I bought this art glass chicken when I moved into my studio about four years ago. I had a new space, a new desk, and lots of new bookshelves. Filling the shelves wouldn't be hard, what with the billions of books I hoard. But instead of shoehorning in nothing but books, I indulged my nesting instinct and made room for a few additional objects on the shelves, such as photos of my kids and an hourglass representing making time for writing.

That week I happened upon this chicken at the craft store. I knew at once she belonged on my shelves. I was at a point with my writing where I needed to plunge in and take some risks. My new fine-feathered friend would roost on the top shelf—a vantage point from which she would eye me all day, every day, admonishing me to quit being such a big fat chicken. 

So now that's her job, being the big fat chicken. My job is to make the art I feel most passionate about and reach out to connect in ways that compel me. Oh sure, those things are still scary. But with a chicken riding shotgun, I have to be the courageous one. 

Lately, in the mornings, I've been writing picture books. I find them fun and satisfying, because I can often finish a draft in an hour or less. Of course, that doesn't mean they're "done-done"—but at least I've added a unique little piece to my collection and juiced up my creativity for the day. 

Many illustrators I know sketch daily for the same reason. Some writers journal. Some write poems. Me, I've started writing picture books. What small thing can you do every day for an hour or less that will help you hone your craft and build your inventory? 

Here's my picture-book warm-up for this morning: 

If I Were a Bear
by Karla Oceanak

(Child): If I were a bear I would growl at the sky.
(Bear): I am a bear. I love the sky.

(Child): If I were a bear I would climb a tall tree.
(Bear): I am a bear. Trees make me dizzy.

(Child): If I were a bear I would sleep in a cave.
(Bear): I am a bear. I would rather have your bed.

(Child): If I were a bear I would catch fish with my paws.
(Bear): I am a bear. It’s not as easy as it looks.

(Child): If I were a bear I would eat berry pie.
(Bear): I am a bear. Pie is not on the menu.

(Child): If I were a bear I would live by myself.
(Bear): I am a bear. Living alone is overrated.

(Child): If I were a bear I would be king of the forest.
(Bear): I am a bear. What’s a king?

(Child): If I were a bear I would stand up and roar.
(Bear): I am a bear. Roaring makes my throat scratchy.

(Child): If I were a bear I would hear every little sound and catch my prey.
(Bear): I am a bear. I like listening to ladybugs sing.

(Child): If I were a bear I would never need a haircut.
(Bear): I am a bear. Around July a haircut sounds pretty good.

(Child): If I were a bear I would never need a bath!
(Bear): I am a bear. I agree with you on that one.

(Child): If I were a bear I would run up a mountain.
(Bear): I am a bear. Running down a mountain is the way to go.

(Child): If I were a bear I would scare all the humans.
(Bear): I am a bear. Humans scare me.

(Night is falling.)

(Child): If I were a bear I would learn all the stars.
(Bear): I am a bear. I watch my stars every night. (illustration: ursa major and minor)

(Bear): If I were a human I would give you a hug.
(Child): Sigh. Bears these days...