I did not make my deadline. This was a colossal bummer since I’d told everyone and their pets that I would be officially fini with all book brouhaha by October 5th (even the barista at my regular coffee shop haunt greeted me with a high five on The Day). I was technically done — of course, I’m using the words “technically done” very loosely here — on Monday, but then I kept finding mistake after mistake. It killed me, but I asked for an extension. Again. I used to pride myself on keeping my word and meeting deadlines, but them’s bygone days it seems…Each time I don’t hit a deadline, a little part of me withers, but I’m very lucky that the lovely folks at my publisher are wonderfully accommodating. So I am still, still hunkered down, painting and illustrating. It’s the last big hurdle of the book process for me and for reasons beyond my understanding, I keep complicating things by trying to get fancy when simple is always best.
Some of what you see above may end up as decorative elements, we’ll see.
Alright. Even my mom has stopped reading my blog, so I’m quite certain I’m yammering on to an audience of about 3 people at this point — no matter. It’s funny how I noticed that I’d been feeling jittery and as though something was sorely lacking, and then I realized I’d let yet another week go without updating here. As soon as I snapped a photo and started typing, I felt a curious release of tension, a decompression. Relief. That’s what it was. I suppose there are worse things to be addicted to than blogging.
I’m so looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Soon, soon!
My haiku brain’s stalled
Just coming up with this one
felt herculean
Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Sanae – I’m so sorry you’re feeling discouraged by your book extension. My guess is that you are bothered by it far more than your editor, as I have a feeling these things happen often in the publishing world. And it’s not like you haven’t done the work – you’re just perfecting it to the Sanae standard we have come to love and expect:) I can’t tell you how excited I am to see your book come to life, though I”m sure my excitement pales in comparison to yours! I hope that this weekend will bring some relaxation as well as productivity.
Thank you so much, Lucinda! Although it’s nowhere near perfect, I do feel like I’ve done everything I can to the best of my ability so right now, I feel content. And sleepy. And very, very hungry. Not sure why I’m so hungry, but it seems to go with the content / sleepy feeling. 🙂
You’re right too – as far as I can tell, no one batted an eye that I needed a little extra time (or maybe I’m just rationalizing – either way, it all worked out!). 😉
So your mom told you she’d stopped reading your blog? Ouch!
We’re still here! There’s a second loose tooth in our house so we’re celebr as ting your upcoming book release with you!
Honesty is a hallmark of my family, Shelley! Exciting that the tooth fairy will be visiting your household – love that the project from the book is getting some use :-).
Still here too – reader number 3:-) LOVE your paintings that you posted today:-) Good luck meeting this next deadline!!!!
Woo-hoo, love that there are more than three readers since this community is so lovely. Thank you Erica!! I met the extended deadline so I’m wiping the sweat from my forehead with relief. 🙂
We’re all hardest on ourselves – but we’re not perfect, so give yourself a break about the deadlines! Those drawings above are just gorgeous, I must say.
Wise words, Nicole – why is it that it’s so easy to go all negative nelly on myself? I’m taking your advice and thank you!
Well how could I not make this reader #4! Keep up the good work and come back to us when you can. You are an inspiration to me!
Thanks so much, Em!! You’re so awesome – I appreciate the kind words so much and I’ll be back after a bit of rest!!
I’m still here too!! I love reading your blog, always. you are awesome and your book is going to be amazing- I think it’s far better to ask for an extension than have something you are not happy with. I am super excited to see it whenever it is ready 🙂
Aw thanks, Kelly!! Did you get to connect with the fabulous Miss Heather Lou? I’m sure you had a blast, and I can’t wait to share more of the book!!
I did! We spent time together in Portland (my girls adored her!!) and then again in New York just last night- we are off to Camp Workroom Social this weekend 🙂
Oh, so fun!!! I hope you had an awesome time at Camp Workroom Social, Kelly!
Are you feeling tired?
