See You in September! 😎

My writer-mom summer starts now

Jul 01, 2025

My mantra this summer is “My direction is more important than my speed,” which is probably appropriate, because our son will be doing “summer escapades” for five weeks, which adds up to about 75 hours of childcare. That leaves about 700 other waking hours to fill, but who’s counting? Here’s my plan for blending creativity, motherhood, and little bit of client work this summer.

Focusing on MY Experience

Of course I want my son to relax and have fun, but I’m also giving myself treats and doing whatever makes me feel good when I can. Trimming my bangs. Getting a new deck of oracle cards. Trying a new ice cream. Wearing clothes I like. Packing a little bag of art supplies that I can take with me when we go outside. Whatever tiny things that bring me joy!

Making a Playbook

I have a list of indoor and outdoor activities and outings that I know me and my son both like. It’s not a schedule or a checklist. It’s more like a menu. Each day/week I take a look and pull out a few supplies so we can do whatever sounds good in the moment. Keeping an eye out for things I like to do with my son is key.

Slowing Down

I just sent my agent two new picture book manuscripts! I have a new idea for a poem, and I’m working on a couple guest posts, but other than that, I’m not rushing into any new writing projects. If it happens great, but if not, that’s ok too.

Focusing on One Project

My main goal this summer is to get Quickening: The Art of Being a Creative Mother ready to publish. I would love to have you follow along as I figure it out. I’ll be sharing how I’m laying out the book, what printer I’m using, how I’m avoiding Amazon and Kickstarter, and all the other nitty gritty details that go into self publishing exclusively with paid subscribers.

Pausing Instagram and Substack

Besides a few guest posts and collaborations, I won’t be posting on Instagram or Substack. I’ll miss you, but it’s also going to free up so much brain space! It will also give me a chance to reflect and think about how I want to show up in each place in the fall. I already have some ideas that are making me excited to return!

I will definitely be here on Substack live for

Nancy Reddy

’s Summer Fridays 🤓 (Get all the details on joining us and some other amazing writers here. I’m going to be talking about finding your flow on 7/3 at 9PST/12 EST.)

Working with Clients

I’ll still be working with clients. I just booked a couple critiques and a coaching session, and I’m finding creative ways to make the timing work for everyone who wants to make progress while our schedules are in free fall, so hit reply if you want help making progress this summer. ☀️

Publishers can get more details here. Writers can:

Book a manuscript critique—perfect if you have a draft ready and want expert feedback
Invest in a coaching session—extremely valuable if you are burnt out on writing, need some gentle accountability, or have questions about your career and need help strategizing
Download a workbook—Making Magic is designed to help you write a picture book this summer, Before You Begin is like a writing retreat you can do at home, and Journal Prompts for Creatives is an easy way to refresh your creativity, whether you’re writing a book or planning a garden

You can use the discount code NEBULANOTEBOOK to get 15% off anything all summer long. I would love to see what you’ve been working on!

(I just read through my workbooks again and felt so pleased. They’re all juicy and inspiring. I hope you’ll treat yourself if you need a little structure this summer.)

Sharing Favorites

Inviting You to Dip Into the Archives

Paid subscribers get access to exclusive self-paced classes and kid-lit resources all summer long. You can learn to:

This summer paid subscribers can also expect more posts from 4,000 Ideas: The Oliver Burkeman Book Club for Creatives AND you’ll get exclusive updates as I publish Quickening: The Art of Being a Creative Mother.

Upgrade to Paid

Thank You!

You make Nebula Notebook a warm, inspiring place for me and thousands of other creative mothers. I love the conversations we have here, and I’m looking forward to catching up with you in the fall. I hope you make some good memories this summer and find a way to do just the right amount of creative work—whatever that looks like for you during this season of life. I’m deep in it with you, making book magic and caring for my little family.

Be well!

Heidi