The Power of YES
Happy July! Let’s keep things real. I can’t believe I’m this month’s Featured Author! I’ve spent the last five years reading these posts and learning from the talented members of our 12 x 12 community. So, when Julie and Kelli asked if I’d like to write one of my own, I had to say yes.
Yes. Such a small word. Only three little letters. But everything I’ve accomplished on my writing journey I owe to this word. Every time an opportunity presented itself, I said YES. Even if I had no idea what I was doing, I said YES. There’s always time to figure out the details later. Let’s take a look at how the power of YES helped me go from a woman with a dream to a published author.
The First YES
For years, I dreamed of writing picture books. And for many years, it remained just that, a dream. But everything changed for me in early 2015. I had organized an author visit with the amazing Leslie Bulion for my daughter’s elementary school. In between sessions, I talked to her about writing. She suggested I attend the upcoming NESCBWI Conference. That night, I went online and registered. This was completely out of character for me. I’m a planner and usually need to consider things from every angle before making a decision. But the conference was only a few weeks away, and my dream of being a writer wasn’t going to happen unless I did something about it. So, I said YES to taking the first step to making that dream become a reality.
Nonfiction? YES!
I never planned on writing nonfiction. It wasn’t something I’d ever considered. But then I read an article online about these weird sea creatures that look like food. I couldn’t get them out of my head. Was I really going to venture into the world of nonfiction and try to write about them? YES! And behold, my 2019 release I SEE SEA FOOD: SEA CREATURES THAT LOOK LIKE FOOD (Millbrook Press).
Leveled Readers? YES!
After my incredible SEA FOOD editor moved to Bearport Publishing, she emailed me and asked if I’d be interested in writing some leveled readers as part of their Baby Animals series. I had never written a leveled reader before. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. The answer was, of course, YES! There was a learning curve to this type of writing. But I had so much fun and am proud of the finished outcome.
YES à New Books in August 2021
Next month, I am incredibly fortunate to have two new books coming out (both on the same day!). HARMONY HUMBOLT: THE PERFECT PETS QUEEN (Clear Fork Publishing), written by me and illustrated by Mirka Hokkanen, was a 12 x 12 draft from 2017. The finished product looks nothing like the manuscript I initially submitted to Clear Fork. But saying YES to multiple rounds of revisions led to an offer!
THE STORY OF PRINCESS DIANA: A BIOGRPAHY BOOK FOR YOUNG READERS (Rockridge Press), written by me and illustrated by Pearl Law, is my first chapter book. It was a work-for-hire assignment, and definitely the longest thing I’ve ever written. But again, when the opportunity for this book arose, I had to say YES. I knew it was a project I wanted to be a part of, and I was willing to put in the work to make it happen.
How can YES help you?
In his 2017 TED Talk, Kwame Alexander says it perfectly. “When we say yes, we are allowing our minds to create a reality, instead of allowing someone else to create it for us.”
Now, I want you to take a look at your own writing journey. How can you use the power of YES to get you where you want to be? Whether it’s joining a new critique group, writing outside your comfort zone, attending a conference, or trying something new, go ahead and say YES. You may not know where that YES is going to take you. But isn’t it worth taking the chance to find out?
via GIPHY
Jenna Grodzicki is the author of multiple fiction and nonfiction books for children. Her book, I SEE SEA FOOD: SEA CREATURES THAT LOOK LIKE FOOD (Millbrook Press, 2019), was the winner of the 2020 Connecticut Book Award in the Young Readers Nonfiction category. Her newest books, HARMONY HUMBOLT: THE PERFECT PETS QUEEN (Clear Fork Publishing) and THE STORY OF PRINCESS DIANA: A BIOGRAPHY BOOK FOR YOUNG READERS (Rockridge Press) will be available in August. Jenna is represented by Victoria Selvaggio of Strom Literary Agency.
Jenna is offering TWO prizes at our July check-in: a signed copy of HARMONY HUMBOLT: THE PERFECT PETS QUEEN and a signed copy of THE STORY OF PRINCESS DIANA: A BIOGRAPHY BOOK FOR YOUNG READERS. Get your monthly draft and revisions done so you have the best chance of taking home one of these two amazing books!
