Karen Hendriks - Children's Author
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Writing Confidence Surprises 24.5.22

5/24/2022

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A writing journey takes many twists and turns and it often presents unexpected surprises. I was recently given the opportunity to do something that I would never ever have thought possible.
I met with our state member of parliament to discuss my new picture book project Our Shellharbour and to introduce myself as a local children's author in our area.
I took along copies of my books Go Away, Foxy Foxy, Feathers and Home. I was dressed professionally and on time.
I instantly liked our local state member, Anna Watson. After our introductions, I showcased my picture books and Anna was extremely interested and loved my writing and professionalism. She was particularly drawn to Home as it is so relevant to what is happening in the world at this present time. The book covers the themes of migration, new beginnings and refugees. It's inspired by my own family heritage. Anna wanted to present Home in the New South Wales parliament so she asked me to write a speech that she would read out in parliament on my behalf.
What a wondrous opportunity, I had just completed a course on pitching and used the knowledge gained to write my speech. Rather that procrastinate and worry I followed my instincts and was authentically real. Who would have thought a children’s author would have a speech read out on their behalf in the New South Wales parliament?
You may not be aware of this but people in your local community do watch what you do. I often pop down to a local coffee shop where I can focus on the task at hand. This means I get to chat to people in our village. A local business lady, who has bought my books for her grandchildren said, ‘I saw this and knew I just had to get this for you.’ I opened the beautifully presented package and inside was a gorgeous handmade felt foxy badge. Her granddaughter loves reading Go Away, Foxy Foxy. Treasure your journey gifts they are precious.
 
 
 

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Writing Confidence ebbs and flows

4/21/2022

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​Writing confidence can ebb and flow depending on what’s happening in your life. I was setting goals and happily creating and then kapow. It all stopped. Losing Elmo my little dog really threw me because no matter what was happening with my writing I shared the journey with him. He was my sidekick. I became lost without him. I was slowly feeling my way back when kapow again. Covid struck. You would think being in isolation would be a productive thing. I learnt that sometimes you need to surrender and be in the moment so that is what I have been doing. No writing.
I’m lucky to check my emails. Instead of feeling guilty I see the rest as something I need to have and to be patient. Being patient is not one of my strong points but hey I am learning. I have a pitch to write and my mind is blank. New creative ideas have flown the coop. I have discovered television again, which is surprising because for a long time I hated it. I couldn’t even stand the noise of the television. I have surrendered and I’m so surprised to discover that I am happy to watch the footy.
Being sick has changed me, and so I am hoping when my writing mojo returns that my new way of looking at the world will rub off. I am finding being in the moment so rewarding and even small things make me super happy. The sunshine this week has made the lockdown pleasant and I even jumped in the pool to try and get out of the funk of not doing anything. I guess my message is to let go of creative guilt. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it will return once I have recovered.
I did revisit a draft I have written and I was surprised. I thought wow, I wrote that and it really is good. At the moment I have no idea how to make it better but it’s darn good writing. The title is No Tigers Here and guess what? The tigers have disappeared. I understand that illness can steal your confidence if you let it. But I won't.
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When the Words Don't Flow

3/26/2022

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That dreaded moment arrived and yikes I thought I'd lost my drive to create. Sometimes, I think we work so hard at our writing, that our mind goes no I want you to stop for a while, so I did. This week I’ve been having a cuppa and breakfast in the village and living a mighty fine life indeed. Yet, each time I returned to the  writing page, it was like hey kiddo, I’ve got nothing for you.
   Taa daa, here I am writing my blog post which is super late. Being honest and raw and hoping by next week that the writing buzz will return.
    On a happy note, I have started the ball rolling on my local picture book story ‘Our Shellharbour.’ I have lived and grown up in Shellharbour and nowhere else, so there so much heart and passion in this project and it sure does show. I spent over a year writing and rewriting the manuscript and then when I thought it was done I got it assessed. You’re living the dream Karen, it’s ready. So I sent the draft off to Kera Bruton, who is the most amazing illustrator, and the most perfect one for this project. But then I messaged her and said, ‘Kera, no it’s not right yet, give me a few more weeks.’ I read the story over and over and wrote it out and wondered. I dived into my books and that’s when it came to me. Kill those darlings, and so I went back to the manuscript and I did more than kill those darlings, I destroyed the manuscript. I took out all of my hard work and ended up with a pared down manuscript. So I thought long and hard and finally I went back to the original manuscript and had a brainwave. I took out the family characters and created two child characters. I spent days researching names and writing them out and then what did I do? I went back to the original two names I had chosen. Then I created dialogue. Bingo the manuscript was now ready to roll.
    I will be sharing little snippets in my blog about the project. This month I will be searching for seashells for Kera. Because it is a local book so it needs local shells, not generic shells from the internet. 'Our Shellharbour' is going to be authentic, real  and incredible.
    Till we meet again next month, thanks for stopping by and visiting, Karen
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Every Little Thing That You Do Is Magic 25.2.22

