What To Do When You're Worried Your Writing Idea Isn't Serious Enough

Dear Writerly Woman,

What was the first story you remember loving as a kid?

Mine was Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel.

In fact, my love of Frog and Toad led me to one of my most egregious acts as a kid. I checked it out of the library and never brought it back!!!

To understand the true impact of this, you must understand that I am an epic rule follower. When I was a kid I got a knot in my stomach any time another kid broke a rule or did something dangerous.

I absolutely did not want to get in trouble, and yet...Little Emma loved this book so much she couldn't let it go.

I remember the feeling of reading it. It was pure comfort. I read it over and over again. I loved those two little hilarious characters. I loved grumpy Toad and optimistic Frog. I loved the pictures of Toad in his funny swimming costume. I read that book again and again.

I love writers like Arnold Lobel, because he had the creative courage to pursue his dream. 

He had an idea other people might have considered silly. They might not have seen the importance of its impact. They might not have truly valued the worth of a children's tale about a frog and a toad who were friends.

He pursued his idea anyway. He wrote it. He submitted it to publishers. The whole thing happened. And it had such a beautiful impact on my life. That story was an incredible source of comfort for me when I was young. His story mattered.

Do you ever think your writing ideas are silly, frivolous, or won't have a real impact on the world? 

To help with this, all you need to do is think about the stories you love, the ones that have had an impact on you. Then take the leap and imagine your story could have the same impact on someone else, because it can.

Love,

Emma

P.S. Ok, so the truth is when I was a teenager I finally felt so guilty about keeping the book I returned it! The knot in my stomach finally got to me.