Oohs and Aahs for 5.30.25

You're already doing so much

Some days I feel like I hear a version of “You’re doing it wrong” from pretty much every direction. It’s exhausting and disheartening. I’m actually the kind of person who likes to focus more on what’s working. I’ve been known to give myself credit for not smoking and not buying a designer bag when I’m taking inventory of my health or finances.

It all counts, right?!

So if you’re feeling a little low about your writing life, I invite you to make a list of all the things you’re already doing right. I bet you’ll few a few on this list that you can give yourself credit for!

• Reading in your genre and beyond

• Befriending other writers

• Daydreaming

• Studying artists who work in another medium (visual artists, gardeners, musicians, knitters, etc)

• Giving yourself permission to have a creative hobby that’s not writing

• Finding a local bookstore that you can grow with

• Taking notes on your ideas

• Gathering inspiration from

• Taking breaks

• Spending time outside

• Introducing yourself as a writer

• Focusing on one project at a time

• Bringing a creative spirit to the revision process

• Journaling about your ideas

• Setting goals around process and consistency (not around outcomes)

• Getting to know your personal aesthetic and interests

• Developing a library of books you can turn to for inspiration and guidance

• Learning how you work best

• Paying attention to your body

• Giving your brain problems to solve while you’re doing other things

• Finding ways to make writing fun and (gasp!) pleasurable

• Celebrating small wins

If you’re doing even a few of these things, you’re already doing so much! Doesn’t it feel better knowing that?

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. Creative coaching is an opportunity to ask me anything and everything you’ve been wondering about writing and publishing. We can talk about your new book idea, career goals, balancing creativity and motherhood, and so much more. Many clients find coaching is a unique way to share their doubts and worries with someone who truly gets it. However we spend our time together, you’ll walk away feeling more confident and creative, and you’ll grow as a writer.

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This Week I’m…

• Celebrating

  Marnie Galloway
  ’s nomination for an Eisner award (You can read her Mothers Who Make interview here.) 🥳

• Wondering why anyone is surprised that “only 25% of of moms in US report ‘excellent’ mental health” 😬

• Loving this round up of what kids want to do in the future (including studying the stars and taxiderming an eel) 🤪

• Feeling bouyed by the comments on this post about kindness 💛

• Considering this very niche theory on the Goodnight Moon stamps 🐰

• Listening to Mama Nous’s new album with my son (You can read her Mothers Who Make interview here.)😍

• Laughing at this nonsense—“SAHM (emphasis on the Mmmm)” ☠️

And in case you missed it…

This summer I’ll be sharing my self-publishing experience exclusively with paid subscribers. Upgrade to paid to get the nitty gritty details on how I’m designing, printing, and selling this book without using Kickstarter or Amazon.

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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 enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏

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