Oohs and Aahs for 5.24.25

The beauty of starting small

I used to think writing looked like long hours in the library, preferably in your own private cubicle, where you could store stacks of books for reference. An outline propped next to the laptop. Steady typing. Methodically working my way from chapter 1 to chapter 10. Then basically pressing send and waiting to see my book in stores.

The problem is I’m not a machine.

My life is messy.

My brain is tired.

Some days I don’t even remember how words work.

My real writing life looks way too many random ideas in my notes app. Voice memos to my friend asking “Is this a good idea?” or “Is this a picture book or a chapter book?” A notebook full of names, phrases, and details that lead nowhere. Burnt out, but ambitious. Feeling lost. Wondering if I’m wasting my time. Working with an unspeakable number of interruptions.

And yet.

Somehow I don’t give up. I keep writing. I finish manuscripts and sell books. I show my clients how to do the same thing.

I created Start Small so I could teach you everything I know about how to turn your idea into a book without getting overwhelmed.

Inside you’ll find mini assignments that will make writing so easy you’ll be able to keep doing it, even when life gets intense. And you don’t have to do it alone. You’ll get to know other writers in our Voxer chat, and I’ll personally be checking in to see how you’re doing all summer long.

I’ll be taking a break from Instagram and Substack when school lets out, so Start Small is the best way to work with me if you want help writing your book this summer.

The beauty of starting small is that it helps you actually make progress, instead of just thinking about writing. Making progress helps build momentum and confidence, so you can keep going when life gets lifey. And when you give yourself permission to write YOUR way, you end up with something more original and uniquely YOU than you ever could have rushing to the finish line.

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This Week I’m…

• Excited about this new movement (I’ve been an unofficial member of The Two Hour Club for years.) 👩‍💻

• Cringing a bit at the headline for this ranking of celebrity PB writers (The reason so many celebrities want to write picture books is the same reason so many regular people want to write picture books. The reason so many publishers publish celebrity picture books is the more interesting question, even if the answer is obviously $$$.)📚

• These are delightful under dresses!🩳

• Intrigued by this concept, even if it’s not my aesthetic💡

• Reading this thoughtful BTS look at The Met👩‍🎨

• Loving this little comic about celebrating small pleasures🐥

• Found this look at how the Myers Briggs is blowing up in Korea fascinating 👀

• Trying not to buy all these award-winning writing goodies ✏️

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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 find ease and joy in the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard.