Monique Polak

I have a confession to make: one day this week, I was working on my new manuscript and thinking, "Gee, this isn't very good. It's not at all the way I wanted it to come out." I ended my writing day at around four that afternoon, feeling kind of crabby with myself. The next morning, I returned to my desk and plunged back into the story. And guess what? By the end of the day, I was thinking, "Gee, this reads well. I think I like it!" I'm telling you this so you understand that there are a lot of ups and downs in the writing life. The trick, I have discovered, is to keep writing -- no matter how discouraged you feel. And to remember that the downs are usually followed by an up -- and vice versa of course, too. 

Next week, I'm off to Book Expo in Toronto. I'll be signing copies of my latest book, 121 Express, on Monday, June 16 at noon. If you're going to be at Book Expo, drop by the Orca booth and say hello. One of the best parts of Book Expo is that I get to meet readers and booksellers and librarians, not to mention hobnob with other children's writers. Hopefully, I'll come home with lots of interesting and inspiring tips for you, dear reader -- and for me!