Keep Calm - Creativity is Contagious!


With the world in upheaval and enforced isolation encouraging a surge of forgotten habits such as staying put and reading more, I happened upon an old copy of the Winter 2019 SCBWI Bulletin. The article that caught my eye was by Susan Salzman Raab, a SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) marketing consultant and the author of An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion.

Susan spoke about the expression of human rights and how we as creators are obligated in no small way to help the forward movement and enforcement of human rights through our roles as storytellers and story sharers. I found her discussion meaningful and inspiring, ironically, even more so in our current climate of disruption and uncertainty. Judge for yourself.

Excerpt from Sarah's SCBWI article Winter 2019.

 'Children’s authors and illustrators have always had a unique role – that of being allowed to share their ideas with other people’s children. And the canon of children’s literature is filled with stories that exemplify what it means to look forward – how to surmount challenges, how to expand horizons, how to connect with others and how to lead with kindness and courage.


It will behoove us all to consider what contributions we can make to ensure a good and peaceful future for our children.’


And Creativity! Pulled from Facebook posting by Good Vibes

So let us all try to remember to lead with kindness and courage through these troubled times. The human spirit has survived far worse and will no doubt continue to be tested. This global challenge has meant change for all of us in a simultaneous way that many post Baby Boomers would have never experienced before. It is both significant and frightening but not insurmountable.

Sharing stories together, reading the stories of others, keeps kids grounded, centered, focused on hope and hopefully, better informed of their place in this world and those they share it with.

To my book buddies and fellow creators, artists and impassioned kids' lit advocates:

Write On! Read On! Inspire! 

And to everyone else, take heart we are all in this together to ensure a good and peaceful future for our children.

 *with acknowledgement to Albert Einstein and Jackie Hosking 😊

Comments

Norah Colvin said…
Lovely post, Dimity. Stay safe and well - and creative!
19 March 2020 at 21:14
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