It's hard to do so something you've never done before but don't give up

I am trying my hand at writing a Children's book and it's been rather hard. My first draft was way too long and had too many positive messages, stories within stories and a lot of characters. Way too much for a children's book.

I know the story I want to tell. But, I'm having a hard time.

Here is the story- a cardinal was born with part of his beak missing. Simon is the name of the cardinal. He goes to a team of doctors that work together to get him the proper care that he needs. Throughout his life he meets other birds that help shape his life. The other cardinals see Simon as he is and love him for all his imperfections. They look past his scar and find his inner beauty. And, Simon finds their inner beauty. Susie, Pixie, Fallon, Pete and Mark, and Mrs. Klein all teach Simon important life lessons. There is a Bully, and he flies around being negative and picks on the weak birds.

The message of the book is to let every child know that no matter what hardships
you have in your life-you stand tall -be proud of who you are !! Overcoming trials is what shapes our identities and makes us stronger.

I found a wonderful woman through Etsy that made each of Simon's flock according to my specifications (glasses, jewelry, flip flops, butterflies, teacher with books and two male cardinals who are in love). As well as a angry, miserable bully cardinal. The name of her shop in Etsy is AHappyCarrot.

So I have the message and the characters. Now I just need to write it. My first draft was way too long. I've looked at so many children's books and they all are very succinct and basic. Powerful messages that seem so easy to understand.

I also looked at books that were written specifically to address cleft lip and palate kids. However, none of them really engaged me and left me thinking that I could do better. So, that's what I have set out to do. Who better to write a book about being born with a cleft lip and palate then myself. It's really a book about being born different. But, as you go through life you realize that everyone is different and it's actually a good thing and should be embraced. But, when you are a child, you just want to fit in and not stand out. You don't want people staring at you and making fun of you. You just want to blend in with the other kids.

I picked a Cardinal because they are beautiful, strong birds that represent faith, hope and joy. They have always appeared in my life and my family's life as a reminder that angels are among us. Whenever I see a cardinal it has provided me with comfort knowing that someone from heaven is stopping by to say hello and to leave a message as if to say you are loved and to stay positive and strong.

So, now it's time to try writing another draft of the book.