What's Your Vision Statement?

Last weekend at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference in Seattle, I tried to show how a vision statement can sustain us through turbulent times in the industry. Here's mine, created five years ago:

To create and celebrate good stories,
especially about children and teens in the margins of life.

I also created a visual picture by brainstorming words with a wordle:

If you don't have a vision statement yet for your vocation, here are some prompts to get you started creating your own:

1. Describe two pivotal events in your life (one before age 20).
2. Name two things you LOVE to do with your time other than writing or reading.
3. Complete this eulogy: “S/he would have done ANYTHING to help …”

What's your vision statement? If you'd like, leave it in the comments along with a link to your website or blog. You don't have to be a writer, and it doesn't have to be brilliant or perfect—just something you use as a guide in the world of books.