On Thursday afternoon, I sat on a panel with fellow creators Gus Gordon and Kelly Canby at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators annual retreat at Wadjemup. ‘Panel’ makes it sound more glamorous than it was: because of the weather, we were crammed into one of the cottages, making for an uncomfortable couple of hours for the floor-sitters (see below). Gus, Kelly and I were asked questions about our careers, and I said that all I could tell people is what not to do. This raised some laughs, but I meant it in all seriousness.
Because in part, what I wanted to say was, don’t try so hard to get published. Don’t aim for a career in this industry. Enjoy the connections you develop with other people who want to create, who love stories and art and presenting to children. Enjoy the delight you feel when you share your story with kids, and get kids creating, and that connection sings. But if you want a career, go and get one that pays you, that shows its value to you through paying you.
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