A Milestones Met Interview
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
I released two books in 2023 — my picture book, Sparrow’s Prayer (Beaming Books, February 2023) and The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul (Morehouse, April 2023).
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I have been writing all of my life, but it wasn’t until 2012/2013 when I submitted something to a publisher. Much to my shock and surprise, it was published! In early 2020, while stuck at home during Covid, I started attending online workshops through The Writing Barn. Literally changed my life. Since then, I gained an agent, and published several more books. Courage to Create has continued to provide me with support, feedback, and inspiration I’ve needed to keep writing.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
I have a hard time not moving on to the next project. I fail to celebrate what is happening – in the present moment. Courage to Create has helped me to take special note of each and every milestone… and not let them pass me by.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
My mission is to use art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today’s hurting world. This is why I do what I do.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
I wish I could say that there is one low point. I have highs and lows every day when it comes to my writing. I’ll be soaring at one point, and drowning in another. I am my own worst enemy. I remember getting nine rejections in one day. I went from tears to laughter – and maybe some anger. From this rollercoaster ride, I have learned to keep writing – no matter what.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
They have already reached a milestone! They are writing! In all seriousness, my advice is to rest, listen, read, go for walks, see the world around you, journal, dream… and write. Keep going – even on the days it’s extra challenging. And on those days… it’s okay to turn the computer off or put your pen away. Give yourself grace and space.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
REST is a radical act. For the work. For ourselves.
Roger Hutchison is the author and illustrator of nine books for children and adults including, The Painting Table, My Favorite Color is Blue. Sometimes., Faces: A Love Story, Sparrow’s Prayer, and The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul. There is prayerful poetry woven through Roger’s work, a gentle reverence in his tone and posture toward the heartbroken. Roger’s mission is to use art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today’s hurting world. Roger serves as the Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX, and is a member of the National Alliance of Grieving Children and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He lives with his wife Kristin just outside of Houston.
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