Writing a Book While Working Full Time...
The exhausting, exhilarating, and slightly unhinged journey of creating a book after hours.
Hi there. How are you?
“Hello Jen,
I commission practical art books at David and Charles in the UK (for publication worldwide) and would love to see if we could find a way to work together on some of our titles – could we perhaps arrange a zoom call some time?
I’m currently on the look out for an author/artist to work on a Ballpoint project for example.”
When this email landed in my inbox last year, I thought for sure it was a scam. When he wrote he’d found my work on Instagram, I was even more skeptical. (I’ve got less than 4000 followers and haven’t posted regularly in a year or more.)
I promptly googled David and Charles and about fell out of my seat when I saw they were a legit publishing company. I was even more surprised when I replied to the email and got a non-scammy response.
The next week, I had a Zoom meeting with the commissioning editor and a few weeks later, I was offered a contract to write “Me & My Ballpoint Pen.”
I almost turned down the offer.
After the initial excitement of being approached to write a book wore off, I panicked. First about the time, then about the money.
The timeline I’d been given to write the book was just 4 months. Since I work full time, I’d have to devote my nights and weekends to the book to make it happen.
My job wears me out most days. After work, I usually don’t have the energy or brain function to write or draw. So that would leave weekends. And the thought of working all weekend all summer long wasn’t appealing.
I would receive an advance to write this book, but as an unknown, first time author, it was pretty meager. If that advance could offset my salary for the time I’d need to write this book, it would have been an immediate yes. I didn’t expect to get rich writing this book, but I did want to feel like my time was valued.
Imposter syndrome also played a factor.
Why did they choose me to write this book when there are many other ballpoint artists who have a much larger following than I?
I went back and forth about this decision for a week and changed my mind a dozen times. Was the juice really worth the squeeze?
When a close family member passed away, my perspective immediately shifted and my decision was made. The next day I signed the contract.
Life is short. I can’t pass this up. I was MADE to write this book.
I am an accomplished artist. I enjoy writing and I’m good at it. I am an accomplished teacher, with 15 years of experience teaching high school art and two popular online ballpoint drawing courses that have been taken by thousands of people around the world.
I spent every weekend of the summer in my studio, churning out art, photos, and words. Forcing yourself to make creative work whether you’re up for it or not is an incredible feat of strength. But, I DID IT! (Future missive about the writing and editing process in the future. It was brutal!!)
Life & the Launch
My book is currently in production, so it’s time to start marketing for the July 8th, 2025 book launch. I must admit, I have some apprehension about this part. Though I’m excited to get this book out in the world, I’m worried about the time and energy it will take to market it properly. Such is the life of an Occasional Creative.
Things are changing at my day job and I’ll soon be taking on more responsibility, managing a satellite location. I’m excited for this change but it happens to come right smack dab in the middle of this book launch.
There was never going to be a multi-city book tour like big time authors do, but I was hoping to spend the upcoming months building up my online presence on Pinterest, Bluesky and here on Substack to attract more prospective book buyers. I was also hoping to set up a few local events and reach out to some of my favorite book stores in hopes that they will carry my book. Now, I’m not so sure what I’ll do or how much time I’ll have.
All I know is that I’m taking a page from Amy McNee’s playbook and for the 100 days leading up to the July 8 release date, I am going to try to talk about, write about, or share about the book every darn day. People can’t purchase my book if they don’t know I have a book!
Psst. There’s more to see if you visit the desktop site instead of the mobile version. I’ll also share a preview of the book in a future post.
Wanna help a first-time author?
I would be ever so grateful if you helped me spread the word about my book. Here are some ways you can help!
Please forward this email to anyone who you think might be interested in my work and my book.
If you’re a Notes user, please restack my post!
Is there a “book-fluencer” or “art-influencer” you think I should reach out to about my book? Hit me up! My publisher has requested some names and honestly, I’m not sure who to tell them.
How about podcasts? Any I should pitch?
Is there a local book store near you that you think might be a good fit for my book? Do tell!
If you’re interested in purchasing a signed copy of my book, join my pre-order list HERE. You’ll also receive some bonus book content when you purchase directly from me!
Well, that’s all for now.
I hope you’re hanging in there. Sending hope, grace, and contentment your way. Find me in your inbox again in 2 weeks.