FROM THE HEART

Do you follow trends in the world of publishing?

 I keep close tabs on the children’s book industry. You know how it goes - one day talking animals are in, the next day they’re persona non grata. I know that vampires are out at the present time. Chasing the fads and trends are exhausting.

I search for agents whose “likes” are akin to mine. What are you looking for? Perhaps I can supply it?

Should I write for the latest fads or follow my heart?

That’s an easy question to answer because when I try to write to please another, I just plain can’t do it. The words stick somewhere between my brain and my computer. I must write from the heart—ALWAYS—whether or not what I've written is selling. When I do the words and ideas and chapters flow like a flood after a heavy rain.

Just the other day a misdeed jumped out at me. It was imbedded in an article in our local newspaper. Since I love writing letters to the editor, I couldn’t let this golden opportunity pass me by. So, my heart nudged my brain and I flew to my computer.

Tap, tap, tap (that’s the sound of me typing!).

Was it good enough to reach publication? You bet. When I write from that place deep within my soul it is always good enough.

My letter was published today. And, it was tagged “letter of the day.” How cool is that!

Follow your heart…your gut instinct…whatever you call it…you will never go wrong.