SEUSS & SO WHATS
Today is a day that a legacy was birthed, Theodor Seuss Geisel. His middle name given to him in honor of his mother’s maiden name, it became his pseudonym. He lied to his father and told him he had received a scholarship to a doctorate program in England, his father so proud, announced it to the entire town of Springfield, Massachusetts. Like most words- once you say them you can’t take them back. So after learning the truth Theodor’s father sent him to school for a doctorate anyways, paying for it himself. Seuss’ mother nurtured his love for words and rhyme so when choosing a name, it was only natural to become what he aspired to be. A doctor and a creative with a wild imagination; Dr. Seuss.
It is a well-known fact that Seuss was rejected 27 times; he was heading home to burn his manuscript when he ran into an old college friend. A friend who had just become an editor at an esteemed publishing company, a friend who decided to give his friend a chance. ‘To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street’ was a roaring success! Followed by ‘The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins’, it would seem that the former Ad designer had established himself within a new art form. Only few people know about Seuss’ third book, ‘The Seven Lady Godivas’. In fact, few people would know about it because in the list of Seuss books found on published works, it is not even listed! And barely mentioned! Seuss’ third book was a complete and utter flop. A failure. Few sold and there was rare interest in it. Seuss failed and he failed hard. But, so what? So what that he tried and it didn't quite work out. It was a moment in time, an attempt to living and/or dreaming out loud. What would have happened if he had stopped there? If he had allowed one failure or even 27 rejections to define for him what he could or could not do?
There would be no Cat in the Hat. And we would never ever think of Green Eggs and Ham or figure out if Sam I am really ever liked them? And, oh! The places we would have never gone! Generations of storytelling cultivated by a failure’s choice. A failure’s choice to try again. His fourth book, ‘Horton Hatches An Egg’ later led to ‘Horton Hears a Who’. Worlds we never would’ve stepped into if he had stopped where he failed.
And what a loss it would have been to the world, an injustice to generations of imaginative, young readers.
So I wonder, what is right past your failure? What steps will you take when you stand back up? You may never, but if you did, I wonder the places you would go? The people you would see? The worlds that you would change?
Never underestimate failure’s ability to spark something like a wild fire.
LETTER #3
To Susan Brandt whom it may concern;
Seuss didn’t just revolutionize the children’s book industry with books that educated as well as entertained, he also created a legacy. A legacy of ridiculous nonsense and intentional imagination. Seuss created a legacy that extends far beyond the book covers. Not only did he accomplish countless things in his lifetime but he has done something few creatives have managed to do, remaining on the top 100 best-sellers list with multiple books to account for his books are timeless, classic. Not solely because of their unique quality in word and art, but Seuss did something few others ever achieve no matter how hard they try. He talked about things that mattered, said things that were worth saying. Each book with their imagination holds an underlying truth that appeals to generations. Equality, taking care of our earth, being unique, stepping out, taking risks, never forgetting wonder. Seuss was rejected because he was told his first book was simply too different. However, I believe this is exactly what accounted for much of Seuss’ success. Not solely that his works hold an unmistakable presence in style and word, but because he chose to address topics that mattered. He wrote through the lens of what inspired him, what he was passionate about.
The Publishing Industry is hard to break into, there are hoops, strings, and so many levels to get through. There are word limits, statistics, and plenty of averages to constrict the imagination. Most authors and illustrators of today are concerned with meeting the guidelines and creating by the deadlines. In the midst of it, I believe creatives tend to lose their voice and lose complete sight of why they are doing what they are doing. Children’s books aren’t simply entertainment; they are an art form as well as a platform that has sparked social reform more than once in our society’s history.
Seuss was different than a lot of authors and illustrators today. He had his own voice. He wasn’t concerned with meeting a requirement, although there was fun in it all- he didn’t bother saying anything that wasn’t worth saying. He was intentional to say things that mattered and not solely words to fill the pages.
I intend to say and do things that matter. Through my illustrations, through my words, and through my work. I am not looking for an internship to simply put on my resume, I am seeking to do something that matters. Working to promote the words of Seuss, to say things to the world that are relevant, inspiring, and entertaining; all the while learning about the backbone of publishing is an invaluable education. An education I will pursue and will not compromise on, despite the statistics or the seeming impossibility of being accepted for an internship not currently offered at Seuss Enterprises. I want the best and nothing less.