They say visualisation is a powerful tool to bring about change. Well, in the wrong hands it’s a powerful tool to bring you to a standstill, too!

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I’ve spent the last few weeks picturing myself like this: an ant looking up at Mount Everest. So you can probably see why I’ve been struggling to get started. And OK, I realise we are just talking about writing a book here, I mean it’s words on a page at the end of the day. But I’m nothing if not overly dramatic in my visualisations! Which can sometimes be a good thing but sometimes, like here, backfires badly.

 

Back in May I received my offer from Piccadilly Press (I shouted about it pretty loud but if you happened to miss that bit of news then click here) And what’s more they wanted three books.

 

I was over the moon and I’m still up there to be honest. Over the last four months I have been editing Book One – The Boy Who Grew Dragons. It’s been through some changes since it started out as a picture book idea back in 2012, but that’s a whole other post.

 

Let’s just say I’m getting an inkling of just how much work is involved in getting a book into print. The only trouble is, knowing what I know now, I’ve been psyching myself out about the fact that I have to do it again – twice in fact.

 

So I’ve been this ant staring up at the snowy peaks and shuffling from foot to foot hoping I might miraculously get lifted up to that far away summit by some benevolent bird.

 

Don’t get me wrong I’ve been a busy ant – checking my boots and other essential equipment, planning my route, collecting provisions. (Basically gathering ideas, working on outlines for the next books and baking too many scones) But I haven’t dared start the journey out of base camp.

 

Until yesterday, when I took that first step. And it felt good. And now I’m singing as I trudge along. (I started out skipping, but it was a long day yesterday so I’m trudging this morning) But I’m going to keep my eyes on each step I take – and avert my gaze from the distant heights of the summit. For now anyway.

 

So if like me you’re feeling like a tiny ant at the foot of a great big mountain, let me visualise my ant-self reaching out a hand to your ant-self, to help you take that first little – but momentous- step.

 

 

“You’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!” – Dr Seuss