As an aspiring children’s book author and illustrator striving to make my mark, I often think about the words we choose and the stories we tell, not just to children, but to ourselves.
Two words, 'never' and 'always,' have a way of sneaking into our thoughts and conversations, shaping how we see our potential and the world around us.
But I’ve learned, through my journey of perseverance and creativity, that these absolutes can be limiting. For me, and for the young readers I hope to inspire, embracing possibility over certainty is where the magic truly happens.
The Trap of Never
When I first started writing and illustrating children’s books, there were moments when I’d think, I’ll never get published. Those thoughts felt like walls I couldn’t climb. But then, one photograph turned into an illustration that turned into a story, and one story turned into multiple revisions, and slowly, step by step, I realized that never was just fear talking.
The truth is, never isn’t as permanent as it seems. The book I thought I’d never finish is now sitting in front of me, ready to be shared. The character I thought I’d never bring to life has become a part of me.
For the children who will one day hold my books,
I want them to know that 'never' is just the beginning of 'what if.'
The Peril of Always
On the other hand, I’ve also fallen into the trap of always. I’ve told myself, I’ll always struggle to find an agent or a publisher will always pick someone else’s manuscript over mine. But every time I let always take over, I’ve closed the door on hope and possibility.
Now, I see always for what it really is: a placeholder for impatience. It’s okay to feel discouraged sometimes, but it’s important to remember that stories evolve, as do we.
For the kids who will read my books, I want to show them that nothing is set in stone - not the endings of stories, and certainly not their own potential.
Embracing the Gray Area
As an aspiring author and illustrator, I live in the gray area. It’s the space between finished and perfect, between unknown and celebrated. It’s a place where ideas brew, where mistakes happen, and where learning thrives.
I want to bring that gray area into the stories I tell. Life isn’t about absolutes; it’s about the moments in between, where curiosity and growth live.
And that’s the message I want to share with young readers:
that it’s okay to be uncertain, to explore, and to change your mind.
Practical Lessons for Young Dreamers
Be Curious: Instead of saying, I’ll never be good at this, try saying, what can I learn from trying? Curiosity is where all great stories begin.
Stay Open: If something feels impossible today, it might feel exciting tomorrow. Let go of never and always and give yourself room to grow.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every illustration, every idea, every sentence you write is a step forward. They might not feel big, but they’re part of the bigger picture.
Tell Your Story: Whether it’s in words, pictures, or both, your perspective matters. Don’t let never or always stop you from sharing your voice.
Rick’s Commentary
For me, choosing to avoid never and always has been transformative. It’s allowed me to dream big, to fail and try again, and to find beauty in the process.
For the children who will one day read my books, I hope this message will resonate: the world is wide, stories are endless, and you are capable of anything.
'Never say never, and always avoid always', because the best adventures happen when you embrace the unexpected.
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