278 Responses
Yes is a powerful word and can help with a mindset shift. Thanks for the great post and congratulations on your upcoming books!
Thank you so much, Maria!
You are right. We can limit ourselves by believing we can’t and “yes” can propel us forward with writing, but all areas of life. Congratulations on your wonderful books. It is motivating me as well!
Thank you so much!
I love love your attitude…just say yes! It is what gives us the glimmers of hope. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Thanks so much, Karen!
I feel like my own writing journey has been all about the YESes. Yes means wading in and giving something a try. Yes means committing to something, even at the risk of rejection. Yes means being open to growth. So thank you, Karen, for reminding me that YES is the journey!
ooops… not Karen! Jenna!!!
LOL! 🙂
“Even at the risk of rejection.” So true!
Such a powerful message!
Thank you!!!!
Saying yes has often paid off for me too. Thanks for this inspiring post!
Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder to say yes to possibilities instead of getting caught up in the how. Congratulations on the publication of your books!
Thank you! And there’s always time to figure out the logistics later. But the opportunity may not present itself again, so go for it!
Saying yes and taking oneself out of the comfort zone is so important. Although I didn’t feel ready, I held my breath and also went to my first conference in 2015. I stepped into something out of my ken and am so happy I did. Thank you for the reminder and such an inspirational post!
Thank you! 2015 was a magical year!
Saying “yes” to something different and challenging can be intimidating, but then the outcome makes me realize I have more potential than I thought. I’m glad you said yes. I am looking forward to reading your stories. Thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
yes to saying yes! Congrats on making those yeses your reality!
Thank you, Jilanne!
Congrats Jenna! I’m so happy to see your success grow and grow, and I can’t wait to read your books next month. <3
Thank you so much, Jena!
Yes! So happy for all of your success, Jenna!
Thank you, Chana! xoxo
Congratulations, Jenna, on all your success! What a fabulous reminder to say yes to every writing opportunity that comes our way.
Thank you, Stephanie!
Love your “say yes,” attitude, Jenna! So important in writing and other aspects of our lives!
Thanks, Pat! 🙂
Congratulations on your new books, Jenna! Thank you so much for sharing your kid lit journey so far and for the inspiration! Yes!
Thank you so much, Sarah! Happy writing!
Thanks so much for reminding me of the power to say yes. I definitely need to hear that often. And congratulations on all your successes!
Thanks, Rose! Just say yes (when it comes to taking on new writing opportunities)!
The titles of your books are so intriguing.
Thanks, Joyce! I See Sea Food was originally just Sea Food. My editor added the “I See” part.
You’ve definitely proven the power of “yes” when it comes to fulfilling your dreams! What an amazing journey. Congrats and thanks for the inspiration.
Marty, thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you, Chelle!
Jenna,
Your post reminded me of a song from the broadway musical 70, Girls, 70 called “Say Yes,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsfjTa3jmB0 Take a listen. I think the song will resonate. Congrats on saying yes so often and its leading to so much success.
Pat
Thank you so much for sharing this song. I had never heard it, but it definitely espouses the power of YES!
Jenna,
Your post reminded me of a song from the broadway musical 70, Girls, 70 called “Say Yes,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsfjTa3jmB0 Take a listen. I think the song will resonate. Congrats on saying yes so often and its leading to so much success.
Thanks for this motivating post. Saying “Yes,” opens yourself up to so many possibilities and experiences. Congratulations on your two upcoming books.
Thank you so much!
Yes is a powerful word, Congratulations on your success and thank you for reminding us about the power of yes.
Thanks so much, Aly! 🙂
What an inspirational post, Jenna. You’re reminding me that I haven’t yet tracked down your book. I intend to, now! I love the concept and the title. Congratulations on the many YES! opportunities you’ve taken and the ones on the horizon. Thank you for saying yes about this post to 12×12 members!
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words!
What an inspiring story for saying yes, Jenna. Kudos to your courage to try new things. Congrats on these books.