2/25/2022

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Some days are golden days, and other days go to dust when you're a writer. Today, I have spent hours cleaning my study. I'm forever receiving new picture books and at the moment there is nowhere to put them. My cheap bookshelf is heaving and so is my collectables bookshelf so it's time to sort some books. The ones I can bear to part with are going to a local teacher that I am friend's with for her class library.
At the moment, I have heaps of new picture books to read and study. You see, if you write in a genre you should read  in that genre too. I love picture books because they are such wondrous, creative masterpieces where words and pictures play.
I have started a picture book writers and illustrators course that goes for the next six months so my new books are going to come in handy. Each month, a new module arrives with tasks. I'm really enjoying the challenge and I have just submitted my first assessment task. Even the books you gravitate towards are a reflection of you and your personality. They are windows into the type of stories you like to write.
The world of a writer is never dull but today I just couldn’t do anything creative. I needed my space to be decluttered. Believe me, it isn’t finished but it needs to feel good for me to be productive. I always promise myself to keep it tidy and I do until it all unravels as my newbie books start to pile up everywhere.
I have learnt that a writer’s life is super surprising. In March, 2022 Unapologetically Me is being launched. It's an anthology with 8 empowering stories, 8 powerful women living on their terms. One of these women is me. I'm super excited to share that my story called ‘Becoming A Shiny Happy Children’s Author,’ is included. If you are after tips and want to see how writing children's stories empowered me grab a copy. I share heaps of my learnings and I truly believe that writing has enabled me to grow and learn to not play small. I now have a new feather in my cap, I have written a story in a new genre and that is magical and empowering. Check out Daisy Lane Publishing.
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Be Kind To Yourself 17.1.22

1/17/2022

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Welcome to 2022 and all the joys that it will bring. I have decided to go slow, be kind to myself and to focus. Instead of worrying about what I haven’t achieved I want to celebrate each little thing that I do achieve.
Each day, I try and make a to do list and rarely accomplish what’s on that list. Today, I only managed to achieve three of those things. Rather than going down a negative rabbit hole I decided to focus on what I did achieve. 
There’s a lot of talk about vision boards and I’ve always loved seeing what others create but I have never made one myself. For some reason I decided to make one this year for my writing. Rather than read how to do this I thought I’ll do it my way. I wasn’t keen on trying to find images so I decided to use only one image. It was a hand holding a pencil. I then sourced a quote that I love Smile, breathe, and go slowly -Tingh Nhat Hanh. I wrote down my three words for the year, focus, grow, achieve. Using my craft paper, a black sharpie and a pack of highlighters I proceeded over the next three hours to organically write, create, cut and paste. One word that I live by was written in huge letters - Authenticity. I included some daily affirmations so I will need to look at the board and say them each day. Relying on memory won’t work. One affirmation that springs to mind is - value my worth. So for me this year is not about setting unachievable goals but realistic ones that can be achieved in small steps. Welcome to 2022 and go forth and do what you can when you can in this ever changing world.

