A question that came up in my DMs today and I know more of you are wondering the same thing: “How do I find the right illustrator for my children’s book?” Here’s the part that often surprises people: 👉 It’s not about finding a great illustrator. 👉 It’s about finding the right illustrator for your book, your goals, and your publishing path. Before you hire anyone, you need clarity on three things: 1️⃣ How you plan to publish Traditional, hybrid, or self-publish all change what “right” looks like. 2️⃣ What role the illustrator is playing Are they interpreting your story or executing a very specific vision? 3️⃣ Your budget + timeline tolerance Cheap, fast, and great rarely come together. Knowing which two matter most saves heartache. I’ll break down: • where to actually find illustrators • what red flags to watch for • how contracts typically work • and when to wait instead of hiring too early For now, I’m curious … 👉 Have you already started looking for an illustrator, or are you unsure when that step should happen?

Before we start building books together, I want to understand you. Answer just one of these in the comments (no pressure to be perfect): 1️⃣ I want to write a children’s book because ________. 2️⃣ I’ve been stuck on my book because ________. 3️⃣ If my book actually got finished, it would change ________. I’ll use your answers to shape what I teach next and I will respond to everyone :) This is where it starts. 🤍📚

I want to name something I’m noticing. A lot of you are thinking deeply. Some of you are DM’ing questions. Some of you are reading quietly and carrying ideas around with you. All of that counts. So here’s today’s gentle check-in: 👉 What’s one sentence you keep returning to lately? It could be: - something a child once said - a line you’ve written - a thought that won’t leave you alone - or even a sentence you wish existed in a book If you want to share it here, you’re welcome to. If not, just noticing it is enough for today. We’re not rushing this space. We’re letting it take shape. I am beyond excited to what is to come …

Today isn’t a writing day for most people. It’s a remembering day. If you’re with family. If you’re missing someone. If today feels joyful, heavy, quiet, or complicated , all of that belongs here. Children’s books are often born from days like this. Not from productivity… but from noticing. So there’s nothing to do today. But if you want to leave a trace , just one word is enough: 👉 What’s one feeling today is bringing up for you? Joy. Gratitude. Longing. Peace. Tenderness. Love. Or feel free to just read this and keep going with your day. We’ll still be here tomorrow. 🎄💛

Before we move forward, I want to ask something very simple. You don’t need a plot. You don’t need a message. You don’t even need a full idea yet. Just notice this: 👉 What feeling do you most want a child to leave your book with? Not the lesson. Not the takeaway. The feeling. Calm? Relief? Belonging? Bravery? Being understood? If you want to respond, you can answer with one word. No explanation required. You’re also welcome to just read and think about it. We build clarity slowly here.