I just finished my latest post and it started off being all about how stuck I was, and how I couldn’t see my way out of it. It really is the worst feeling. I’m so glad you were able to find your way out of the pit and back into the sunshine!
Thank you so much for sharing this, James! So much of the behind the scenes roller coaster and comparing through social media can really add to worry and stress. You can tell you pour everything into your projects and it’s awesome to hear of the kids’ reactions to it. Love Agent 9 btw! So very happy to hear of your upcoming projects, continued joy on your journey!
GREAT post, James. I had two books launch earlier in the pandemic, and have had my own dip into the Deep Dark Pit Of Despair. Like you, I also find that talking with young readers helps boost my spirits! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm giving a talk at SCBWI Florida about mental health & creativity, and will recommend people read your post! Also, CONGRATS on your successes!!!
Thanks for sharing this story, we have all been there in one way or another. I’m so happy things picked up for you and that the excited kiddos turned your mood around!
We're big fans of Bird and Squirrel and Agent 9 in our house! Hope there are more peaks than pits along your journey, although the struggles often inspire new work. Best with the new series!
I was reminded of when I ended up being stuck in a creative slump throughout February, which I got out of at the start of March.
I'm also reminded of how I sometimes feel like no one online, but I know it's because I haven't created any real content for the past few years as I put up with things happening in my personal life. I also remind myself of a book blog I'm working on, where I'm not keeping my hopes up because of what I've seen of readership for other book blogs and book social media pages I follow, but I know that some of my ideas would help set mine apart from the rest.
Even before I unexpectedly stopped producing YT videos as a result of some of those life events, I know there were people who watched and commented on them with positive reception.
Something I learned from Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act" is to create for ourselves and not worry about how it's received. Basically, create whatever it is your passionate about and then release it into the world. Then create the next thing and release that. Create and release. I've been trying to focus on this and not worry about what happens to it after it leaves my desk. I wish you all the best Kevin on your creative endeavors.
James, I just have to thank you for the Bird and Squirrel series! My boys are almost done with high school now, but I used to read to them every night. We've read so many great books together and those are some of my fondest memories as a father (so far!). Bird and Squirrel are some of our absolute favorites!
I got divorced a few years ago and I'm seeing the most amazing woman who has two kids also. I'm getting to read through Bird and Squirrel again with her 7 year old daughter it's one of her favorites now too! I believe that Bird and Squirrel aren't done with you!
Hey Steve. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know how much Bird & Squirrel has meant to you and your families. I really appreciate it. This job can be a lonely one working away by myself on stories for years and it’s nice to know that they are bringing joy. Thanks again.
I just finished my latest post and it started off being all about how stuck I was, and how I couldn’t see my way out of it. It really is the worst feeling. I’m so glad you were able to find your way out of the pit and back into the sunshine!
Thanks, Diandra! I feel like I end up in the pit every five years or so. I guess it's inevitable when pushing outside of our comfort zones.
Thank you so much for sharing this, James! So much of the behind the scenes roller coaster and comparing through social media can really add to worry and stress. You can tell you pour everything into your projects and it’s awesome to hear of the kids’ reactions to it. Love Agent 9 btw! So very happy to hear of your upcoming projects, continued joy on your journey!
Thanks, Shirley. I appreciate your kind words and support. We are all on this journey together.
GREAT post, James. I had two books launch earlier in the pandemic, and have had my own dip into the Deep Dark Pit Of Despair. Like you, I also find that talking with young readers helps boost my spirits! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm giving a talk at SCBWI Florida about mental health & creativity, and will recommend people read your post! Also, CONGRATS on your successes!!!
I feel for anyone who had books come out during the pandemic. It really was a bummer. Good luck with your SCBWI talk. That's a great topic.
Thanks for sharing this story, we have all been there in one way or another. I’m so happy things picked up for you and that the excited kiddos turned your mood around!
Oh and P.S. thanks for the book rec, I always read the books you recommend 😊
Have you read THE CREATIVE ACT by Rick Rubin? That's a great book.
We're big fans of Bird and Squirrel and Agent 9 in our house! Hope there are more peaks than pits along your journey, although the struggles often inspire new work. Best with the new series!
Me too. And so true about finding inspiration from the struggles. Thanks for reading B&S and Agent9. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing. Just throwing it out there...Agent 9 is a HUGE hit in our house. Looking forward to seeing what you create next!
Thanks, Jessica. So happy to hear that your family loves Agent 9. It warms me heart.
I was reminded of when I ended up being stuck in a creative slump throughout February, which I got out of at the start of March.
I'm also reminded of how I sometimes feel like no one online, but I know it's because I haven't created any real content for the past few years as I put up with things happening in my personal life. I also remind myself of a book blog I'm working on, where I'm not keeping my hopes up because of what I've seen of readership for other book blogs and book social media pages I follow, but I know that some of my ideas would help set mine apart from the rest.
Even before I unexpectedly stopped producing YT videos as a result of some of those life events, I know there were people who watched and commented on them with positive reception.
Something I learned from Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act" is to create for ourselves and not worry about how it's received. Basically, create whatever it is your passionate about and then release it into the world. Then create the next thing and release that. Create and release. I've been trying to focus on this and not worry about what happens to it after it leaves my desk. I wish you all the best Kevin on your creative endeavors.
So good to read about the good news, James! Congrats!! Thanks for sharing your story 💪🍀🌟✊
thanks, Charles. We miss you on the discord.
I love that reminder--yes, it only takes one. Congratulations! And best wishes for continued good fortune.
thanks, Dekera!
James, I just have to thank you for the Bird and Squirrel series! My boys are almost done with high school now, but I used to read to them every night. We've read so many great books together and those are some of my fondest memories as a father (so far!). Bird and Squirrel are some of our absolute favorites!
I got divorced a few years ago and I'm seeing the most amazing woman who has two kids also. I'm getting to read through Bird and Squirrel again with her 7 year old daughter it's one of her favorites now too! I believe that Bird and Squirrel aren't done with you!
Hey Steve. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know how much Bird & Squirrel has meant to you and your families. I really appreciate it. This job can be a lonely one working away by myself on stories for years and it’s nice to know that they are bringing joy. Thanks again.