Thank you so much!
I love this! Yes! has been good for me too, but now I hope to take it to a new level. Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Tanya! Happy Writing!
This is exactly what I needed to read! Thank you, Jenna!
AWESOME! Keep at it and just say YES!
Thank you so much for such an encouraging post, Jenna! Love the power of “yes” (and “yet!”) Congratulations on your books! 🙂
Thank you, Abby! And you’re so right, yet is another powerful word!
Yes can be the beginning of some exciting adventures. Thank you for sharing.
So true! Happy writing!
YES! What a great positive attitude to have! It comes back to bless you (and me) 😉
…as we live in stings of “yes”
Thank you so much, Ann!
What a wonderful story of inspiration! Congratulations, Jenna Grodzicki!
Thanks, Margaret! 🙂
YES can be the perfect answer when trying something new. Great post, Jenna!
Thanks so much, Cathy!
Yes on this post! And congrats on your upcoming books!
Thank you, Suzie!
Thanks for sharing. Will continue to repeat: YES!
YES to that!
Thank you, Jenna, for sharing your journey with us. It’s a reminder to me to venture into areas of writing other than picture books. I look forward to reading your stories.
Thanks, Jeannette! You can do it!
Wow, saying yes is a big leap for me as well. I probably would be overwhelmed if I stepped out of the picture book arena but I think chapter books or early readers could be accomplished if I really tried. Thanks for the encouragement to go there.
Thanks, Sheri. You’d be surprised at what you can do if you just give yourself the chance!
Thank you, Jenna, for sharing such a positive approach. And I love the Kwame Alexander quote! I am going to start saying “yes” a lot more.
Thanks, Marcia! Kwame Alexander is so inspiring!
Thanks for sharing your story of Yeses, Jenna! I think I need to watch that Kwame Alexander TedTalk.
You’re welcome, Erik! And yes, Kwame Alexander’s TedTalk is amazing!
Yes to yesses, but also a judicious no here and there to protect writing time!
Yes, Claire! I love this! Gotta protect that writing time.
Love your yes attitude! Inspiring post!
Thanks, Charlotte!
Totally agree with you that YES is the magic word. Yes is sometimes hard, and, Yes is sometimes scary but with Yes comes personal growth. Thank you for sharing your journey.
You’re so right. You’ll never grow if you always stay in your comfort zone. Happy writing!
Congrats, Jenna, for going after and accomplishing your dreams! You desire all this great success!! XOXO
Thanks, Polly! Saying YES to our critique group was another one of those game-changing yeses!!!
Jenna, your positivity gob-smacked me! Thank you for sharing your initiative to seize those yes moments and to move forward with them. Congratulations on your many successes!
Charlotte, thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
I loved this. So inspiring. I’m looking for my next opportunity to say yes to something!
Thank you!!!
YES!! What a great post! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and positivity! And congrats on all your hard-earned success!
Thanks so much, Rebecca!
So many great opportunities and I’m so glad you said YES! Looking forward to reading them!
Thank you, Megan! 🙂
Thanks for this good advice Jenna. I recently said yes to writing a poem on a completely different topic than my original submission and it was accepted! So yes–yes can be a good thing to practice!
Wow, congratulations on the acceptance of your poem! So exciting! You never know where YES will bring you!
Thanks Jenna! Your positive attitude is amazing and fruitful. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks so much, Mary!
A great post, Jenna. Sometimes saying ‘yes’ is scary but the outcome can be amazing. Saying ‘yes’ is empowering!
YES it is! 🙂
Thankyou Jenna for sharing your post. Your writing journey is an inspiration.
Thank you so much!
I love this message of saying YES! One of my closest friends declared last year (at the beginning of it) her “year of yes.” She has no regrets!
The “Year of Yes!” I love that!!!
Yes! Wonderful post, and I love the yes strategy! Congratulations on your new books and all of the things you’ve learned by saying yes. 🙂
Thank you so much, Angie!
So pleased for your success. And yes. I keep saying yes!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Congratulations on your upcoming books. “Yes” is a powerful word, and it’s a great reminder to wield that power even if we’re not feeling it completely inside. Yes we can!
