Beth, I am SO sorry you experienced this! Thank you for sharing this with us and for being here ❤️. After my lay off, I joined your community and it has made such a difference to me. The community you’ve gathered here is the most incredible and supportive group. You are so encouraging and full of light and you make beautiful and joyful art!
Thank you, Jenni! It's been a hard few months and I'm finally feeling like I can breathe and move forward. And I found a nice new therapist to help me navigate what the hell I need to do next. Maybe I'll fill out that Trader Joe's application!
So sorry for this painful experience in your career Beth, must be extremely hard to keep it to yourself so long, while you were suffering in silence you kept bring this community joy, inspiration and always words to reflect about 💛 you are a shining human being and the world is still going to witness how great you are! Thank you for sharing your insecurities and feeling so openly 🫂
It was so hard to keep everything inside, especially since I was so excited about it at first. I put a lot of stock in this book because it felt like it might open some doors. So when it ended, it felt like my whole future was in shambles. Kind of like I'm lost in a dark forest! Thankfully drawing still makes me happy, maybe even more now that I'm drawing for me and not to try to manifest some future story idea. 💞
Someday those publishers will regret... as the ones who didn't want to work with K. when she showed the Harry Potter. I see a book of yours, and if some Gorillas cats and dogs and goats can appear in it ,even the better. You are so brave sharing all this and I hope it makes you feel better . Being turned down doesn' t mean we aren' good artists.But it hurts.
Oh my Beth, I can imagine pouring your heart and soul into a book and then getting that email must be devastating 💔 And I can also relate to projects being cancelled, or even published/printed without payment....this business is hard :(
As you say, keep going! If they were interested in the book initially, there must be something great there! Is there any way you can get the book published in another way? Maybe by another publisher or through kickstarter?
Thinking of you, Beth. I think their decision stinks (at a minimum, I didn't want to curse on your lovely page). I am so sorry you have had to go through this and keep it to yourself. I'm sending you a big hugs and some beautiful light to bask in. You are such an amazing leader and influencer to your community and beyond, and your art is so joyful and expressive. I LOVE your lion and spooky piece above. Your kindness and inclusivity shines like a freaking supernova and I'm cheering for you. Xoxox
Thank you sooo much, Kristin! This comment makes me feel so warm. Even on the hardest days, it felt nice to get out all my yellow ochre goodies to make a video.
I was planning burnt sienna this week, but the weather and negativity on the internet prompted me to go ahead and share this! I really enjoyed making the lion statue and spooky piece. It's been really comforting to draw things that are less cute, even though you know I love the cute stuff! ❤️
Oh this one’s a gut punch. Thank you so much for sharing—these moments often feel so isolating and soul crushing, and I’m glad your community here can remind you how much we ADORE you.
Ditto, my dear! You're a real trailblazer and I'm so glad we had that perfectly-timed session together this week. Shout at me any time you wanna do it again! Also, screw Temu!
Ugh!!!! I'm so sorry, Beth. Children's book publishing can be a brutally heartbreaking field (and totally nonsensical at times!). And books are just so much work to boot. I love your work and know you have lots of exciting surprises ahead in your career. Take the time to mourn and be sad, and lean on your community as much as you need. That might be the biggest secret in KidLit - you HAVE to have your private chats and zooms to work through all the hard bits. I'm here anytime you need it!
And look at these INCREDIBLE drawings you've included with this moving post... I'm so sorry to hear about this -- it sounds like something that would have completely destroyed me. But you are so talented and I can only think to myself that even the most celebrated artists and illustrators have experienced exactly what just happened to you and went on to successful careers. I think it must be a painful rite of passage, and paradoxically means you are solidly well on your way to an incredible career! Ugh. I truly believe that, Beth. Please hang in there and know how deeply gifted you are!!
I am so, so sorry you went through this. Man that sucks. For what it's worth, though, when I look at your work I see so much life and vivacity and delight and I have absolutely ZERO doubt that there is something truly wonderful in store for you and your art.
