Middle of the Map Inspiration

To those at the SCBWI Middle of the Map, First Pages session…

Without a cover illustration or query, no one was prepared for that final picture book to be about a kid with cancer. And I’m sorry. The collective silence when hit with the word chemotherapy felt unfair.

And to all of the parents and patients who didn’t see cancer coming, I am sorry too. The diagnosis is unfair.

Except that is the opposite of this book’s message. Apologizing brings a somber silence that isn’t conducive to winning. What our kids need now is the empowering collective push for a win.

The conference took place in Kansas City. The day before a Chief’s game. The morning game in Germany. Feeling the energy of a community rooting for their team brought unity, a common cause. And the team won.

For chemo kids, winning isn’t about the results. It’s about experiencing as much joy as they can under the circumstances. Yes, we all pray for a victory over cancer. But if we keep complete healing as our only goal, kids cannot win. They cannot play the game without injury. Cancer doesn’t work that way.  

What I heard at the conference is similar to three years of querying: publishing professionals believe the topic is too risky and too niche.

Every school, library, and bookstore has clientele affected by cancer. The American Childhood Cancer Society shares, “Approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday.” Think of this statistic in relation to the size of your school, your circle of friends, and your community. All of those people need support. They need to know what to do and to say because the silence hurts.

And what about the grown-ups? We claim picture books are for everyone, so let’s include the ambushed adults. Why do advocates go pink every October, stop shaving in November, and don purple while walking circles around a track? Cancer is a common enemy, and it is not rare.

Picture books provide windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors but for some reason we feel that cancer belongs in a picture frame. With sides to carefully enclose it. Reserved for charitable organizations to champion.

In our make-believe fantasy world of authorship, we know words have power. And deeming some taboo gives them shock value. Cancer isn’t “He who must not be named.” Don’t give it that power. Defame its name. Overuse it. See it as the opposing team and prepare for the fight!

You aren’t an athlete in the game? Most of us aren’t. So be on the sidelines. Root for the good guys. And next Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, wear the team color of gold. Buy, write, and share books about kids with medical needs; help our collections become more diverse.

My goal for this conference was to find direction on what to do with this manuscript. I received it. I have other stories that can afford the traditional route, and I look forward to helping them on that journey. Expanding the things learned and the relationships developed through SCBWI.

I am inspired by this trip. The writing friendships, conversations, and especially the family members who get things done. It is time for action. So, stay tuned to find out the exciting conclusion of “Heroes Need Help.”