Love this Kelcey! And I've totally been there with coaching myself on what not to say and then saying exactly that! And it's totally okay to not be working on a book!
Kelcey, First, I absolutely love your Substack. And second, I feel I'm in a similar place. My answer to the inevitable writer question is "I'm not sure, I'll probably write another book eventually, but for now I'm really enjoying writing my Substack." It gets into people's hands so much more quickly, allows immediate engagement, and allows me to write about things happening NOW. I truly believe it's a legitimate project/end game. It feels temporary (i.e., less pressure) but it's still important. And it remains. I hope that whatever your path going forward, it continues to include this platform!
Exactly THIS! I often think of my newsletter as a side-hustle in terms of my larger creative life, so I worry when I'm spending more time on it than on some book/project. But for now I'm going to let this be the thing! Thanks for your smart thoughts! ❤️
I'm not working on...anything...on a day to day basis. I feel a bit strange about that, but that's been the state of things since my cancer treatment.... (I did finish two complete novels prior to that though!)
Oh, well, it's been several years now, so I don't consider myself still in the recovery stage. ^^; But when I go with my mom to walk in the park, sometimes she says something like, "I remember when you could barely get around this." (it's a roughly oval shape). "Now, you can get around it twice!"
I'm working on wrestling my adhd into submission so I can start, and finish, the billion projects that are screaming for my attention. But right now I would be content to learn how to live like a civilized human (unpack from my move 7 months ago, get my dishes done every day, do some necessary renos...)
Then, well then I can finish one of a dozen half-done cosplays (anyone else have a half done Wookiee costume on their dining room table), keep working on a book I want to write, do a drawing I owe my friend, get my finances in order with the start of a new job this coming week... Also, I am joining the Reserves because my adhd told me to, even though I am 53. It will be...interesting.
Holy moly! That list kept getting wilder! I don't know if this is useful, but in 2018 I started drawing every day (for 2+ years). But in order to clear the way to do that, in 2017, I had a Year of ORDER where I did all the kinds of things you mention: got my finances straightened out, went to the doctor for the first time in a long time, did the "life-changing magic of tidying up" including selling off a bunch of furniture or donating to Good Will, then sold my 1929 house and moved into a 2BR apartment. THAT was a project! Good luck to you!!!
Selling off a bunch of stuff needs to happen. I have inherited my parent's stuff and a bunch of my late brother's stuff. I need to stop hanging on to things for sentimental reasons and let them back out into the world!
Are the substack and a book or print publication mutually exclusive? I have a couple of your books and it seems like the substack stuff could find its way into one of those easily (which have a permanence and material reality that melts into air in the digital world). But old habits die hard. And I see the Hollywood sign often as I walk our neighborhood and it’s always a thrill. Great work.
You're totally right that Substack and books are not mutually exclusive. But when more people read my Substack posts than read my books, it starts to change the way I think about both. I've also started thinking about making prints of my art--and other kinds of creative pursuits that never really occurred to me before. But I'll always be a book girl. Anyway, last week was the first time I've ever been to L.A. or seen the Hollywood sign! So cool you live around there!
Yes, art prints are a great idea! I’m sure you already know of Austin Kleon, and I love the way he combines the written and the visual. He just recently posted some hilarious motivational posters for creatives. It seems like he’s managed to find a good balance between the creative work he shares on social and the things that end up in his books (which feel a bit like a curated feed). Maybe you can find a similar combination for your work?
Thank you for sharing your experiences at AWP and your project anxiety, Kelcey. I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful!
Even more terrifying than "What are you working on?" for me is "Who are you reading?" because it's too revealing/embarrassing to say "Oh, I just watched 14 hours of "The Pitt" and it made me think about my husband's time as a medic in wartime, and there's a poem or essay in that, which I'll probably never write, and what was your question about READING?"
I so appreciate YOUR space here AND your books. The answer to that “What are you doing now?” Question conjures up feelings for me, too. I feel Iike I am moving beyond doing ONE thing to do a few things. Are you? Is that something that captures the story better. Instead of one thing, it’s many.
And I’m writing a book right now and pushing myself out there to connect with others (writers, artists, storytellers, people who resonate with the book concept). I how other authors keep those creative conversations going once a book is out there?
