: Make my glorious debut
Etc.
I know I’ve done it, and I still do it. (A lot.) But even when I nudge myself for getting stuck in this mindset, the thing that really gets the point across are frank testimonials like yours. The insights about your son are *so important*. Kids just like to DO, they don’t get hung up on getting something DONE. A great way to build patience and perseverance–not to mention just appreciating the fact that we get to do all this in the first place. Thank you!
January 12, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
One saying I have for myself when I’m feeling less than creative is, ‘when you’re in the weeds, look up.’ I’m going to use ‘process over product’ too now as well. Thanks for a very timely post.
January 12, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Susan Uhlig Ford
So encouraging!
January 12, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you Kirsten! I had just been thinking about process over product, so this was perfect timing!
January 12, 2021 at 3:55 pm
chcaro
Thanks for the reminder to find joy in the process! I needed to hear that today 🙂
January 12, 2021 at 4:03 pm
deblod
Kirsten,
So much great information. Enjoying the process is so important. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wAit to read your books.
Debbie Lodato
January 12, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Thank you so much for this reminder to nurture those sparks, Kirsten! 🙂
January 12, 2021 at 4:48 pm
jimchaize1
Kirsten, thanks for the reminder to find joy in the journey. I will keep working on doing that.
January 12, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Sally Matheny
Great post, Kirsten. I love generating ideas as well! We must learn to savor the joy in the little things of our writing journeys. It makes the disappointments a bit more bearable. Plus, if we believe joy only comes when a book is published, then we’ll soon find ourselves dissatisfied once again. Find joy in the daily moments.
January 12, 2021 at 5:40 pm
FrannyG
You’re so right, we can get so caught up in what the industry wants, what will sell, that we lose our childlike spontaneity in creating purely for the joy of creating.
January 12, 2021 at 7:22 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
It’s so important to remember the joy of creating. It’s so easy to be sidelined and distracted by things beyond your control. Great advice!
January 12, 2021 at 7:48 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Thank you for the reminder about what we all know deep in our hearts. Joy is the most important ingredient in the process and the process generates joy. I love the metaphor of the nurse log–what has fallen nurtures new growth. Do your ferns tickle?
January 12, 2021 at 7:55 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for the inspiration to remember the fun of why we love doing all this in the first place!
January 12, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Maria Oka
I love the idea of starting with joy. I had to learn long ago that if I was writing something because I thought it was “publishable” but it didn’t excite me, it wasn’t ever going to get legs! So much joy in the journey. Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2021 at 9:30 pm
cherielmeyers
Your words are very inspiring and you are right, it is such a gift to be able to write about the things we love.
January 12, 2021 at 9:31 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks for the reminder to find joy in the process of writing! I usually do, but the writing life definitely can be frustrating, too. Thanks for reminding us to remember joy!
January 12, 2021 at 9:49 pm
Melissa Warren
Hi Kirsten! Thank you so much for your insight about finding joy in what you write. I think that is so important.
January 12, 2021 at 10:26 pm
horsewriterlady
Thank you for sharing your writing inspiration. How many people are going to go write stories about joy now, ha ha? It’s such a simple thing, but it means a lot. Thanks for sharing it with us! Congrats on your new book coming out, and I’m sure you will have no problem finding another home for your cancelled one!
January 12, 2021 at 10:54 pm
andreesantini
Kirsten, I love your reminder to enjoy the process and find joy in all the stages. Thank you!
January 13, 2021 at 2:08 am
Ginger Meurer
So happy you’re not letting the heartbreak of a setback get you down. Thank you for having hope and sharing it! And how have I lived this long without knowing about nurse logs?!?
January 13, 2021 at 2:56 am
Terri Sabol
Thanks for sharing your joy, Kirsten! P.S. Love the Schitt’s Creek meme.
January 13, 2021 at 4:39 am
Amelia Shearer
Ideas are my favorite part of creating by far! Now to just get better at that revising / editing phase … 🙂
Thanks so much for your post, and a reminder to not miss the trees for the forest!
January 13, 2021 at 7:43 am
Meaghan Br
Couldn’t agree more – I am loving generating ideas during Storystorm 2021 🙂
January 13, 2021 at 11:51 am
marshaelyn
“Process over product” is a precious tidbit to tuck into our brains as we do the hard work of good storytelling. Feeding “joy” into our lives is the BEST MEDICINE for those down days. Thank you for reminding us WHY we’re writing. I admire your grit and positive perspective. Sending you good thoughts for continued success on your own journey…
January 13, 2021 at 12:10 pm
paulaobering
Great reminder — and I get reminded of this daily, as my planner says “Joy is my priority” all over it! LOL
January 13, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Stephanie Lau
Gosh, it must be so hard to have gotten your debut cancelled. Fingers crossed the book lands elsewhere soon!