Yes we can!!!
I’m looking forward to reading The Story of Princess Diana. Thanks for sharing, Jenna!
Thank you, Terri! I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for the post! You had some big Yesses, Jenna. Your story is inspiring.
Thank you so much, Beth!
Congratulations, Jenna! Good luck with all the titles.
Thanks, Wendy! 🙂
Thank you so much for the reminder that we don’t have to be experts before we start. It’s okay to learn along the way. Will I put in some work today on that manuscript that seems like it might be a little too big for me, and I’m not sure how I’m going to make it happen? YES.
Yay! I hope you’ve made some good progress on that manuscript. You can do it! 🙂
The power of YES is amazing. Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring post.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Saying YES and staying positive are two great ways to succeed! Thanks for reminding us and for sharing your journey.
You’re so welcome, Marcia! 🙂
YES! I love your reminder to persevere. Many thanks for sharing your story, Jenna.
You’re welcome!!!
Yes! Thank you for sharing your journey. Your books look fantastic.
Thank you so much, Bettie!
Thanks for your encouragement. Congratulations on your books.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Thanks for the positive outlook and reminding us of the power of the word YES!
You’re so welcome, Holly! 🙂
Great reminder of the power of YES! Thanks Jenna and congratulations!
Thank you!!! 🙂
Thank you for your inspiring post. 🙂
You’re welcome, Nina! 🙂
Congratulations on your many successes! Here’s to more YES!
I hope we ALL say and receive more YESES!
Congratulations Jenna! I love how you have been open to every opportunity that has come your way – which has led to such great, diverse books!
Thanks, Laura! 🙂
I love this & Kwame’s quote is heart-opening.
Yes, Kwame Alexander is amazing and so inspiring!
The power of YES and the power of POSITIVITY. Thanks for sharing, Jenna. Best of luck with you upcoming books and future projects.
Thank you so much, Angela!
Great post Jenna. I love the power of YES. Congrats on all your new books! Good luck on future projects.
Thank you so much, Maria!!! 🙂
YES! I said yes, seven years ago and wrote my first article that was published. I’ve been saying yes ever since. I said no for 46 years, but never again! Two and a half years ago, I said yes to picture book writing, and I won’t stop until I get my YES!
Thanks for this inspiring Yes talk!!
YES!!! You’ve got this! 🙂
Jenna, saying yes to opportunity is such a fabulous mindset. It opens us to worlds of possibility and exciting pathways of knowledge, experience, and adventure! Thank you for your post and congratulations on your accomplishments.
Thank you so much, Michelle!
I just made an international move (from Australia, back to the U.S.) so I’m waaay behind on reading these, but I read Jenna’s story at just the right time! Such a great reminder about being open to opportunity and giving things a go to the best of one’s ability. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, good luck with EVERYTHING that comes with moving! We moved from Connecticut to Massachusetts (not nearly as big of a move as yours) last summer, and we still haven’t finished unpacking. LOL!
I love the CAN DO attitude. It makes thing possible (some unexpected)
Appreciate you sharing
Thanks, Jim!!! 🙂
Thank you for reminding me to just say YES! Congrats!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Yes is such a powerful word. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Irene!
Saying “yes” also means taking risks and being fearless. So important to remember! Thanks for the inspiration Jenna and congrats on all your success!
Thank you! 🙂
The power of yes, love that!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Do I love this post? YES! I’m learning to say YES, take a risk, get out of my comfort zone. Thanks for this post and congrats on your success!
WONDERFUL! Just say YES to new opportunities!
Your story is a reminder that we can choose to leap forward with a yes, or hold ourselves back with our doubts!
So true! 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Jenna! Congratulations on your accomplishments.
Thank you, Heidi!
I love this power of Yes! Thank you for this inspiration, Jenna!
You’re so welcome, Pauline!
Here’s to the power of yes and 12 x 12!
I’ll second that!
Congratulations. Thanks for your words.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Yes! And congrats on your books!
Thank you!