Thank you so much, Jane! And yes I do think that many vs. one is a good distinction. Right now I'm just trying to survive the semester! I hope to recalibrate in May. But even then I will be testing out multiple projects.
What kind of book are you writing? It's great you're out there connecting with other writers and creators. I'm obviously passionate about that too.
The book I’m working on is about something I’m calling People-Based Learning (PeBL). It’s about how some of the most lasting, meaningful learning happens not just through content, but through connection, reflection and action. I’ve been collecting stories, research, and ideas from all kinds of people: educators, entrepreneurs, students, and those outside of education who are creating learning in more human and relevant ways.
I’m also creating visuals alongside the writing to help communicate the ideas more clearly. Things like illustrations, diagrams, and visual metaphors that capture how PeBL works in the real world. That part has been really fun and helps me think through the concepts more deeply, too.
It’s been energizing to talk to other writers and creators as part of this process. It feels like its own form of learning, honestly.
Would love to hear more about what you are working on. I love what you share and how you share it!
I might say I've been working on getting myself to work on something. I love love your posts. They always inspire me...your honesty and wonderfully creative drawings and wonky lettering. I have been reading a lot and writing some. Drawings and narratives like yours are my very favorite. To start something and finish it in one sitting feels good. I like to respond to prompts, like this one and questions Padraig O'Tuama asks his readers on his Poetry Unbound. "What's enough to give meaning to an entire lifetime? Start typing." Thank-you for encouraging me to pause this morning!
Hi Barb! "Working on getting myself to work on something" is hilarious and oh so true! I always adore your drawings and stories--you capture moments so tenderly! (though I haven't been on Instagram as much lately to see them if you've been posting) That O'Tuama post is a little intimidating! Though I agree with the "start typing" part. Sometimes when I don't know what I'm going to write for Substack, I just start writing, "Dear Reader..." and see what comes. Great to hear from you, Barb! ❤️
It should be fine to say, "I don't know." Isn't uncertainty the beginning of understanding? Maybe the problem is with the question "What are you working on." Granted, schmoozing is hard, esp. if you're an introvert. Talking about projects in process seems like a good conversation starter, and I say this without ever having attended AWP.
People could ask:
"How are your [insert previous works here] doing? How are people responding? Any interesting feedback?"
or:
"What have you been thinking/noticing/doing that isn't strictly work-related since your [insert most recent project] was published?"
or:
"I just read [insert new work by well-known author/illustrator here]. What did you think of it?"
That strange and restful fallow period after you complete one project and before you begin another is a sacred space. It belongs to you.
Thanks, Meredith! These are excellent alternative questions that open up the conversation. I don't dislike the question 'what are you working on,' and I even often like to answer it! But I appreciate these other ways of talking about where we are in our creative lives: how things have been received, and what's inspiring us, etc.
I especially love your final lines and will hold on to that: "That strange and restful fallow period after you complete one project and before you begin another is a sacred space. It belongs to you." ❤️
OMG Kelcey, all I am these days (read: the past 2 years) is CREATIVE CRISIS. What am I working on? Um... trying to figure out what ART EVEN MEANS? (holds 35 overflowing notebooks and sketchbooks, "Here want to see?") 😭😭😭😭
First, HELL YES I WANT TO SEE! But also: EXACTLY! What does art even mean?!? I only briefly alluded to the "state of the world" in my post, but it certainly makes me rethink what I make art about and why. And the newsletter feels communal and conversational in ways that I especially value lately.
p.s. I you sent me pages a while back, and I read them late at night and loved every bit of them, and then DID NOT TELL YOU! I'm terrible!
So many amazing replies here--thank you! It's been a busy week, but I'll be responding to each comment. ❤️
I feel you. Yes, everything you wrote and drew. (Not very helpful to you maybe, definitely helpful to me--thank you!). It IS magic!
Thanks, Loralee! It's always helpful to hear that someone received my message in a bottle! 😊
Love this Kelcey! And I've totally been there with coaching myself on what not to say and then saying exactly that! And it's totally okay to not be working on a book!
Haha! I should have known I was doomed to say "I don't know" when I told myself not to say "I don't know"! Glad I'm not alone!
I’m super glad you are sharing your work and thoughts in this space right now. As long as it’s lighting it up for you, it’s golden.
I think of the this space as a practice ground for talking about my work and a colleague collection project.
