When I started writing what would be my first book in June 2022, I had no idea where to start. I had a rhyme in my head that I was certain would be a cute picture book, but I couldn’t find an illustrator. The ones who were actually interested in my project couldn’t start for another six months. One, I remember, an indisputably talented artist, charged $10,000 for artwork. The time frame and anticipated expenses were just not feasible for this aspiring author and entrepreneur.
And so, while the boys were at summer camp, I took out their coloring supplies. I doodled with crayons and markers. I painted with their watercolors. But another problem arose. I didn’t know how to scan images into my computer and retain their quality. So, in another attempt to create something for my book I purchased an Adobe suite of software to try and create these images electronically myself. I knew how to use Adobe InDesign. I imagined Illustrator would be easy to pick up. And so, I opened the software and started at the blank page.
I had my story’s words. My goal was to hold my children’s book in my hands. Why was it so hard then, essentially having points A, B, C, and Z, to fill the gap in between?
The emptiness of my blank page was intimidating. Its threat was clear. This page was the barrier between me and the place I wanted, no needed, to go. And so there was no choice but to start. I took a leap.
I started drawing circles and ovals. I made triangles and stars. Soon, my ogre of a blank page was no longer intimidating or blank. Sure, my shapes and characters were imperfect. But these I could work with. These were something that could be shaped, molded, and built upon.
I texted my friend, Jen, who gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. And a few weeks later, I had my first book, “I’m Getting New Glasses!,” in my hot little hands.
I wonder how many of us struggle with getting started. We have an idea, or dream but convince ourselves we can’t do it because we don’t see the next step. We stare at that blank page and let the uncertainty and vastness of its space win.
But what if we lept? What if we tried? Because once we do, we see that the blank page was only that. It was an opportunity. It was a challenge. It was a chance to take that aching desire inside ourselves and turn it into something special.
Do you struggle with getting started? Does an actual or metaphorical challenge stand in your way? What started by drawing a circle? What if you drew a line? What if you took that first step?
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