One of the things I love about writing is that it’s a form of self-expression. When we write, we can’t help but reveal parts of ourselves to our readers. Maybe it’s not an overt reveal. In the case of fiction, it’s usually a more subtle reveal. But still, it’s there. Authors include hidden messages in their work all the time. If we write enough, our readers will get to know us even without directly speaking to us.
If you’ve read my books or my blog posts then you know I’m all about teamwork, positivity, and motivation. When I set out to write my middle grade series, I didn’t know a lot of story details or plot specifics but I knew with certainty that I wanted the books to encourage kids to set lofty goals and to dream big. And I knew I didn’t want the messages to be subtle. I didn’t want to add light sprinkles of inspiration here and there. I wanted waves of motivation to soak every person who reads my books.
To do this, I included motivational taglines and encouraging quotes throughout the story. They’re literally everywhere! Adding them was a way for me to speak directly to my readers. I imagined, that after kids had read the books, they’d scribble the quotes on paper, add a few colorful stars, and hang their masterpieces on their bedroom walls and look at them every day. Hey don’t laugh. My younger self, who doodled all the time, would definitely have done that!
Even now, when I picture teams puzzling through my teambuilding activities, I imagine sending encouraging messages their way…like the balloon messages sent to the Crimson Five kids at the Piedmont Challenge. Since I can’t actually do that, though, I’ve done the next best thing. I’ve created motivational book-themed prints— free instant downloads that teachers, educators, coaches, parents, and kids can frame on their walls or tack on their bulletin boards. That way, I can cheer on all those kids with big dreams in my own small way.
To find them, go to Classroom Art Prints here or at the top of the page. They’re perfect for middle school classrooms, fans of the Crimson Five books, or any competitive kid who has big plans and even bigger goals!
In other news, I know it’s been a minute since I’ve checked in with you guys. I hope you’re doing well and taking baby steps (or big steps) toward your big goals too. These prints may be targeted at kids and classrooms but the messages are meant for my writing friends too. Life totally gets in the way of our progress sometimes. This last year has been proof of that for me! If you’ve found yourself in the same boat, know that I’m in there with you.
My goals haven’t been forgotten though. I have a manuscript waiting to be discovered, another waiting to be finished, and another waiting to be started. It seems I have story scenes, revision notes, and ideas swirling in my mind all the time. Sometimes, I feel like I’m going a little crazy but at the same time, I know that’s one of the great things about being a writer. At least we’re never bored, right?
Let’s catch up again soon, shall we?
