Picking up the pencil again

Happy New Year!
I have been a teacher in Winnipeg since 2006 and a mother since 2012. During the spring of 2020, it was a stressful time for my family - as it was for many. I have a lot to be grateful for and throughout the pandemic my family support system was essential to my well-being. During this time, in addition to my strong family connections, I turned to another love of mine that has been on the back burner for a while now - writing.

Writing has always been an outlet for me and I find expressive writing invigorating. I had many opportunities in school to write and I am grateful to the teachers and professors that encouraged me along the way.

When things closed down and slowed down that spring the pandemic hit, I had extra time in a schedule that usually was jam packed with childrens' activities and commitments. My writing mostly started out as staring at blank paper - I had memories of writing, but it still felt awkward at first, not wanting to "make a mistake". But, as soon as I gave myself permission to let the words flow onto the paper without judgement, it was a flood gate that I couldn't stop. 

Rhyming verse is a passion of mine! I love children's books and I love music and I love the magic of words coming together in perfect melody. It anchors my writing - I have an idea of the message I am trying to convey and then attempt to capture that message in harmonious rhythm. The whole process is very relaxing to me.

I wrote the majority of what you see in the final book, I Want You To Be You, within one sitting. That is how it seems to work for me. I turn the tap on and let it flow out my pencil. Now, don't mistake me. I absolutely return to my writing many times! Writing and re-writing, switching out words and exploring new words - but I enjoy the whole process! When I started, I hadn't put any pressure on myself or deadlines to complete any project. In fact, I hadn't considered publishing a book that spring. 

So as I look forward to 2023, I look forward to another year filled with writing! 

Wishing you and yours all the very best in the New Year :-)
​Sincerely,
L. Robin

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