Yes, Jenna! Such an inspirational post!
Thank you, Jill!
Yes is such a simple word, but the muscle behind it is sometimes lacking as well as the enthusiasm.
You, fortunately, have both and my hat is off to you.
Thank you so much!!! 🙂
Thanks for this great reminder. We all have stories to tell but fear is often our biggest obstacle.
That’s so true!
I love this! It’s so much easier to say no, but I love the part about saying YES and working out the details later!
Congratulations (I can’t wait to read the Princess Diana book) and thanks for your example of saying YES!
I love the power of “YES”. Congratulations and thank you for your inspiring words!
You’re welcome!
Thank you, Michele!
Love to see people’s experiences…
Yes! 12×12 has a wealth of knowledge!
YES and THANK YOU – two of my favorite mantras. Thank you for the inspiring post!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Very inspirational.
Thank you!
You exemplify the power of Yes! Thank you for your encouraging message.
Awe, thank you so much!
The name Harmony Humboldt just makes me smile–great choice! Thanks for sharing your journey and showing us that we may not even guess where this path will take us.
Look forward to seeing Mirka’s art. I keep coming across her online.
Ha ha, thank you! And Mirka’s art is INCREDIBLE!!!
Yes! Thank you for sharing your story.
You’re welcome!
Jenna, thank you for the inspirational post! You’re right that there is a lot of power in saying YES to the right things.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Very encouraging. Thank you, Jenna!
You’re so welcome!
Jenna-
Thank you for the inspiring post. My no’s have turned to more yeses than I imagined five years ago. I hope to be in a similar place as you one day soon!
Thanks, Margaret! You’ve got this!
Jenna,
I love Leslie Bulion’s books so when I read that you had me saying yes!. You’ve done an amazing job and I”m sure there is much more to come. I definitely will read your Sea Creatures that Look like Food as I love nonfiction.
Thank you, Susan! And yes, Leslie Bulion is brilliant!
Thanks for the words of wisdom!
You’re so welcome, Elizabeth!
Yes, yes, I can. Very inspirational. Thank you for this post.
You’re welcome, Marilyn!
What a lovely post and so positive and inspiring. Congrats on the new books and look forward to what you bring in the near future.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Jenna, Congrats on some wonderful books and I look forward to seeing what you create in the future. Thanks for a wonderful post.
THANK YOU!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Maria! I certainly will plan on saying YES more often.
You’re welcome!
YES! indeed. Be open to what the universe is sending you and let that creativity and hard work flow! Thanks for sharing your journey of Yes!
Love this! 🙂
Thank you Jenna for reminding us of the power of positivity! Yes is a powerful motivator. Your success is inspiring!
Thank you, Jacquie! 🙂
“When we say yes, we are allowing our minds to create a reality, instead of allowing someone else to create it for us.” This quote by Kwame Alexander that you mentioned, struck me. So true. Thank you for explaining your “yes” journey.
I’m glad that quote resonated with you. It certainly resonated with me. Happy writing!
Yes! Such a powerful inspiring word!
🙂 🙂 🙂
I’m very late to this post, but I’m so glad I read it today. YES! YES! YES! I found this a much needed boost to my writing mojo. I’m definitely going to try and grab any new opportunity that comes my way. Best of luck with the forthcoming books!
Yay! I’m glad you connected with my post! Happy writing!
Thank you for a lovely post!
The Power of Yes is often overwhelming and seems to crowd out the writing I’m already doing. But it almost always adds to my learning curve, because, after all, it’s still writing, but in a different vein which affects all my writing positively.
That’s true. I spent so much time the first half of this year doing my work-for-hire projects, that I didn’t spend a whole lot of time on my own writing. But all writing is writing, and the more you do, the more you move forward in all directions!
Jenna- Congratulations on your two new books coming out!!! And thank you for your article!
Thank you, Shelly!
Yes – it’s the word that made John Lennon fall in love with Yoko Ono. It’s a wonderful word but more so, such an important affirmation. Thank you!
You’re so welcome! 🙂
Yes! So empowering!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Jenna!