What you’re doing… blogging, sewing, painting – all of this – is tough in that a lot of people might not look at it as a ‘job’, because outwardly it’s all fun and you’re following your dream. But doing anything at a high level for a long period of time is draining.
It is in all senses a job, just like writing code or welding pieces of metal together on an assembly line. Maybe your fatigue threshold is higher because you’re doing something inspiring, but there is still a limit to your endurance. All of this is great, but make sure you’re taking time to unwind when you get the chance.
Oh boy, I’m exhausted, Paul! This book took so much more work than the first one, and the emotional upheaval was excessively dramatic, even for me. And yes, just because I’m doing what I truly enjoy doesn’t mean that it’s all bubble baths and beatific smiles (what?? I’m clearly beyond coming up with metaphors).
I’m absolutely taking time to rebuild my stamina. I’m still not sure what the next round involves, but I think it’ll be good.
I don’t see what the big deal is about an extension!
You’re so right Greta — I guess I shouldn’t stress about things like that, but I’m such a rule-follower at heart, missing deadlines gets me all flummoxed! 🙂 I’m in MUCH better shape now, so happy dance all around!
I’m here- so that’s more than three already! 🙂 I’m working on my own, far less dramatic, deadline- just keep going and you’ll get there! Having read the biographies of a few authors, I think you are fine- some of them treated deadlines as the time to start writing! 🙂
Ha! That’s so comforting Liz, thank you! I’ve figured out that publishers build in a lot of extra time for the inevitable extension requests, but I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go that route. Oh well. All’s well that ends well!!
Gambatte, Sanae!! You can do it!!
I’m glad that blogging is a release for you, because I can’t imagine anything more stressful. We are standing by, waiting to read your next nuggets of wisdom and fun whenever you have a chance to get back to it!
Arigato Alana!! I’m super duper close to finalization (I’m starting to suspect that I can’t truly say that I’m done until April of next year when it’s officially on sale). I could use nuggets of wisdom and fun for myself! As always, I have ambitious plans, but I’ve learned that I can only do so much so let’s see how this all pans out…
Reader #11 I guess. Still here!
I find it interesting that blogging is a release for you (as it should be logically even I think) but I am not there yet…
Good luck with finishing up. A thing well done is better than meeting a deadline and feeling unhappy about it.
Hooray reader #11!!! 🙂 Thanks so much, Asmita! I don’t know why blogging is a soothing thing for me, though I have to admit that at present, I’m pretty tired from my deadlines so it might take me a while to get back into gear…
Still here too! Felt the same way about getting a post up after a couple months of nada – blogging is part of my identity and I’m not ready to let that go yet.
Better to get an extension and get it right than turn in a product that isn’t up to standards! You’ll get it done, and it’ll be great. 🙂
Kristin!! So good to see your comment – I did notice that you were taking a little break, and I hope it’s been a refreshing one!! I just checked off a huge item from the good old to-do list, so I’m feeling relieved and happy :-).
Here! From Portugal, really hope I get to find your books some day. Just a little bit more, and you get it done. Go for it!
I hope the books reach Portugal too, Silvia! I can see the finish line, and it’s incredibly exciting….:-)
Just a virtual hug and the knowledge thats we’re here and wait for how lont i’ll take.
Marit
Thank you Marit – right back atcha! It’s been an…interesting 15 months and I have SO many thoughts on this process, I don’t even know where to begin!! 🙂
Cute illustrations! Life does not always have to run on deadlines. And although you feel like not many are reading your blog anymore, please note that I just stumbled upon it today and am now a new follower!
Stop by:)
https://itaverony.wordpress.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/itaveroknits
Oh and here’s a blog post I found earlier this week regarding blogger burnout, if it’s of any help: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/garden/when-blogging-becomes-a-slog.html?_r=0
Thank you so much Ita! I’ve read the article, and it’s a good one. I appreciate the reminder, and I’m so glad that you’re here! 🙂
Keep going! You’ll make it! It will be GREAT.
Thank you, Traveller!! I’m plugging away 🙂
Beautiful illustrations. I think your watercolors are just getting better and better!