When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out?

I really can’t think of past risks. Interviewing for jobs and being turned down comes to mind. My move from NY to Georgia 30 plus years ago is one risk that paid off. ( I’m still here )

I’m not a gambler, so there’s no huge money losses. At least not yet.

I’m learning that my present endeavor of writing a children’s picture book will be a big risk.

I began writing my first children’s book about five years ago. Since then I wrote a “sequel”, followed by another “sequel “ and have at least two ideas for stories.

A friend recommended that I join the Atlanta Writers Club, and next month, I will attend a spring conference where I will encounter agents and publishers.

At the last monthly meeting I attended, one piece of advice given us to join a virtual critique group.

This was great advice. The more seasoned authors in the meeting advised the importance of age range, using the proper words for each grade level, and the appropriate word count ( my first draft of 1170 words was WAY too much).

I took all their advice. I made my changes and they were impressed at the next meeting.

In many conversations, the seasoned authors share the risks they took with their books and the numerous rejections from publishers.

Meeting with publishers, agents and illustrators requires money. One of the authors said she holds a part time job just to fund her book writing.

I guess I am a gambler.