I get that there has been a lot of dread and anxiety lately in the writing world (and beyond). There’s more competition than ever, the industry feels like it’s constantly contracting, AI is threatening the landscape, and the world in general feels like it’s imploding. But the thing that I also hear from those still in the game and those with more experience than me is to just keep on making stuff. That “makers gonna make.” And it feels undeniably true. Because what is the alternative, really? So here are some thoughts to encourage you to keep on making…
Make what you truly want to make.
The truth is, I love making stuff. If you’re here, you probably do too. Left to my own devices, I’m still going to make SOMETHING. And so, especially when it feels futile, I choose to make something I love. This helps me feel accomplished whether or not a project goes anywhere. And it’s way more fun than making what you think somebody else wants you to make or what you think you’re supposed to make.
Consider new ways to tell stories.
I think this goes hand in hand with the previous point. If you loosen yourself from the strict rules of publishing, you can be creative about how you tell stories. Maybe you feel inspired to put your efforts into a comic strip, a zine, an artist collective, or a Substack. 😉 Consider new ways to share your stories and your art.
(Flashback to November 2023, when Christine and I first started the Kidlit Survival Guide!)
Take your time.
Don’t stress it. It’s not a race, and you don’t HAVE to do anything. Find the creative outlet that sparks for you and take your time to create something meaningful.
Enjoy the ride.
Every milestone is worth celebrating (find your community) and the process of creation is worth savoring. It’s easy to get bogged down in deadlines or goals, but every once in a while, step back to enjoy the journey. It’s wonderful thing to get to create stories for kids.
Enjoy the other parts of your life.
Nothing can come out if nothing is coming in! Invest in your life outside writing and take the time to enjoy your relationships and experiences.
You never know.
Really, your best chance of selling something is to create something truly resonant to YOU. So focusing on making what you want to make and living the life you want to live is beneficial for your own well-being as well as your writing career. The only part that you actually control is to make the best art you can.
So just keep on making stuff! Because makers gonna make. 😉
So true! I love all of this!! Thank you for the reminder.
Makers Gonna Make❤️🤠