Pumping the Brakes: Rethinking the Story of Yabbit the Rabbit
It’s been four months since I began creating Yabbit the Rabbit, and I’ve realized it’s time to pump the brakes.
I’m deeply proud of the story I was able to share with my mother the night before she passed. That memory will always be sacred. But I can’t let that emotional moment dictate what’s best for the story, or for Yabbit and the other characters.
When I began writing in August, it felt like a race against time. I knew my mother’s health was declining rapidly, and I wanted her to know that her idea, her character, was finally being brought to life.
That urgency helped me start, but it also shaped creative decisions I might not have made otherwise.
A Humbling Reality Check
I recently asked three highly respected educators to review the manuscript. At the time, none of them were available before I visited my mother. When I finally received their notes, I was humbled, but not surprised.
Their feedback opened my eyes: I had packed too much into one book. There were strong ideas, but they competed for attention rather than forming a cohesive world. The story lacked a single, clear emotional arc.
Watch my reaction on my Youtube documentary on Yabbit the Rabbit
In short, I had enough material for several books, not one.
Racing to Finish vs. Building a World
In my research on children’s literature, I focused heavily on the lessons stories could teach, messages about courage, kindness, or overcoming fear, stories that would appeal to parents.
But somewhere along the way, I skipped the most essential creative step: world-building.
I didn’t give myself the time to explore what makes Yabbit’s universe special, its rules, rhythms, or potential for growth across multiple stories.
So, I’m taking a step back. I’ve begun drafting new versions, re-imagining scenes, refining Yabbit’s motivations, and developing arcs that will allow readers (and me) to grow with the characters.
This isn’t a setback; it’s a restart with intention.
What I’ve Learned About the Creative Process
If you’re writing your first children’s book, maybe this lesson will resonate:
Don’t rush your creativity. Emotion can be a spark, but it shouldn’t steer the entire project.
Invite feedback early. Constructive notes reveal blind spots you can’t see alone.
Build your world before your lesson. Children’s stories live through imagination first, then message.
Allow for rewrites. Great stories are sculpted, not sprinted.
Every author I admire has a “rewrite moment,” and this is mine.
Where I’m Heading Next
I’ve started outlining a few new directions using the same characters and core ideas. The heart of Yabbit, the theme of facing fear and finding courage, will always stay the same. But now, I’m giving the story room to breathe.
I’ll keep you updated as I refine the drafts and move closer to the version of Yabbit the Rabbit that feels truly timeless.
Sometimes, slowing down is the most creative thing you can do.