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Take Pride In What You Do 16.12.21

12/16/2021

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As the year ends I'm celebrating all the good things that have happened in my writing journey in 2021. I'm taking pure goodness from these deeply appreciated moments that have been both big and small.
My most treasured moment was the release of my picture book Home, illustrated by Alisa Knatko and published by Daisy Lane Publishing. Due to Covid restrictions there could be no live book launch with family and friends. Yet, Home is out in the world and it's a truly beautiful book that has been listed on the Australian Refugee Council site as a picture book resource. Home has received many incredible reviews which warms my heart.
I had the honour of my short story being included in the Once Upon a Whoops Anthology that's doing extremely well on Amazon. The funds from this book support premature babies and  I too was a premature baby. My webpage has been updated thanks to the wonderful Inge Walters who brought all of my ideas to life. I am a part of two wonderful critique groups and the members of both groups are now dear friends and are part of my  professional family.
I have attended conferences and learning sessions online. I had the privilege of hosting story time for the international Global Learning Festival which was super exciting as I shared Go Away, Foxy Foxy with children from many different places in the world.
When Home was released I was fortunate enough to squeeze in a local school and library event which was heartening as it's what I do best. As a Books in Homes Ambassador I was able to attend an online presentation assembly which was loads of fun. During Education Week I was a guest author online at locaL preschools, primary schools  and high schools.
I have ventured into writing a few newspaper articles and I continue to write book reviews. This has keep me busy and focused. As I learn new things about my writing journey I write quotes for writers on Instagram..
From this little snippet that I've shared I can see much growth, strength and resilience. My creativity may wax and wane but my passion for what I do is always there because I love it.
These are a few of my special writing moments and I want to thank you for being there with me and sharing them. A journey shared is one forever treasured.
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Writing Friendships 16.11.21

11/16/2021

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Writing is a solitary profession that requires self discipline and self belief.  At times, you may wonder why you write, yet still you keep on creating. As you hone your craft you seek and create writing friendships. And it's your fellow writers and illustrators who connect with you that become your creative treasure. They are who you seek advice from, join critique groups with, write reviews for and are your creative family.
I have made friends that I would never have never met in everyday life. They have become my creative tribe and know me warts and all. When you write you reveal your inner world and your fellow writers/illustrators are the ones who see the real you in your words. When you connect the sands of time may pass and you may not physically see each other or never ever meet in person but the bonds hold tight.
Today, a writer I met at a retreat rang me right when I was thinking about her. She needed a sounding board for some writing advice. Ping!  In my email box another friend had sent me some helpful tips. When I write my Instagram posts it's my creative tribe who support me. I finished a critique, that was written simply and well and it was great to give this feedback. A friend who has been working hard to secure a picture book contract received one and shared her good news. I was tickled pink! Or maybe I should say red. Her hair is red.
So treasure those moments in your creative community and love and support each other. Your creative tribe will certainly make your writer world a happy place.
Image: Sunshine Coast Writers Retreat organised by Aleesah Darlison
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Tips to Surviving Lockdown

8/20/2021

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Ten weeks into lockdown and you would think I have lots of writing done. But the truth is that my creativity comes and goes. Especially with the 11.00am news. So I am down at the beach taking a winter dip and grabbing a coffee to avoid those daily gremlins. On the way home there's a neighbour or local that needs a chat and Elmo our dog sneaks away. A multitude of delays and everyone thinks you have time. Inside my head is saying get some writing done. At home, my husband wants a chat and the postie is delivering yet another parcel. Yesterday I ordered vitamins and books. Finally I sit down at the computer and check my emails. Now it's time to write. But guess what my mind has gone blankety blank. I start googling facts for an idea that I have been trying to develop and my mind goes no you're not doing that today. Then the self talk starts and I hear that voice say, 'You've lost your writing mojo and you're wasting time.' It's so easy to go down that rabbit hole. Instead, I pull a rabbit out of a hat and remember a little writing challenge that I decide to use as inspiration. It seems to be the only thing that sparks anything. Finally I sit and write and stop and ponder. I nut out a first draft but think to myself it's not that good. Yet I have managed to get into the zone and write something when it seemed like I was pushing elephant poo up a hill. I have lunch and return. It looks even worse now but I continue on with the draft until it doesn't want to play anymore. I leave it for another day. My head says, 'You didn't get your goals done.' And out loud I reply, 'It's okay I created something today and I had fun.'
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