"Kill your darlings" as some author, I forget who, said. It's just that it's important to stay flexible and not get too attached to any one "real" thing - often the story will need you to change or leave out something that feels so special to you, and you just have to be tough and do it. Those personal bits and pieces are what let writers and illustrators create characters and a story world that are simultaneously quirky and universal - that feel authentic, because they are. but don't let that fool you into thinking you should ignore the material from your own relationships and experiences while you're creating your work. At conferences, it seems like editors and agents are always saying they don't want to hear how your story or art is based on your own kids, etc., etc. Other details are from my other kids (my son Kyle had a pet roly poly, and Eric was glued to his stuffed Ted-Ted), and even from chance kid encounters (Mimi's jammies-and-tutu outfit was prompted by a little girl I saw similarly attired at the grocery store). The story and illustrations are peppered with details from Sara's toddler days, from her fashion sense to the arched window in her bedroom.
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