Hello, fellow dreamers and storytellers! Ever wondered what a day in the life of a children’s writer looks like? Well, buckle up for a peek into my world. As a children’s author and illustrator, my days are varied and colorful…like my stories.

 

Morning: I’m very annoying.

I’m annoying because the minute I wake, my brain is going. My best thinking happens then.

My day usually begins with a dash of magic and a sprinkle of caffeine. Well, maybe an entire cup of caffeine. But it’s my only one! I start my mornings early, often before the sun has fully woken up. The quiet of the early hours is my secret weapon. It’s during this peaceful time I settle into my favorite nook, where ideas are free to dance.

The first task is to review my current projects. My Picture Book Summit team and I (Julie Hedlund, Emma Walton Hamilton and our producer, Kelli Panique) use Asana, so I’ll check my tasks due for the team. We meet weekly to put Picture Book Summit on (and all our ancillary presentations, both free and ticket-based) so I need to make sure I’m up-to-date on all my responsibilities.

If I’m working on a new manuscript or putting the finishing touches on illustrations I can get very hyper-focused. I love revisiting/revising characters and plots, tweaking, and perfecting. My desk used to be a creative chaos, with sketches, color swatches, and notes scattered about. I’ve gone more digital in recent years, and I’m a lot more organized and neat now. Every once and awhile I’ll get an idea for a new story or a new way to approach an existing one, and I jot it down before it flutters away.

Then I exercise. Every day, but it’s not because I’m so virtuous! I have a sedentary job, writing and drawing, so I’m super careful about this. I’ve had too many injuries and take my exercise seriously.

 

Mid-Morning: Writing and Illustrating

By mid-morning, I’m in full creative mode. Writing children’s books requires a unique blend of imagination and precision. Whether I’m crafting a new tale or revising an old one, the process is both exhilarating and challenging. My goal is always to engage young readers.

When it comes to illustrating, I usually don’t start sketches until my story is tight. I’ve been following a few digital artists and taking tutorials to hone my skills. Professional development isn’t something I ever thought about per se, but going to conferences, taking classes…that’s all pro dev. Some is more fun than others. HAHA. But I still have to do it! Anyway, as I illustrate I think about capturing emotions and bringing my characters to life in such a way that they will compel a reader to re-read. I love seeing how a simple sketch transforms into a vibrant scene that complements the story.

 

Lunch: Recharging Creativity

Lunchtime is a crucial break in the day. If it’s nice out, I’ll take a quick walk outside, and try to catch lunch with a friend. A change of scenery can spark new ideas. If I’m home I might catch up on email and other yukky tasks.

 

Afternoon: Collaboration and Development

The afternoon is often dedicated to collaboration and development. I might have meetings with my agent, fellow authors, critique clients, or my Picture Book Summit team. These meetings are essential for brainstorming, feedback, and planning the next steps in various projects. Collaborating with others helps refine my work and brings new dimensions to my stories.

I might also do part of a course I’m taking (online). This phase of the day is about making sure that everything aligns with the vision I have for each project and ensuring that my stories reach readers in the best possible way.

 

Late Afternoon: Administrative Tasks and Reflection

As the day winds down, I tackle the administrative tasks I haven’t gotten to… have avoided! This might include responding to more emails, updating my website, writing newsletters/blog posts, or organizing my schedule. While these tasks are less glamorous, they are vital for keeping everything running smoothly. I’m an “authorpreneur” and I love it. I do not love the “have tos” but when you work for yourself,  you have to to take care of your business.

 

Evening: Unwinding and Inspiration

I admit it, I love TV. I will also take a zombie movie any day. Evenings are my time to unwind …but I don’t seek inspiration. Ideas pop into my head and I have trained myself to write them down. Otherwise… well, you know. PFFFT…into the ether. I just end the day curled up with a good book—often YA or middle grade novels, but not always. Jerry (the hubs) and I get together with friends frequently, or watch something.

The End: Always a Continuous Journey

So there you have it—a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a children’s writer/illustrator. It’s a journey filled with creativity, collaboration, alone time, and continuous learning. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and the joy of crafting stories for young readers keeps me inspired and motivated.

All that good stuff said, it can be very, very hard. I’ve had lots of rejections, and it can get me feeling really like I’ll never publish again. We don’t But I keep going because I love this job, this life.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a curious reader, I hope this peek into my world gives you a sense of the dedication and passion that goes into creating children’s books. Remember, every story begins with a single idea, and with a bit of imagination and a lot of perseverance, that idea can grow into something truly magical.