Comments on: Dr. Seuss Changed the World and You Can Too

By: Rhys Keller

Rhys Keller — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:24:20 +0000

In reply to Nancy Roop. Thank you for sharing all of that, Nancy! We humans are so resistant to change and all the reasons something "shouldn't work" are far easier to dream up than the reasons something "will work". Kudos to you for believing in your stories/concepts and pushing through the difficulty of achieving acceptance. As you said, many great authors have felt a similar sting and if it wasn't for perseverance amidst difficulty, our world would not be as rich as it is today.

By: Nancy Roop

Nancy Roop — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:44:30 +0000

I can identify with Dr. Seuss in that I have created a early reader book format that is different than what the market provides. A few years ago, I went back to college at age 50 to finish my bachelors and learn how to write books for neurodiverse children. For my undergraduate thesis, Developmental Texts for Students with Autism, I combined three genres and embedded teaching methods to enhance reading comprehension in a new book design. Best of all, the series will be sensory friendly which allows access for students with sensory processing challenges.

I am starting a self-publishing journey this week, and hope to release by April 2022. When I was young, I was a huge Dr. Seuss fan, and now after reading this post, I realize that he is an inspiration for me to keep breaking the rules!
Thank you!

By: Rhys Keller

Rhys Keller — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:33:51 +0000

In reply to Midge Ballou Smith. Thank you so much for sharing that, Midge, and I'm glad it gave you just what you needed at the perfect time. Don't quit!!!

By: Midge Ballou Smith

Midge Ballou Smith — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 13:40:21 +0000

Have been battling a bit of discouragement lately, so this was encouraging! Thank you for posting, Rhys!

By: Rhys Keller

Rhys Keller — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 16:40:12 +0000

In reply to Richie. Appreciate the change of heart and thoughtful feedback, Richie!

By: Rhys Keller

Rhys Keller — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:48:11 +0000

In reply to Frank Oliver.

Frank, thank you for such a thoughtful and introspective comment! I completely agree with you and I believe you received the post in a similar vein as my intent – not a call to arms in the abolishment of “rules”, but an important reminder that the decisions we make must be grounded in more than other people’s, or the market’s, opinion at the time. I appreciate your diligence in developing role models for children. You are right – children need them! Grown ups, too! It’s a unique battle in the literary agency bringing ideas to life that do or don’t sell. We have to decide to continue fighting for them or to let them die. I don’t blame anyone for giving up. It’s certainly normal. But I do give extra appreciation to those who keep trying in the face of adversity. It’s not easy. Thank YOU for not giving up on your project. I hope one day we’ll read about you in the score boards.

By: Frank Oliver

Frank Oliver — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 02:54:52 +0000

As a child I never liked The Cat in the Hat (and later the thought of green eggs didn’t help my opinion of his stories or art work). Instead I was a Peanuts fan from the start, because though a comic strip and later a television staple, Charles Schulz did include a great deal about the trials of life in his stories. I do appreciate your advice about not giving up, though I’m a believer that rules, like red lights and stop signs, are there to help us, not supress us. At times I have a conflict with literary because they push us to go too far for the sake of being creative and accepted (and selling books) when children are today are incredibly desparate for good role models. As far as my MG MS projects, it’s been 5 years and I’m still at it. P.S. I did not know Dr. Seuss was about to burn his draft when he finally struck pay dirt….

By: Rhys Keller

Rhys Keller — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:10:39 +0000

In reply to Tree. Thank you. It means the world that it stoked the flame already within you!

By: Tree

Tree — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:34:12 +0000

Thank you for this. I really needed this message this morning.

By: Sara Jane Kehler

Sara Jane Kehler — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 20:36:17 +0000

In reply to Rhys Keller. It's so true! I don't even understand how I keep working so hard, but I am! I'm not giving up. I keep learning and growing. Nothing is wasted. :)