Three DO NOTs for Writers

I recently had my first AMA (Ask Me Anything) session with a lovely writer who asked great questions.  One question she asked really made me pause and think as I had never been asked that question before. She said she knew some of the “dos” of writing but was wondering, “What are some of the “do nots?” I answered as best as I could in the moment, but even after the call ended I continued to think about that question and thought I’d share just three of the “do nots” I’ve learned in my 10+ year writing journey. 

 DO NOT GIVE UP

I think we hear this one the most often but it’s been so true for me. I didn’t win contests and scholarships before winning my first contest and scholarship. I got nos from agents before getting that first yes.  My agent and I also got nos from editors on WAT TAKES HIS SHOT before the yes came two years later. One thing most authors have in common is that they didn’t stop when the rejections and nos rolled in. Take every no as a not yet and when that no comes with feedback, receive the feedback to keep learning and growing in your craft.

DO NOT COMPARE

Don’t compare your writing journey to anyone else’s. This is so easy to do, yet the longer I’ve been immersed in the kidlit world, the more I realize we are all on our own timelines. Everyone’s journey to publication is unique and I like to say I took the scenic route! Instead, learn from and lift up fellow creators. Celebrate every small win and keep your eyes focused on your own path. 

DO NOT STOP LIVING YOUR LIFE

There is A LOT of waiting in publishing. Even after signing a book contract, it still takes at least 2 years for the book to come out. I signed the contract for WAT TAKES HIS SHOT in 2020 and it just released this June! Sometimes, when consumed with the what ifs we can miss out on what’s right in front of us. I’ve had to release control of the things I can’t control, and I continually remind myself that I am not just an author. I am also a wife, mom, teacher, friend, and more. 

These are just a few reminders that have helped me along my writing journey. What are some of the DO NOTs that you’ve learned along yours? 

My recent book received multiple nos before the yes came. During the waiting, which spanned 7 years from first draft to published book, life didn’t stop. I raised two boys, taught second graders, and volunteered in Thailand with an anti-trafficking organization in the midst of all the waiting. 

Cheryl Kim is an elementary school teacher from San Jose, California, teaching elementary students at Grace International School in Thailand. Her debut picture book WAT TAKES HIS SHOT: The Life and Legacy of Wataru Misaka published on June 18, 2024.  She’s also a writer for Capstone’s Sports Illustrated for Kids: Stars of Sports Series and Kane Press’ Eureka! The Biography of an Idea Series. 

When she’s not teaching or writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends — drinking bubble tea, watching movies, playing games, cheering on her sons’ sports teams, and traveling. She is also an advocate for child survivors of human trafficking through ZOE International. 

 www.cherylkimbooks.com