It’s Poetry Friday!
All this week I’ve been thinking about a new picture book I want to write. I tend to do a lot of thinking, maybe some research, and almost always gathering of some books or poems I can use as mentor texts before I get started. It’s a process, but hidden in there somewhere is fear. Getting the first words out is the hardest part for me. Then, getting over the hump of deciding that what I’ve written is worth something. Writing takes courage, and especially in the beginning I need a lot of it.
It was a bit of a coincidence this week when I also came across a poem I wrote in 2022. At the time I was reading (or possibly rereading) Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear where she talks about that very thing and poses the question “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?” In response I wrote:
Birth of a Story
I grabbed an idea as it floated by,
then buried it like pirate’s treasure,
deep inside.
It shimmied into my memories,
nibbled on fear,
wallowed in wonder,
languished in disappointment.
It gathered words
and bits of conversation,
then wormed its way into my heart,
fluttering like butterfly wings.
It would not let me be,
until I gathered the courage to set it free.
Then
word by word,
line by line,
image by image,
it grew into a story.
Draft, 2022RoseCappelli
I started the first very rough draft of that picture book three times before deciding to move it from my notebook to the computer. That’s a big step for me, and signals that maybe I’ll keep going with it. It’s not finished, but I’m ready to bring it forth.
Carol has the roundup today at Beyond Literacy Link where she is sharing lots of heartnotes. Please be sure to stop by, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Imagine the Possibilities 
Eeep, I left a comment and now don’t see it! Quickly wanted to say: you are a beautiful writer, Rose, and I am excited for this new picture book journey you are on!! Yes, set that story free! Thank you for sharing. xo
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Thank you, Irene!
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Rose, what a delightful read about your process in this next writing chapter for you. I love that you found and reread that 2022 poem while you had this idea trying to get out. Can’t wait to continue to watch your process blooming.
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Thanks, Denise!
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Writing takes a lot of courage, and I agree that starting something new is the hardest part. Breaking that silence and putting those first words down is a big challenge. Thanks for sharing your poem and good luck with your PB project!
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Thanks, Jama!
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Your poem shows how stories come about in a lovely poetic way, how it gathers in bits and involves wonder and a touch of fear. Keep going. There are images that would be inspiring to an illustrator, in my opinion.
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Word by word and line by line… Yes! Best wishes with this new project. Thanks for sharing, Rose – courage is contagious!
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I know you can do this, Rose! I feel your pain. What you describe is exactly how I feel every time that I go to write. But … think about what it feels like when you write something and you know in your heart it is special. I bet you have that feeling a lot too because your writing is so beautiful!
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What a beautiful step, Rose. Take that leap! “It would not let me be,
until I gathered the courage to set it free.” I’m happy that you’re freeing the story inside you ❤
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Rose, I your poem says it all. Here are the action words in your poem that me pause to think: nibbled, languished, gathered, wormed, and grew. I hope your WIP is waiting for the big leap. Best of luck.
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Writing is a daily exercise in courage, isn’t it.
Be Brave, Rose!
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Take all the time you need. This work does not need to be in a rush. In fact, the longer you let it simmer, the better it will get! Three cheers for taking the first step to get the ideas down! We’re cheering for you!
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Well, congratulations for keeping on, Rose. I love the verse that starts with “It shimmied. . .” Those true words you’ve confessed to the world seem to have moved you on to that great ending! Best wishes for more!
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Thank you for sharing your process, Rose. Like you I often find the getting started a challenge because of self doubt – but I am glad you found a way in. Your poem is clever too.
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All my best to you through this process. I’m right there with you. I have the thing written, but it’s the fear of submission (rejection) that’s keeping it hidden. It takes courage to write, but sheer bravery to submit.
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I loved and relate to this:
It would not let me be,
until I gathered the courage to set it free.
I can’t wait to see what flies forth, Rose!
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