“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius
Announcement!
I’m extremely happy to announce that I just signed with my new Literary rep, the amazing and one and only, Sera Rivers, at the Speilburg Literary Agency!
This is a big deal HUGE DEAL!
I’m looking forward to this wonderful partnership with Sera as I move into the next phase of my journey in the incredible world of the Kidlit Industry. In fact, we are already working on some fun stories and I’m looking forward to sharing anything I can, notwithstanding an NDA of course.
Origin Story
If you read my very first newsletter post, “Introducing Just One Thing!”, you already have a good idea on how I got started. If not, feel free to check it out here or read it again if you fancy.
If you’re short on time, which I know you are - here’s the 10,000 foot summary. Take a seat and enjoy the cozy fire.
All he could think about, the entire morning, was mustard. Not the fancy Dijon-type mustard, but rather - the classic American Yellow Mustard.
It was an early Sunday morning on September 2018. At 10am, and true to classic Houston weather, we were experiencing a disgusting, sweat-inducing 100% humidity and 90-degrees Fahrenheit day. Walking outside to check the mail is akin to falling into an unsuspected swimming pool. Needless to stay, another shower is immediately due upon re entry into the home.
“Let’s make a book!” I said to my daughter.
She was 8 at the time, and absolutely LOVED picture books. I mean, so did I - but I really didn’t understand how much I would fall in love with picture books on that Sunday morning.
It’s funny, really. My 8-year old daughter loved (still does) calling me cute names. At the time, she frequently referred to me as, not Dad, nor Papa, but rather - “Mustardy-Face”. Yep, that was me. Good ole “Mustardy-Face” walking around. You see, she called me “Mustardy-Face” because I loved putting the delicious, classic American Yellow Mustard on pretty much everything. Black beans? Yep, let’s add some mustard. Crackers? Load it! Texas BBQ? YES!!!
Suddenly, this idea has entered my stream of consciousness - “Nobody Loves Mustard”, and Eureka! I had a book idea.
This idea has changed my life forever.
I began a journey of obsessively studying the beautiful craft of writing and illustrating for children. I was hooked!
Timeline:
September 1, 2018 - My journey began…
Lots of trial and error, learning, some success, mostly failures, practice, daily sketching, taking classes, finding community, self doubt followed by relentlessly pursuing my newfound dream.
March 11, 2024 - I signed with my Literary Agent.
It took me 2018 days from the date I started my journey to the day I signed with my Agent, or 5 years, 6 months and 10 days.
Closing Thoughts
Although it has taken me 5 and half years to get here, I’m just getting started! If I can share Just One Thing! (See what I did there?), I would like to share the below quote from one of my favorite authors, which has helped me considerably throughout my own personal journey.
“Every artist was first an amateur.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thank you for joining me in my journey and subscribing to Just One Thing! I look forward to sharing more about my journey, art tips and exciting news.
Wowwwwww!!! Big congratulations to you!!
Woohoo! 🥳 I'm throwing a party (in my imagination, because otherwise it would be way too much work) for you! 🥳 How exciting, and the fun is just beginning.