It’s been a very exciting week around these parts – my picture book Wild One was selected by the Ontario Library Association as one of their Best Bets of 2017! It’s quite a thrill to be recognized by fellow librarians, and there’s some great books on the list! You can find the entire list here.
I’ve recently been reminded of a classic poem by the legendary Shel Silverstein that perfectly sums up my experiences in the past few months. I honestly never in a million years thought that I would ever publish anything, not to mention something that other people would connect with. I loved writing as a girl, but as someone who’s intensely critical of their own work, and whose self confidence could use a bit of work, I never, ever thought that my childhood dream of having a book in the library would ever come true.
Well, my friends, if you’ve ever felt the same way, these words are for you.
Listen To The MUSTN’TS
Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT’S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/listen-to-the-mustnts-by-shel-silverstein
Congratulations!! I’m happy for you!
Wise words from Shel Silverstein!
Perfect from deal Shel, & for you, too, Jane. I’m so happy for you and congrats on the book making that list! That.Is.Fabulous!
Yay for you!! So happy for you. I love that poem.
I love Shel Silverstein. I don’t think I have ever read that one before today. I need it today–doubting myself. Congrats on your book and recognition.
Yay for Wild One! Congratulations, Jane!!
I’ve really enjoyed seeing the celebration of Wild One on twitter. I’m so thrilled for you and your readers. Enjoy every moment…and keep writing, kid!
Congratulations to you and to Wild One! That is fantastic! And I’ve always loved that Silverstein poem.
Congratulations, Jane! What wonderful accomplishments–your book and the recognition! I’m so glad you tuned into possibility instead of to the “mustnt’s.”
Amen…and CONGRATS!!
Thank you!! It can be so hard not to listen to all the naysayers, especially when those voices of negativity are in our own head!! But in the end, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? 🙂
From one librarian to another, I’m so happy for you, Jane! I wrote up an order card for Wild One–I hope B & T carries it!
Well, I know Amazon and Barnes and Noble will in the US of A, and hopefully others, too!! Thank you so much for the support – it’s so wonderful to connect with other librarians, honestly, that’s the most exciting feeling!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Jane! Glad you didn’t listen too closely to those Musn’ts…..:0)
Thank you! It isn’t always easy to block out the negativity, but it can make all the difference in the world!
Tremendous congratulations to you, Jane. You’re a real wild one, it turns out!
Thank you! Yup, according to my mum, I definitely channelled more than a bit of my youthful self into that character! 🙂
Congratulations, Jane. I’m glad you listened to Shel!
Thank you, so am I! I hope we all do!
Congratulations, Jane! Well done on showing those mustn’ts a thing or two about the power of dreams. 😀
Exactly!! I love the simplicity of this poem – not a single wasted word, for maximum impact.
Congratulations! Also, this is a wonderful poem and reminder. Thank you!
Thank you!! It’s definitely a much-needed reminder for all of us!