My Writing Journey
What sparked the idea to write a children's book?
I had previously thought about writing a children's book but I wasn't sure what to write about.
I had pondered on creating a collection of children's meditations a couple of years ago but didn't follow through. Maybe I will develop that idea in future.
My mind thought “if I write a book will anyone even read it” and if I do write a book how would I share it with the world? I hadn't written or published a book before so I didn’t know where to start.
Then, one winter night before falling asleep, I had a burst of creative inspiration for a children's story.
The storyline flowed to me as I typed on my phone line by line.
Do you ever get times when you feel really creative out of the blue?
Over the past few months I have had bursts of creative ideas. They tend to appear when I take time to slow down and practice stillness.
After beginning to write most of my manuscript, I searched online for competitions/publishers who were accepting manuscripts. I eventually found one with a closing date within a few weeks.
I edited and tweaked my manuscript until the day before the closing date. Then nervously pressed submit on the deadline day.
I had procrastinated sending the day before when my perfectionist thoughts appeared!
After submitting my entry, I patiently waited for the longlist to be announced.
The longlist announcement arrived in my inbox.
When I opened the email and visited the website to read the list…my book title wasn't listed.
It turns out that there were over 1000 entries, from all over the world, and only 19 book titles were longlisted.
I didn't realise before entering how few titles would be on the longlist. I had a slim chance of making it onto the list!
At least I had taken a step out of my comfort zone and I had shared it with the judging panel.
Inner Critic Thoughts
Feelings of disappointment came to my mind. Although it was my first attempt at writing a children’s book and sharing it with anyone, I wasn't feeling very confident about sharing it with the wider world after being unsuccessfu;.
My mind thought:
“What if the story isn't good enough to be published?”
“Maybe I should keep the story to myself.”
“What if no one wants to read it.”
“Publishing a book will be too hard.”
“Where would I even start?”
I have been working on my self-compassion practice and not judging my thoughts.
When these initial thoughts came to mind I was mindful of bringing my attention to them and letting them pass by, which helped quieten my inner critic.
I remembered from my mindfulness courses and reading that every thought I have isn't true. I have been keeping in mind ‘speak to yourself as you would speak to your friend’. I definitely wouldn’t tell a friend that their work wasn’t good enough!
By accepting that I don't know what's going to happen in the future, and I can only be present with what is happening in the moment, I've been kinder to the thoughts when they arise.
I am continuing to practice noticing my inner critic thoughts when they creep in and i’m not letting them stop me from taking actions towards my dreams and wishes.
Even taking small steps is a step in the right direction!
I had told a few people what my story was about and they loved the idea and encouraged me to publish it.
Deep down I knew the story was interesting and would be enjoyed by children and their adult reader.
This helped develop a feeling of inner confidence and provided a boost of motivation to start looking for different publishing options.
Knowing if even a few people liked the story it would make a difference to people's lives.
There could be more people out there interested in reading my future book to children.
I have worked with children and young people for over a decade and I've witnessed the difference that storytelling through books and conversations can make to their lives.
I intend to keep this in mind whenever I feel unsure of myself and when promoting my book in future.
Word for 2024
My word for this year is:
‘Faith’
I plan to remind myself of this word throughout the year. Especially whenever I think that things aren’t happening as they ‘should be’ or how I thought they would.
Having faith in myself that I can experience new things and step outside of my comfort zone to move into my growth zone.
Keeping faith that life will happen how it is meant to and I only have control over myself and my actions. I’m aware that everything that happens outside of me isn’t within my control and I intend to release needing to know what is going to happen.
Lastly, having self-belief and faith in myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to!
The Journey Ahead
To sum up what I have learnt so far:
Stepping out of my comfort zone is a good thing.
Rejection doesn't mean I failed.
It's never too late to learn and try new things.
Observing critical thoughts whilst not believing them helps quieten the thoughts
Treating my experiences with compassion and kindness helps move through feelings of not being ‘enough’.
These reflections will be insightful to re-read once my book is published and I have been through the beginning of an author’s journey.
The journey will be ongoing and I’ll move through the stages of having a published book to sharing it with the world. That will be a new and exciting experience!
I’m sure it will bring a lot more learning and experiences outside my comfort zone.
A Reminder for You
Your thoughts aren’t facts. If you have an idea or desire in your heart, take the first steps towards what you wish for you never know what could happen.
If you would like to follow my journey on social media, I am sharing updates on Instagram @natasha.iregbu.writes
I’m looking forward to sharing more on the steps towards publishing my first book soon!