A Week in the Life of a Pre-Published Author-Illustrator
(because no one asked)
Either you’ve never cared always wanted to know what it looks like trying to write from a boundless creative well and get published in a soul-sucking industry, or you’ve been here and could use a virtual hug. One way or the other, I’ve got a rundown on this very tortured existence.
Tuesday
Last night I got feedback from a paid, professional critique on my guinea pig graphic novel. Lots of good stuff said about my work. But this close, all I can see is “not marketable” and “babyish.” I start the day crying and unable to write or revise anything on my current projects.
That’s okay. I’ve been through this before. I know I need time to feel all the feels. I message my writer friends who GET IT and they commiserate and pump me up. I’ll see things more clearly in a few days and get my mojo back. I’ll grow from this (always). I’ll probably finish watching a Netflix rom-com with Reese Witherspoon tonight. After I get gelato with a friend.
Today’s lyric on repeat: I’m so depressed I act like it’s my birthday / Everyday
Wednesday
I feel much better this morning. See? Told you.
Got up and wrote 1,100 words on a new, secret project and am finally feeling like I’m getting into the flow with it. It’s been about a year since I’ve written anything fresh, endlessly stuck revising multiple projects in that time. It feels good to bring something new to the page.
I get to encourage one of my writer pals through a tough critique, repaying the favor from yesterday. Sometimes a thick skin is built in this business, and sometimes the right words pierce through it without any resistance.
The rest of the day is my paid editorial gig, outdoor swimming with kids and friends, and a drone show after dark.
Today’s lyric on repeat: You’re in the same boat with a lot of your friends / Waitin’ for the day your ship’ll come in
Thursday
We had a late night, so getting up at my normal early writing time was impossible. Still rolled out of bed before everyone else and squeezed in 200 words. The fact that I could squeeze anything out of my brain and into this manuscript in such a short time is a sign that it’s going well. I can slide back into the story easily now.
It’s a holiday, so the day is packed with family activities and I don’t get a chance to rest until just after dinner. I use that time to revise two chapters in THAT Type of Love Story. It is such a fun read. I look forward to sitting down with it every chance I get.
Today’s lyric on repeat: When it’s hard, it won’t ever feel like it’s too much / Remember when we used to do anything for love?
Friday
Another late night last night. If it wasn’t a holiday, it would be something else. There’s always an appointment or commitment that throws off the regular writing routine. Anyway, did not get up early. Did not write a hundred words. Did not pass “Go” and collect $200.
Lifeguarded the backyard pool and read/revised a chapter. Getting to the good, hilarious parts. Did I tell you that I was inspired to write this from some of my most embarrassing moments?
Today’s lyric on repeat: Oh, don’t you dare look back / Just keep your eyes on me / I said, “You’re holding back” / She said, “Shut up and dance with me”
Saturday
I might have to try another “week in the life” post in six months—when I’m not constantly complaining about how difficult it is to wake up in the thick of summer vacation mode. Still, I manage 800 words! High five me!
The rest of the day is spent getting ready for and attending a wedding.
Today’s lyric on repeat: Not available. The wedding had headphones for silent dancing and we left right as that started.
Sunday
Please believe me when I say that I don’t normally complain about how difficult it is to get out of bed. Normally I get up at 5:30 every day, with an energy and zest for writing. Today, again, is not one of those days. And when I did get up, my husband asked me a logistical question that demanded my mental attention and wouldn’t let go. It’s not his fault, but this is an example of how easily my writer brain can get derailed.
I still got 400+ words written and only decided to stop because I didn’t want to quit in the middle of a scene. Slow and steady wins the race!
I get started reading one of my critique partner’s latest works. We’re giving feedback in just over a week, so I need to get moving on this. Luckily, it’s quite enjoyable and fun.
Later, the whole fam needs a little social decompression time, so I revise two more chapters in my YA romance.
After a long, full holiday weekend, I have a case of the “Sunday Scaries” and dread work and shuttling kids to camp tomorrow.
Today’s lyric on repeat: But all of this is meaningless / If I’m afraid of diving in
Monday
Finally got up at 5:30, showered, and got to work. Unfortunately, it’s a Monday, so I only write 600 words (which is a fine amount, but I’d love to be doing closer to 800 if I’m getting up before the sun). I’m hoping to make some stellar progress on this project in the next month, at which point maybe I’ll share about it.
Notice I haven’t mentioned doing any art this week? My headline is “A Week in the Life of a Pre-Published Author-Illustrator,” but I have been slacking in the art department lately. Today I sketch some badges I’ve been wanting to do for weeks, inspired by
, that say “created by human intelligence.” Will hopefully have something to stamp at the end of my newsletters soon and join the gallery of artists everywhere fighting for authentic art.Today’s lyric on repeat: I’m just looking for a good time / Wanna take a never-ending holiday
And that’s it. That’s one week trying to live my life and write fiction. It’s not glamorous and it’s mostly a mental game, but I don’t think I could quit if I wanted to. These stories and characters pester me all day long. They demand my attention and I’m happy to give it to them.
I hope whatever passion you’re pursuing, that it holds great things for you this July.
Love, Heidi
P.S. Do you have any questions about writing, illustrating, or books that you’d like to discuss? I’d love to chat about it. Leave me a comment or reply to this email and let me know.
I loved reading this real and raw entry! I really don’t think most people understand the day-to-day of a pre-pubbed creative, so kudos to shining a light and being so vulnerable. You are an incredible writer, Heidi!