Hi Penny. Thank you so much for your kind words. I didn't see this post as being a comparison to other artists or women as much as it was my experience from having my finished picture book being terminated by the publisher. I appreciate you letting me know that's what you've taken from it.
Oh Beth, I’m so sorry this happened. I hope you know how worthy and talented you are. If it was a children’s book I know that world is so harsh and ever changing. Something better and bigger always comes after these heartbreaks. We are all in your corner and can tell you a million times how amazing you are and 💯 mean it!!
Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words, Sam. 💞 In a lot of ways, this has helped me love drawing in a whole new way, so that's pretty sweet!
That's valid, Adam! You know exactly how much work goes into a project like this. It sucks not being able to talk details, because I feel like I'm really "boohoo my picture book got canceled," but it really felt like a violation of trust that's left me scarred. But I've found a nice new therapist to help me navigate it so I don't take it all out on my poor husband!
I am so sorry this happened to you. Man, this industry can be so brutal. What I really appreciate about you is that you have a superpower of spreading light and joy and play. And now that I know it has been even in times of darkness, it makes it even more remarkable. Thank you for all the great things you send into the world! For choosing to create with courage even when going through hard times. I think you are awesome!
Thank you so much, Rebecca! I'm so fortunate to be able to talk through this with my psychologist and to live near a great library with an excellent self-help section. Journaling and dog walks have been tremendously helpful for processing this too. 💞 So grateful for you and your encouraging comment!
Beth, I am SO sorry you experienced this! Thank you for sharing this with us and for being here ❤️. After my lay off, I joined your community and it has made such a difference to me. The community you’ve gathered here is the most incredible and supportive group. You are so encouraging and full of light and you make beautiful and joyful art!
Thank you, Jenni! It's been a hard few months and I'm finally feeling like I can breathe and move forward. And I found a nice new therapist to help me navigate what the hell I need to do next. Maybe I'll fill out that Trader Joe's application!
So sorry for this painful experience in your career Beth, must be extremely hard to keep it to yourself so long, while you were suffering in silence you kept bring this community joy, inspiration and always words to reflect about 💛 you are a shining human being and the world is still going to witness how great you are! Thank you for sharing your insecurities and feeling so openly 🫂
It was so hard to keep everything inside, especially since I was so excited about it at first. I put a lot of stock in this book because it felt like it might open some doors. So when it ended, it felt like my whole future was in shambles. Kind of like I'm lost in a dark forest! Thankfully drawing still makes me happy, maybe even more now that I'm drawing for me and not to try to manifest some future story idea. 💞
You definitely became stronger after this experience Beth! And I suspect that drawing is in your genes, glad to read it makes you even happier now 😘
Door closes, but others open. Thanks for sharing your experience. We can only keep going forward, might take time, is ok. Your drawings are so joyful.
That's a beautiful way to look at this situation, Mercedes. Thank you for being here and your kind words!
Someday those publishers will regret... as the ones who didn't want to work with K. when she showed the Harry Potter. I see a book of yours, and if some Gorillas cats and dogs and goats can appear in it ,even the better. You are so brave sharing all this and I hope it makes you feel better . Being turned down doesn' t mean we aren' good artists.But it hurts.
Thank you so much, Chris! ❤️ I'm so glad you're here.
Oh my Beth, I can imagine pouring your heart and soul into a book and then getting that email must be devastating 💔 And I can also relate to projects being cancelled, or even published/printed without payment....this business is hard :(
As you say, keep going! If they were interested in the book initially, there must be something great there! Is there any way you can get the book published in another way? Maybe by another publisher or through kickstarter?
Thank you, Pauline. It really is hard! I love the idea of a Kickstarter for a book. That sounds fun!
Thinking of you, Beth. I think their decision stinks (at a minimum, I didn't want to curse on your lovely page). I am so sorry you have had to go through this and keep it to yourself. I'm sending you a big hugs and some beautiful light to bask in. You are such an amazing leader and influencer to your community and beyond, and your art is so joyful and expressive. I LOVE your lion and spooky piece above. Your kindness and inclusivity shines like a freaking supernova and I'm cheering for you. Xoxox
Thank you sooo much, Kristin! This comment makes me feel so warm. Even on the hardest days, it felt nice to get out all my yellow ochre goodies to make a video.
