Every once in awhile I get discouraged with the writing life and decide to quit. No more books, no more poems, no more blog. Then, just as I’m about to  turn my latest manuscript into rabbit cage liner, something happens to make me stop the shredder and get out the scotch tape. I had one such day a few  weeks ago.

I was at #15 School, The Children’s School, in Rochester doing a book talk as part of the Rochester Chilren’s Book Festival To Go. I was hurrying through my PowerPoint presentation so I could get to the next group on time. I had only two minutes left for questions when a cute little 5th grader with a sparkle in her eye raised her hand. “Today you’ve inspired me to become a writer.” I was speechless for a few moments. As a former teacher, I know that not every lesson is inspiring. Sometimes a teacher doesn’t know for sure who got the lesson and who didn’t. Sometimes all you get is a bored look or a faraway stare. This comment blew me away.

When I recovered from my surprise I  responded with the first thing that came to my head. “Tell me your name. Now write it on a piece of paper for me. I’m going to keep this paper until I see your name on a book in a bookstore.” It will take a few years, but I meant what I said. I’m going to be looking for the name, SARI JACQUE. You look for it too.

And here I am, taking inspiration from a 10 year old, back at my computer, writing again.