Do what you love
childhood reminiscing
So…how did I decide it would be children’s picture books?
Because I truly loved it as a kid.
Everyone says (mainly the articles and podcasts I read and listen to)
to find your passion, you should look no further than into your childhood.
I don’t know why it took me so long to look into my childhood to find my passions - but they were there all along.
Ask my mom for proof,
Until middle school, I went to the library every other week and checked out tote bags FULL of picture books.
I used to love reading picture books to myself as bedtime stories.
Picture books are so comforting and reassuring because they take my mind to a relaxing spot that allows me to drift to sleep peacefully -
That comforting feeling was probably why I continued to read picture books well into my teens despite the weird looks I’d get at the library.
I also want to point out that I read many children’s books at this age because I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) student.
I immigrated to the United States (right in Silicon Valley)
when I was 7.5 years old. Picture books provided a method of learning that was invaluable to me. I absorbed words, meanings, and more through the vibrant pictures that painted a whole story.
Writing for children -
I also think a huge part of writing for children requires…well…a childlike innocence.
Among my friends, I have always been the strange one who loves children's animation. My friends knew I was IN LOVE with My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic.
I loved it so much that I was the only person in the theater on the Thursday night premiere of the My Little Pony 2017 movie - this was when I was 24!! Technically a grown woman, I watched My Little Pony alone in an empty theater.
And it was the best thing ever!
I got to experience the characters I love and fully immerse in my fangirl heart without feeling judged. At the time, maybe my friends felt a little sorry for me and thought I was silly.
But I didn’t care!
I have an abundance of love for things that bring out a childhood innocence in me, and if watching movies or shows makes my heart feel full, then so be it.
I’ve also watched all the Barbie movies and countless other “childish” animations just because ;)
So, being young at heart
has never given me any advantage in life - until now.