I was planning burnt sienna this week, but the weather and negativity on the internet prompted me to go ahead and share this! I really enjoyed making the lion statue and spooky piece. It's been really comforting to draw things that are less cute, even though you know I love the cute stuff! ❤️
Oh this one’s a gut punch. Thank you so much for sharing—these moments often feel so isolating and soul crushing, and I’m glad your community here can remind you how much we ADORE you.
Ditto, my dear! You're a real trailblazer and I'm so glad we had that perfectly-timed session together this week. Shout at me any time you wanna do it again! Also, screw Temu!
Ugh!!!! I'm so sorry, Beth. Children's book publishing can be a brutally heartbreaking field (and totally nonsensical at times!). And books are just so much work to boot. I love your work and know you have lots of exciting surprises ahead in your career. Take the time to mourn and be sad, and lean on your community as much as you need. That might be the biggest secret in KidLit - you HAVE to have your private chats and zooms to work through all the hard bits. I'm here anytime you need it!
I will take you up on that! Oh we gotta get you back on as cohost to talk about the KING (of books)!
Anytime, really. And yes to co-hosting again and talking King!
And look at these INCREDIBLE drawings you've included with this moving post... I'm so sorry to hear about this -- it sounds like something that would have completely destroyed me. But you are so talented and I can only think to myself that even the most celebrated artists and illustrators have experienced exactly what just happened to you and went on to successful careers. I think it must be a painful rite of passage, and paradoxically means you are solidly well on your way to an incredible career! Ugh. I truly believe that, Beth. Please hang in there and know how deeply gifted you are!!
You always know how to lift my spirits, Lisa! Thank you so much for these kind words and. being here.
I am so, so sorry you went through this. Man that sucks. For what it's worth, though, when I look at your work I see so much life and vivacity and delight and I have absolutely ZERO doubt that there is something truly wonderful in store for you and your art.
Thank you so much, Sarah. That's exactly what I hope to infuse into my work, so reading your comment brought me so much joy.
Beth- I love your art so please stop comparing yourself tp others! It's a vicious cycle that most of us women have!
Hi Penny. Thank you so much for your kind words. I didn't see this post as being a comparison to other artists or women as much as it was my experience from having my finished picture book being terminated by the publisher. I appreciate you letting me know that's what you've taken from it.
Oh Beth, I’m so sorry this happened. I hope you know how worthy and talented you are. If it was a children’s book I know that world is so harsh and ever changing. Something better and bigger always comes after these heartbreaks. We are all in your corner and can tell you a million times how amazing you are and 💯 mean it!!
Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words, Sam. 💞 In a lot of ways, this has helped me love drawing in a whole new way, so that's pretty sweet!
Angry!
That's valid, Adam! You know exactly how much work goes into a project like this. It sucks not being able to talk details, because I feel like I'm really "boohoo my picture book got canceled," but it really felt like a violation of trust that's left me scarred. But I've found a nice new therapist to help me navigate it so I don't take it all out on my poor husband!
That is crushing. I'm so sorry. You are very talented and wonderful
Thank you, Missy. And ditto! ❤️ Onward and upward I guess! :D
I am so sorry this happened to you. Man, this industry can be so brutal. What I really appreciate about you is that you have a superpower of spreading light and joy and play. And now that I know it has been even in times of darkness, it makes it even more remarkable. Thank you for all the great things you send into the world! For choosing to create with courage even when going through hard times. I think you are awesome!
Rachel! You comment was so healing to read! Thank you so much. You are wonderful!
I love your art Beth and I love your videos. Take heart ❤️ therapy is an excellent tool. Sending love and healing to you 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
Thank you so much, Rebecca! I'm so fortunate to be able to talk through this with my psychologist and to live near a great library with an excellent self-help section. Journaling and dog walks have been tremendously helpful for processing this too. 💞 So grateful for you and your encouraging comment!