Kelcey, First, I absolutely love your Substack. And second, I feel I'm in a similar place. My answer to the inevitable writer question is "I'm not sure, I'll probably write another book eventually, but for now I'm really enjoying writing my Substack." It gets into people's hands so much more quickly, allows immediate engagement, and allows me to write about things happening NOW. I truly believe it's a legitimate project/end game. It feels temporary (i.e., less pressure) but it's still important. And it remains. I hope that whatever your path going forward, it continues to include this platform!
Exactly THIS! I often think of my newsletter as a side-hustle in terms of my larger creative life, so I worry when I'm spending more time on it than on some book/project. But for now I'm going to let this be the thing! Thanks for your smart thoughts! ❤️
I'm not working on...anything...on a day to day basis. I feel a bit strange about that, but that's been the state of things since my cancer treatment.... (I did finish two complete novels prior to that though!)
Oh gosh, Suzume, thank you for this perspective that sometimes a creative project is not even possible. Sending best wishes for your recovery. ❤️
Oh, well, it's been several years now, so I don't consider myself still in the recovery stage. ^^; But when I go with my mom to walk in the park, sometimes she says something like, "I remember when you could barely get around this." (it's a roughly oval shape). "Now, you can get around it twice!"
Thanks for clarifying! Leave it to mom to celebrate your progress!
I'm working on wrestling my adhd into submission so I can start, and finish, the billion projects that are screaming for my attention. But right now I would be content to learn how to live like a civilized human (unpack from my move 7 months ago, get my dishes done every day, do some necessary renos...)
Then, well then I can finish one of a dozen half-done cosplays (anyone else have a half done Wookiee costume on their dining room table), keep working on a book I want to write, do a drawing I owe my friend, get my finances in order with the start of a new job this coming week... Also, I am joining the Reserves because my adhd told me to, even though I am 53. It will be...interesting.
Keep doing what makes you happy!
Me, too. Many projects on many back burners!
Holy moly! That list kept getting wilder! I don't know if this is useful, but in 2018 I started drawing every day (for 2+ years). But in order to clear the way to do that, in 2017, I had a Year of ORDER where I did all the kinds of things you mention: got my finances straightened out, went to the doctor for the first time in a long time, did the "life-changing magic of tidying up" including selling off a bunch of furniture or donating to Good Will, then sold my 1929 house and moved into a 2BR apartment. THAT was a project! Good luck to you!!!
Selling off a bunch of stuff needs to happen. I have inherited my parent's stuff and a bunch of my late brother's stuff. I need to stop hanging on to things for sentimental reasons and let them back out into the world!
I’m working my Haiku…trying to stay focused on… working my haiku… 🙏
Wait, was that a...haiku?!? 😂
Haiku seems perfect for this time.
Are the substack and a book or print publication mutually exclusive? I have a couple of your books and it seems like the substack stuff could find its way into one of those easily (which have a permanence and material reality that melts into air in the digital world). But old habits die hard. And I see the Hollywood sign often as I walk our neighborhood and it’s always a thrill. Great work.
You're totally right that Substack and books are not mutually exclusive. But when more people read my Substack posts than read my books, it starts to change the way I think about both. I've also started thinking about making prints of my art--and other kinds of creative pursuits that never really occurred to me before. But I'll always be a book girl. Anyway, last week was the first time I've ever been to L.A. or seen the Hollywood sign! So cool you live around there!
Ooh, prints might be a wonderful addition for purchase for your readers.
If you can make some of them inspirational for us writers with ADHD & executive dysfunction, all the better!
Yes, art prints are a great idea! I’m sure you already know of Austin Kleon, and I love the way he combines the written and the visual. He just recently posted some hilarious motivational posters for creatives. It seems like he’s managed to find a good balance between the creative work he shares on social and the things that end up in his books (which feel a bit like a curated feed). Maybe you can find a similar combination for your work?
I love your honesty in this newsletter. Thanks for being so human!
Thanks so much, Alex! Always amazing when my missives meet readers!
I love your Substack! Thank you for writing and drawing it! 🩷
Thank you for reading and for saying that! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your experiences at AWP and your project anxiety, Kelcey. I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful!
Even more terrifying than "What are you working on?" for me is "Who are you reading?" because it's too revealing/embarrassing to say "Oh, I just watched 14 hours of "The Pitt" and it made me think about my husband's time as a medic in wartime, and there's a poem or essay in that, which I'll probably never write, and what was your question about READING?"
