The power of positive thinking

A tough year for the economy affected nearly everyone, including children's book author Katie Davis. But as she entered the New Year, Davis decided she would be "stubbornly optimistic" no matter what, and she quickly learned the power of positive thinking.

2008 hard for Davis. "I was starting to feel really beaten down by it all," she said. "My school visit invitations were down, and I felt all I was doing was promoting my new novel and not doing enough of what I love - writing and illustrating."

That's when Davis decided to take matters into her own hands by thinking positive. She started a Positive Thoughts Journal, in which she writes at least one positive thought every day.

Davis also has a Positive Visualization Board in her studio, on which she posts images of things she'd like to happen this year.

Davis says the board worked for fellow author Hope Anita Smith, who was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award Honor for Keeping the Night Watch after she put it up as a goal on her board. And after putting a picture of Adam Glassman, creative director of O magazine, on her board, Smith was in a meeting with Glassman talking about her new book and possibly doing a story in the magazine.

Positive thinking also had a powerful effect on author Ruth Spiro's life. The author of "Lester Fizz: Bubblegum Artist," wanted to go to a writer's conference in California, but had no extra money. She kept the brochure on her desk, and ended up winning an award for the exact amount she needed to go to the conference.

For plenty of other great positive thinking ideas and examples, read Davis's newsletter.

Visit Davis's website at www.katiedavis.com