There’s a song called “Geronimo!” by Sheppard from the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie (2014) that had escaped my attention until now.

Cute song, but that’s not the point.

It made me wonder about the word Geronimo, which should always be accompanied by an exclamation point.

Geronimo was an Apache leader in the late 1800s/early 1900s who was known for his fierce bravery in fighting against Mexico and the US to protect his tribal lands.

Then Geronimo became a word that paratroopers in the 1940s shouted as they jumped into the unknown, showing their brand of fierce bravery.

Mere mortals tend to say it when they’re about dive into something BIG.

A good friend and I talk, often tongue-in-cheek, about living BIG and doing BIG things.

Sometimes, we even manage to do BIG things and live a Geronimo! life.

She recently traveled to Japan—Geronimo!

When I waffled about whether to host a graduation party for my son, she urged me to go for it—Geronimo! (FYI: I was only hesitant because my son seemed to be, and parties are not my forté.)

Here’s another recent Geronimo! for me: My husband and I decided to bring a young dog into our lives, even though we swore we wouldn’t do that until we had a chance to travel, worry-free. (Spoiler alert: there is no such thing as worry-free anything, so get the dog or cat or gerbil.)

So what does any of this have to do with writing or children’s books?

Well, thank you for asking.

It has EVERYTHING to do with both!

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you might feel as if you’ve got your toes hanging over the diving board.

Go ahead and jump.

Yell Geronimo!

Listen to Nike and just do it!

You’ve got zero to lose and everything to gain.

For example, you’ll either decide it’s not for you, in which case you don’t have to think about doing it ever again, or you’ll decide you enjoy it and, Geronimo!, you’ve got yourself a hobby or a career.

By the way, this toes-hanging-over-the-diving-board feeling applies to any endeavor you’re dithering about.

Yell, Geronimo!

Then jump.

Here’s how Geronimo! applies to children’s books: Every main character in every children’s book decides at some point to just go for it.

“It” refers to whatever the character’s goal is.

A reader should always be able to tell when the main character is having their “Geronimo!” moment.

It happens just after the inciting incident (which is when the character feels the need for a change in order to get what they want).

It’s at that point you can almost hear the character yell, “Geronimo!” as they jump in to achieve their goal.

So, you see, not only do our characters have to lead a Geronimo! life, we do, too.

Can’t decide if you want to learn a new language?

Geronimo! (Babel, Duolingo.)

Can’t decide if you should paint your living room pink?

Geronimo! (Or blue, green, yellow or…)

Can’t decide if you should take up in-line skating?

Geronimo! (Knee pads, helmet!)

Go to Florence?

Geronimo! (If you can make the opportunity, it’s worth the price of the tickets.)

Learn to rock climb?

Geronimo! (But those invasive harnesses! Oh well, Geronimo!)

Send your manuscript out on submission?

Geronimo! (Do it, do it, do it!)

This is fun.

What will you do?

Geronimo!

Until next time,

~ Gail

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