It’s been a roller coaster of a year. But that means there’ve been ups as well as downs. Joy, growth, progress, breakthroughs, satisfaction. So, take a moment to peruse our traditional year-end inspirational quotes column, which this year includes a baker’s dozen. We need ’em! And we have them, thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to share your time, expertise, images, thoughts, words—and reasons for huzzahs—with all of us through Kite Tales. Now, let’s hop in the time machine together and take a look back at some of the highlights.

“When we write, we share the beauty of the world with others. But we also embrace a world where anything is possible and everything is exciting. We imagine a world where an apple tree growing from your belly is a real and exciting possibility. We breathe life into inanimate objects and create whole new worlds. What joy to think beyond what IS.” —Kelly Pellico

“The talent, of course, must be there, but so must a feeling of I want to work with this person. To be an editor is to be sort of a midwife. It is helping someone bring their art into the world.” —Joy Peskin, interviewed by Philana Marie Boles

“Visualize the complete structure of your story as you would a house. Does each part contribute to building a safe and inviting home for your narrative? If the beginning, middle, and end of your story are well-constructed and welcoming, they will carry your readers along from beginning to end without confusion or unnecessary detours.” —Cara J. Stevens

“Kidlit is one big community and we’re here for each other.” —Christine Van Zandt

“Switching my frame of mind from ‘Will my publisher let me go?’ to ‘I’m going!’ was a big turning point mentally. I decided to embrace the conference with a schedule I could guarantee: meeting up with author friends, going to signings, and visiting publishers’ booths in the exhibition hall. If other opportunities came along, great, but I wasn’t going to keep waiting for them!” —Nell Cross Beckerman

“SCBWI has always been a cherished source of learning and community for me, in service to our most precious resource—our children. The magic we as creatives produce helps shape a future for them worth having.” —Kim Wildman, upon accepting the post of Los Angeles Regional Advisor

“Telling stories, connecting with people when it’s hard for me, hard for all of us, is my why. I have to share these stories, myselves. It’s how I operate, learn, live in this world and find hope and belonging. To make-believe a better world.“ —Andy Greene

“Nothing about the writing process is easy. (Hello! Querying?) But spending quality time among fellow writers is as necessary as having an idea and carving out time to write. It is the inspirational fuel that gets us through it all. We need to be among those kindred spirits who know what it is to toil for months (years!) to exorcize a story from our souls.” —Julia Edwards

“Explore the work of illustrators who inspire you. Analyze what works well in their illustrations and apply those principles to your work. Stay curious, and continue to learn and improve your skills. Attend workshops, read books, and engage with the artistic community to stay inspired. Knowledge is power, so never stop learning!” —Roya Asgari

“I don’t know if there’s an easier, more effective way to improve your own work than by reading it aloud at every turn. From picture books to novels, read your work aloud. It will reveal itself to you!” —Liz Garton Scanlon

“Leave children with hope.” —April Halprin Wayland, speaking with Paige Vinten Taylor about poet Myra Cohn Livingston and the lessons she taught in The Life Poetic: An Interview with April Halprin Wayland

“Anyone can read your book out loud. But only you are the author. Only you can share personal experiences in researching, writing, and publishing that book.  A mix of reading, sharing, and audience involvement make for a dynamic presentation.” —Alexis O’Neill, discussing school visits in Ask an Editor: School Visits (Finding Gigs, What to Charge)

“My best tip is to look for new agents backed by a reputable house. This way you get the time, attention, and enthusiasm that only a new agent can give while benefiting from the resources of an established house. These may be the ‘best’ agents of the future, and getting in on the ground floor is arguably the best way to go.” — Jaime Zollars, Illustrators: Let’s Talk about Agents!

If you have a favorite 2024 quote about writing, illustrating, and the creative life, please share it in the comments! 

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