The Advantage of Sequencing.

On deciding which goes first.

I started on 2 paths at the start of 2021.

1. I set out to write a Children’s book.

2. I pursued a career as a Children’s book illustrator.

By February, I abandoned the writing and doubled down on the illustration career.

I decided to do them in sequence rather than in parallel.

My thinking was that working on the writing was slowing down my progress as a children’s book illustrator, but focusing on being a children’s book illustrator would bring me closer to writing.

Here’s how I came to that conclusion;

1. I am more accomplished at drawing than writing. And can get work drawing, but I don’t know if I can get work writing.

2. Drawing daily develops both my craft and a following. Everyone can see a drawing and it can be passed around.

3. Writing daily might only show fruit in a couple of years, and it might not be good fruit.

4. As an illustrator, I get to work with writers and editors, thus improving my ability to write.

1 year later, I have 4 Children’s book deals with a 5th in the works. Will I ever write a Children’s book, maybe. But if I didn’t abandon the writing goal. I don’t think I would have gotten a writing deal, and I don’t think I would have been illustrating either.