January 13, 2021 at 3:28 pm
angie9091
Yes! I came to the same conclusion this year when I was reflecting on 2020. when I approach my writing first as play (or joy), my writing is always better! Angie Isaacs
January 13, 2021 at 4:29 pm
Megan Howe
Thank you for the reminder of JOY! Especially now this is so important!
January 13, 2021 at 5:00 pm
Tania
FABULOUS!
January 13, 2021 at 5:14 pm
babybluesnowflake
Loved this post, thank you. Hm, people pay attention to and buy our joy, follow the path of joy at each an every step of this journey—eventually, we’ll get there.
January 13, 2021 at 6:24 pm
Christine M Irvin
Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2021 at 8:10 pm
CindyC
Thanks Kirsten. I love generating ideas the best too.
January 13, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Karen Greenwald
Truly great advice, Kristen! Thank you!
January 13, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Kathy Berman
Thanks for your joyful post Kirsten! Good luck on your submissions.
January 13, 2021 at 10:38 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
I loved reading your post! Thank you!
January 14, 2021 at 1:14 am
Summer Hinderer
Thank you for this!
January 14, 2021 at 6:54 am
Naana Amissah
Thank you, Kristen, for drawing us to JOY in everything around us. JOY is very much needed to help one find meaning these days. I hope your cancelled book finds a home soon.
January 14, 2021 at 7:38 am
Louise Aamodt
I love how you broke down specific joy-producing writing elements. It validates my excitement puzzling over just the perfect words!
January 14, 2021 at 10:20 am
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for the lovely post!
January 14, 2021 at 10:26 am
moviemommie
Thank you for the thoughtful post! -jenna feldman
January 14, 2021 at 11:58 am
heatherbell37
Thank you for this reminder! I jotted down three ideas just reading through your post! It really is all in the process. The fun…the heart. Thank you!
January 14, 2021 at 2:39 pm
Masha Sapron
Find the joy! Thank you!
January 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm
mandyyokim
Thank you, Kirsten! You are so right – we can’t forget the joy!!
January 14, 2021 at 6:08 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
“Be open to the joyful sparks waiting for you” I love it! Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m so excited to see what 2021 and beyond have in store for you!
January 14, 2021 at 7:07 pm
dlapmandi
I have always thought the journey was the best! Thank you for the post.
January 14, 2021 at 7:46 pm
kathydoherty1
Fabulous advice!…Enjoy the journey and the story won’t sound forced.
January 14, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Hi Kirsten- Thank you for the encouragement that your post has given us. And I LOVE the picture of your son “enjoying the process.” Precious!
January 14, 2021 at 10:28 pm
setwiggs
kirsten,
Yes my best stories are the ones that I have a passion about. It’s all about the joy in the journey.
Sue
January 15, 2021 at 12:28 am
Karan Greene
An inspiring read! Thank you!
January 15, 2021 at 1:08 am
Katie Schwartz
Hi Kirsten, thank you for the reminder for why we all are on this journey – joy! Hope you get your PB, whose debut didn’t happen due to COVID, out there in the world this year!
January 15, 2021 at 9:41 am
kaitlinsikeswrites
I think I need to print out that GIF of moira rose and tape it to my bathroom mirror 🙂
January 15, 2021 at 10:06 am
Lauri Meyers
Love the metaphorical digging in to words and the real digging into dirt. Appreciate you sharing your story of overcoming let downs and hoping for success!
January 15, 2021 at 10:59 am
Christina Dendy Gaspar
Somehow I missed this post, but I love the metaphor and I really want to read the story about nurse logs …
January 15, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Great advice to always find joy in everything one does. Thank you, Kristen.
Suzy Leopold
January 15, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Jacqueline Adams
“If you start with joy, the rest will follow.” I just wrote this line on a post-it note and stuck it on my computer. Thanks for the reminder!
January 15, 2021 at 4:17 pm
Alicia Klepeis
I loved this post — it made me feel like somebody else has had some of the same feelings I have. And that not everything is perfect. But that’s OK. Thank you!
January 15, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Ave Maria Cross
That’s it, Kirsten! That’s the ticket… find joy in the journey; process over product. You have inspired me to just keep on going, thank you.
January 15, 2021 at 7:33 pm
ingridboydston
That was needed. Thank you. Truly!
January 15, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Janet Halfmann
The joy is definitely the best. Here’s to more JOY!
January 15, 2021 at 10:32 pm
KASteed
Process over product (love this concept). Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 7:37 am
rhumba20
Thank you for this post Kirsten! Without joy there’s no spark or magic and it is certainly contagious:) I feel it in your post:) Thank you!
