A writer or an illustrator?

When I first started out in this field I wanted to be an illustrator only. I have grown to love the words so much more. I wonder if it helps or hurts me to also think like an illustrator when I write? To be honest, I think it may get in the way as I try to just concentrate on the words. I have spend so long on the publishing side that my mind instantly goes to thoughts like "Will this fill 32 pages?" "Do I have to leave room for a Table of Contents page now?"

So when I write I just try to think of the words and only the words. I do make one concession to my illustrator side. When I write I can't help but doodle the characters and what I think they look like. It helps me think about their personalities as I write the stories. But I keep it very clear in my head that whomever is chosen to draw the pictures will have their own ideas. And I like that! I like to see how someone can take my words and add their own life to them and make it their own!

A doodle for the new characters I am writing about.