Planting Seeds

Taped on the window sill over my desk is a fortune that came inside a fortune cookie. It reads:

Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.

Source: Vinayaraj via Wikimedia

I planted a lot of seeds in 2019.

Not all of these seeds germinated, but I'm delighted with the ones that did.

In 2019, I spent time observing nature. I read beautiful books. I collected ideas. I turned some of these ideas into queries and proposals and articles and books. I landed new book contracts. I spoke by phone and Skype with scientists all over the world. I attended NCTE where I met wonderful writers, editors, educators, and librarians. I launched new books into the world, including one that was named to the AAAS/Subaru Longlist.

What seeds do I hope to plant in 2020?

Many seeds I planted last year grew so well, I'll be tucking the same varieties into the ground again this year.

In 2020, I will  spend time in nature. I will collect ideas. I will turn my ideas into articles and books. I will work to land new contracts. I will reach out to scientists and other experts who can inform my work. I will support my friends and colleagues in the kidlit community. I will read books that represent the best of children's literature.

What seeds will you be planting in 2020?

I hope you have a wonderful new year! Happy planting!

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