Anna Levin
January 16, 2021 at 8:39 am
E D Stewart
Yes!! We must stop and see the trees as we hike through the forest toward our destination. Or else what’s the point? Thank you for post!
January 16, 2021 at 9:44 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Kirsten, your post brought joy today. Thanks for your timely suggestions.
January 16, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Tiffany Painter
I believe life should not be lived with the end in mind, “process over product.”
January 16, 2021 at 3:28 pm
kirsten218
Thank you for these reminders!
January 16, 2021 at 6:39 pm
ptnozell
Thank you Kirsten for the reminders that it’s the process that matters and the ideas that spark joy.
January 16, 2021 at 6:55 pm
Lisa Kingsford
Start with joy and the rest will follow! THAT feels joyful. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Deek
Process over product is so difficult as an author/illustrator and in my other artwork. But letting go does open the journey to joy, and a greater flow of ideas. The product will come. Generating is a challenge for me, for sure
January 16, 2021 at 9:08 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
This post made me smile so much, Kirsten. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2)
You had me at trees Kirsten! I love coming up with ideas too!
January 16, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Anna Brooks
Thank you so much for the encouragement! I really appreciated your joyful post!
January 17, 2021 at 9:39 am
Abby Wooldridge
I love this post, Kirsten! Thank you for your encouragement to “brainstorm like no one’s watching!” I shall do that today! 🙂
January 17, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Laura W.
Great post Kirsten! Thank you!
January 17, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Here’s to the JOY! Thank you!
January 17, 2021 at 8:19 pm
Melissa Chupp
Thanks! I already have an idea.
January 17, 2021 at 9:09 pm
jennyb_writes
Thank you for this honest and thought-provoking reminder. The cover of my idea journal says “Take Joy” and now it also says “Process over unpredictable product” too.
January 18, 2021 at 2:31 am
Karen Chun
Process is both fascinating and frustrating.
January 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Kirsten! Such wonderful advice – start with JOY! Great post!
January 18, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for reminding us to just seek joy!
January 18, 2021 at 4:15 pm
Val McC
“Nurture the sparks” is a great phrase to remember. Thanks, Kirsten!
January 18, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Val McC
“Nurture the spark” is a great phrase to remember. Thanks, Kirsten!
January 18, 2021 at 7:47 pm
goodreadswithronna
I appreciate your enthusiasm and inspiring message, Kirsten. Your post has definitely fired up my synapses.
January 19, 2021 at 6:45 am
suzannepoulterharris
Last year was a tough year for many. I appreciate the reminder to find joy in the process of writing. That’s what sustains us.
January 19, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
I think it is a great mantra – “joy in the journey.” Since reading this – I’ve found this a good way to start work on PBs each day. And your list has been an inspiring place to begin. And for generating ideas as well… writer working in the joy, hopefully it flows to the reader! 🙂
January 19, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Laura Clement
An Ode to Joy, thank you. Lovely.
January 19, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you so much for reminding me why I started writing. The pure joy of creating a story that only I can imagine. I recently lost my joy after my “perfect” PB did not look so “perfect” to my agent. I will pick up my ego and find my spark again. Thanks
January 19, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Nina Nolan
Thank you for reminding us that joyous moments are more fun, but they’re actually often more productive, too! 🙂
January 19, 2021 at 8:13 pm
cmochowski
I forgot to post! Maybe it was because I was trying to find joy in the process as you wrote. Or maybe it was a Homer Simpson “Doh!” moment. Either way, thank you!
January 19, 2021 at 9:10 pm
kelliejanebyrnes
So sorry to hear your book got cancelled – that must have been so devastating. But you share a good point, and one I needed reminding about – focus on the process rather than product. Thank you!
January 19, 2021 at 9:39 pm
@carriecookhere
Thanks for sharing the ways you continue to find joy along this difficult journey to publication. Wishing you the best in the year ahead!
January 20, 2021 at 6:37 am
Misty Morris
It’s nice to hear this reminder. Simple. And takes out the pressure/expectation.
January 20, 2021 at 9:48 am
Beth Charles
Starting from a place of joy. Thanks for that reminder!
January 20, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Kelly Conroy
You are so right! Focus on the joy!!! Focus on the process, not the results. Thanks for that reminder!
January 20, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Katie Brandyberry
Beautiful post – a nice reminder to step back and remember why we do what we do! Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Naomi Gruer
Love the advice to start with joy!
January 21, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Juliana Motzko
Hi Kirsten!!!
I loved your article! So inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing such joyful advice!
January 21, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Toni Weeks
Thank you for reminding us to enjoy the journey!