You’re welcome, Susan!
I love, love, love, this post and harnessing the power of YES!!
Thank you so much, Katie! 🙂
Love your positive attitude. May I be so in the moment.
What a great reminder to be brave and take advantage of every opportunity! Congratulations on all your successes!
Thanks so much for your positive message Maria
The power of YES! Love it!
so encouraging…thank you!!! I am a YES person…. so this is a great way to look at my writing journey as well! Thank you.
So proud of my amazing critique partner! GO JENNA!
Thanks Jenna! Yes is the doorway to the unknown and I’m ready to walk right through. Congratulations on all of your success because of yes!
Yes (and No) such powerful words. Thanks for saying “yes” to readers everywhere!
Hi Jenna! So proud to see you featured in a 12×12 monthly check-in. Congrats on all of your success and your two upcoming books. Take care, and keep writing.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thanks, Jenna!
Love how you turned one yes into many. So empowering. Thanks, Jenna!
I love this post and the power of YES! I’ve been working on having the courage to take hold of opportunities. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your powerful post! YES is certainly my motto for the remainder of 2021. My current yes I’m working towards is learning how to write and understand meter better. I don’t necessarily plan to write future drafts in meter, but I want to have more of a bas understanding, and I think stretching myself in this way will only help me grow as a writer. I will refer back to this article often! Thank you for the inspiration and fuel for my writing projects!
Excellent reminder to stay open to possibilities! YES!!
I say, “Yes!” Thank you for sharing this & congrats on your books!
Jenna, thank you for sharing the power of “yes” and congratulations.
Congratulations and thank you Jenna. I’m still hoping to say “yes” and working hard at getting to that happy place. 12×12 is certainly helping. Enjoying the journey in Vermont and Montana.
“Allowing our minds to create a reality” – love it!
Yes! Thank you Jenna, for this reminder to leave self-doubt at the door and just say yes. Congratulations on your upcoming books, I can’t wait to read them!
Thanks for a daily dose of inspiration!
Yes, Jenna! Congratulations on all your success. It’s so inspiring to hear from writers who are showing the rest of us our way to publication.
Yes to “Yes!”
Congratulations on all your success, Jenna! Your positivity and eagerness to dive in and say “yes” to your writing opportunities is inspiring!
Great challenge! I’m on it!
Thank you for sharing your story! I am finally finding the courage to say yes … but I can still hear the “No! No! No!” from inside. Imposter syndrome is my current foe. I am keeping the faith and I hope someday my yes’s will help me reach my publishing dreams … as your yes’s did for you! Blessings!
Thank you for encouraging all of us with your story!
Great post, Jenna. Thanks for sharing your story. Wishing you continued YESes and successes!
A message for everyday life too! Thanks, Jenna.
Thank you! The power of YES can be amazing. Although fear may tell us otherwise…we must jump on in with a big YES!
Love the power of YES! Thanks for sharing how it worked for you, Jenna! Congrats!
Thank you for sharing your story about how “yes” can lead to some wonderful opportunities! Congratulations!
YES!
Thank you for sharing your journey. Can’t wait to read your books! Our town has a labyrinth that I walk frequently. The text “Say Yes to the Universe” is on the stepping at the entrance. Amazing what that three-letter word can open up.
Loved this post, Jenna! “Yes” was my chosen word for 2018 – right before I got an agent and sold my first book in August of that year! Congrats!
Thanks for the reminder about the power of yes and staying positive in the journey.
Thank you sharing this advice; saying yes to life. I think this is exactly what I needed to hear at this moment. Congrats on your upcoming release and continued success.
Yay to the power of yes!! Thanks Jenna!
Congratulations!
The power of yes… YES!!!
I am very thankful that Julie invited you to share your writing journey. You had faith that the dream you had could be a reality one day. You sought counsel and wise instruction. You persevered with positive action steps and verbalized, “Yes!” I’m sure, like all of us, you faced times of doubt but you chose to cast away those thoughts. You embraced opportunities with confidence and did the hard work required. Congratulations on your success and for your willingness to encourage us. Thank you, Jenna!