I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March.  You should do it too!  Thank you, Two Writing Teachers! Readers, check out their site, and start slicing!

Yesterday I sat outside brainstorming some ideas for a picture book. I read a few ideas aloud to my kids.

“Wait” L said, “Is this another picture book you are writing?” She was incredulous.

I explained, “Yep! I want to write as much as I can.” Then I turned to E. “What do you think? Do you think this will make a good book?”

He scrunched up his face. “Well, maybe like an 8 1/2 out of 10. I don’t want to be mean, mommy… But, I think it would be better if, you know, a professional author published it.”

“Well, that’s what I want to do! I want to get books published… then I would be an author…”

He looked at me, still with doubt written in the crinkles of his forehead.

“Do you think it would make a good book if I got it published?” I asked. “Would you be proud?”

“So proud.” He beamed.

I told him how I thought it would be cool if I came to his class to read a book aloud that I actually wrote.

Smiling, E said, “I can imagine Mrs. Wilson introducing you to the class. ‘Ms. Ona is here with a special surprise!'”

We laughed at the thought.

I didn’t feel like it was the right time to mention that even if this dream comes true, he won’t be in second grade anymore by the time there’s an actual book in our hands.  I just wanted to enjoy his proud smile for a bit.