January 21, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Joni Hay Patras
Hi Kirsten, thank you! I’m writing this in my notebook for inspiration– “Because if you start with joy, the rest will follow. Joy is contagious.”
January 22, 2021 at 12:13 am
Dina Ticas
I really needed to hear that the process is more important than the product. Productivity has become a high value lately.
January 22, 2021 at 12:30 am
Virginia Rinkel
Really love your article!!!
January 22, 2021 at 11:08 am
AlisonMarcotte
Thank you for the inspiring post! I need to keep remembering — find joy in the journey!
January 22, 2021 at 2:33 pm
Karen Pickrell
Thank you for the reminder to find joy in the journey!
January 22, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Judy Bryan
Holding on to the joy of process over product. Thank you for this, Kirsten.
January 23, 2021 at 9:27 am
Betsy Devany
Wonderful advice. And yes, if a ms doesn’t sell we still love it, it still makes us laugh, it still brings joy. And what a wonderful gift that is. Thank you.
January 23, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
Wow, it’s so true that the best stories are the ones that come from some space other than the one trying to engineer a perfect arc. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
January 24, 2021 at 10:18 am
Julie Augensen-Rand
Thank you for sharing your process.
January 24, 2021 at 1:25 pm
iefaber
I needed this. I get conflicted between treating my writing as a job simply so I honor it with the time it deserves like my actual job, and writing willy nilly as I used to just because I brought me joy. It’s a balance I suppose we all need, but sometimes I feel I’m stuck on one side of the seasaw with no way to get moving. Thanks for this.
January 24, 2021 at 2:04 pm
Cinzia V.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts – they really touched me. It’s so true that kids are about process not product. So happy for your success – and attitude!
January 24, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Debbie Meyer
I feel like that when I’m drawing or creating something from paper mache. The process is so fun! I need to learn to let myself go when I’m writing instead of thinking I have to write the next great picture book. That really blocks my creativity!
January 25, 2021 at 4:31 am
sylviaichen
Love your optimism, thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Bill Canterbury
Helpful advice here!
January 27, 2021 at 11:04 pm
McCourt Thomas
Best of luck! Thanks for sharing.
January 28, 2021 at 11:04 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
The fun is in the process
January 29, 2021 at 8:32 am
Lisa L Furness
Finding the joy in the journey is my mantra this year. Thanks for the reminder Kristen.
January 29, 2021 at 8:48 am
Lisa L Furness
So sorry for the typo with your name Kirsten.
January 30, 2021 at 1:51 am
carmelamccainsimmons
I missed this entry at the beginning of Storystorm. A link in FB tonight brought me to it and I am so glad it did! Thanks fir helping me stop to refuel with the sheer joy of creating!
January 30, 2021 at 10:08 am
Audrey
This could not be more true! Thank you for spreading joy and encouraging it!
January 30, 2021 at 10:24 am
Kimberly Wilson
Enjoying the journey is so important! Thank you for this reminder!
January 30, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Susan Niemann
Thanks for the nudge. Some days I need to put away the craft books and write for the joy of it!
January 30, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Mary Worley
My list of things to love would look just about the same as yours. Thanks for the encouragement for the less fun aspects of our journey.
January 30, 2021 at 6:05 pm
colleenrkosinski
Keep going!
January 31, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thanks so much, Kirsten!
February 1, 2021 at 12:23 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
I love the spark of finding just the right words to express myself, and the spark of interacting with my fellow creatives! StoryStorm reflections always feed my creative fire too, and have me scribbling ideas in no time!
February 1, 2021 at 10:59 am
kaleegwarjanski
Joy in the Journey. What a fabulous mantra!
February 1, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Oh, I love this!
February 1, 2021 at 11:02 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for the encouragement!
February 4, 2021 at 11:41 am
Kelly Vavala
You made this process sound so exciting! Love to have the sparks and those aha moments! Your absolutely right…I compare it to falling in love… those first sparks of excitement!
February 12, 2021 at 8:13 pm
lorisherritt
Thank you for reminding me of joy, of process and of things that make my heart go thumpity thump! See you in the beautiful coastal forests near our shared home in Vancouver!
January 9, 2022 at 9:24 am
Michele Helsel
Good advice!
January 11, 2022 at 8:04 am
Jen K.
So grateful for this invitation to find joy in the process! I love your list and relate to it wholeheartedly.
January 11, 2022 at 9:54 am
Janie Reinart
Thank you for being a joy-bringer🥰 I love “brainstorm like no one is watching.”
January 11, 2022 at 8:42 pm
Krista Harrington
You’re so right, Kirsten, to pursue the ideas that make your heart go thumpity-thump. That thump is the definition of joy.