Hahaha! Thanks for making me laugh! So true.
Maybe I'll see you at AWP Baltimore?!
I hope so!
I so appreciate YOUR space here AND your books. The answer to that “What are you doing now?” Question conjures up feelings for me, too. I feel Iike I am moving beyond doing ONE thing to do a few things. Are you? Is that something that captures the story better. Instead of one thing, it’s many.
And I’m writing a book right now and pushing myself out there to connect with others (writers, artists, storytellers, people who resonate with the book concept). I how other authors keep those creative conversations going once a book is out there?
Thank you so much, Jane! And yes I do think that many vs. one is a good distinction. Right now I'm just trying to survive the semester! I hope to recalibrate in May. But even then I will be testing out multiple projects.
What kind of book are you writing? It's great you're out there connecting with other writers and creators. I'm obviously passionate about that too.
I cannot wait for your multiple projects!
The book I’m working on is about something I’m calling People-Based Learning (PeBL). It’s about how some of the most lasting, meaningful learning happens not just through content, but through connection, reflection and action. I’ve been collecting stories, research, and ideas from all kinds of people: educators, entrepreneurs, students, and those outside of education who are creating learning in more human and relevant ways.
I’m also creating visuals alongside the writing to help communicate the ideas more clearly. Things like illustrations, diagrams, and visual metaphors that capture how PeBL works in the real world. That part has been really fun and helps me think through the concepts more deeply, too.
It’s been energizing to talk to other writers and creators as part of this process. It feels like its own form of learning, honestly.
Would love to hear more about what you are working on. I love what you share and how you share it!
Kelcey!
I might say I've been working on getting myself to work on something. I love love your posts. They always inspire me...your honesty and wonderfully creative drawings and wonky lettering. I have been reading a lot and writing some. Drawings and narratives like yours are my very favorite. To start something and finish it in one sitting feels good. I like to respond to prompts, like this one and questions Padraig O'Tuama asks his readers on his Poetry Unbound. "What's enough to give meaning to an entire lifetime? Start typing." Thank-you for encouraging me to pause this morning!
Hi Barb! "Working on getting myself to work on something" is hilarious and oh so true! I always adore your drawings and stories--you capture moments so tenderly! (though I haven't been on Instagram as much lately to see them if you've been posting) That O'Tuama post is a little intimidating! Though I agree with the "start typing" part. Sometimes when I don't know what I'm going to write for Substack, I just start writing, "Dear Reader..." and see what comes. Great to hear from you, Barb! ❤️
It should be fine to say, "I don't know." Isn't uncertainty the beginning of understanding? Maybe the problem is with the question "What are you working on." Granted, schmoozing is hard, esp. if you're an introvert. Talking about projects in process seems like a good conversation starter, and I say this without ever having attended AWP.
People could ask:
"How are your [insert previous works here] doing? How are people responding? Any interesting feedback?"
or:
"What have you been thinking/noticing/doing that isn't strictly work-related since your [insert most recent project] was published?"
or:
"I just read [insert new work by well-known author/illustrator here]. What did you think of it?"
That strange and restful fallow period after you complete one project and before you begin another is a sacred space. It belongs to you.
Thanks, Meredith! These are excellent alternative questions that open up the conversation. I don't dislike the question 'what are you working on,' and I even often like to answer it! But I appreciate these other ways of talking about where we are in our creative lives: how things have been received, and what's inspiring us, etc.
I especially love your final lines and will hold on to that: "That strange and restful fallow period after you complete one project and before you begin another is a sacred space. It belongs to you." ❤️
You delight me.
❤️ x 1000
OMG Kelcey, all I am these days (read: the past 2 years) is CREATIVE CRISIS. What am I working on? Um... trying to figure out what ART EVEN MEANS? (holds 35 overflowing notebooks and sketchbooks, "Here want to see?") 😭😭😭😭
First, HELL YES I WANT TO SEE! But also: EXACTLY! What does art even mean?!? I only briefly alluded to the "state of the world" in my post, but it certainly makes me rethink what I make art about and why. And the newsletter feels communal and conversational in ways that I especially value lately.
p.s. I you sent me pages a while back, and I read them late at night and loved every bit of them, and then DID NOT TELL YOU! I'm terrible!
Yup! This!