My 2024 Done List

It's a little early but I need a boost!

Dec 02, 2024

There’s something about looking back that makes me feel better. Even though progress is SLOW, it is still happening. Every year, I go through my notebooks, photos, and calendar to remind myself where I spent my limited time and energy and what I was able to accomplish in the midst of all the chaos. Along with my usual critiques, coaching sessions, and work-for-hire projects I…

⭐️ Edited a picture book for an A-list celebrity (The NDA says I can’t tell you anything, but it was an honor!)

🎨 Published 32 Mothers Who Make interviews here on Nebula Notebook

✏️ Sent my picture-book manuscript out on submission and finished drafting a couple more that will go out next year

🏋️‍♂️ Wrote about my experience with medical motherhood for Hello, Gloria

🌱 Edited several nonfiction books about everything from plants to grief for Storey Publishing

👩‍💻 Taught a four-week class on writing picture books for The Porch

🫶 Started working on a book of “It Gets Better” style letters for a Michigan public-health organization

💕 Hosted the Mental Health and Motherhood Conference

🎧 Appeared on several podcasts, including The Secret Library Podcast

💁‍♀️ Received a My Time fellowship at The Writer’s Colony (Sponsored by the author of Pete the Cat!)

If you’re here, you probably also know I spent uncountable hours trying to learn what my son needs to be successful and advocating for him at school. I made visual art in tiny pockets of time. I cheered on friends, read books, took walks, tried to follow pleasure’s lead whenever possible, knowing that as heavy as this year has felt, it is unrepeatable and there are good surprises ahead, if I can just be patient.

In 2025, I’ll be sharing more interviews, how-to guides, and heartfelt essays. I’ll also be offering critiques and coaching sessions. I plan to appear on more podcasts, hold online office hours at The Porch, and teach more classes. I would also like to offer my services to creatives working in other industries, develop more branded content, and experiment with new genres of writing. I would love to serve as a part-time acquisitions editor or editorial director for a boutique childen’s book publisher. (Your move, universe.)

What’s on your Done List this year? Tell us in the comments so we can cheer you on!

Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