Writing As A New Mom & Book Publishing Updates

Thank you for stopping by my cozy corner of the internet. It’s been a while, so I’m here with an update about my manuscript and the status of my book. Grab a cup of something warm, and let’s catch up!

Writing and Motherhood

Having a baby and being a full-time mom have taken more of my time and energy than expected, so my book isn’t where I thought it would be. Balancing postpartum life and book publishing has proven challenging. I’m learning to give myself grace in this postpartum season. It’s hard letting go of my expectations and plans when I was so excited about how I thought certain things would turn out.

Writing and holding space for creativity looks immensely different postpartum. Before being a mom, I had endless blocks of time to write and spend my time how I wanted. Oh how I wish I would have spent it more wisely and finished my book. Alas, I did not, and now I squeeze in time to work on author things in the spare moments of the day. I take the minutes I can to move forward ever so slightly, often punctuated by a crying baby from the other room who needs me. (Like right now, so I’ll come back to this later.)

I’m back while my husband takes the baby for a walk.

Like I was saying, I try to fit creativity in when I can and force myself to be creative with the time I have because if I don’t, I won’t get to exercise my creative muscle. And boy is that muscle atrophying! Sometimes writing feels like trying to squeeze the very last bit of toothpaste out of the tube from the corners.

Albeit stretching and often discouraging, I keep writing, keep trying, because when I do, something inside me sparks and lights. I feel alive. I feel more complete when I get to create. I feel like a better mom, wife, and person when I get to spill words across a page and weave something (hopefully) beautiful.

Today someone reminded me that in this season of new motherhood, my capacity for anything outside of mothering is much lower than it was before I was a mom. Gradually, (I’m told) my capacity will return. Until then, I’m working on lowering my expectations for what I do in a day, giving myself grace, and keeping Oliver as my priority. After all, he is only a little baby once and I want to be as present for him as possible.

So here is to sitting in the tension of letting go of expectations, my desire to be fully present for my baby, and my longing to keep creating. I haven’t figured out a good system yet, but I’ll keep trying. If you’re fighting to keep creativity in your life, I applaud you, and I’m right there with you. We’re in this together.

Book Update

In my last blog post, I let you know I had gotten edits back from my copy editor and I was chipping away at them. I’m farther along in the process and more than halfway through my book which is exciting! That being said, I have hit a bump along the way…

In the time since my cover designer created my amazing cover, someone published a book with almost the same title I was planning to give my book.

It was back to the drawing board for my title! I brainstormed with my husband (he’s helped A LOT on this book project. Don’t know what I’d do without him) and Chat GPT, and found something I’m quite happy with. So once I finish my edits, I will get an updated cover from my designer, along with updated images for my social media launch. Even though I’ve had to repeat work, I’m glad I found my intended title was already used so I could avoid confusion when I publish my book.

With that in mind, here are most of the remaining tasks for publishing my book.

Next Steps for Book Launch

Formatting

A good job formatting goes largely unnoticed by readers. Think about how paragraphs are lined up in a book. Usually when you pick one up, you will see the margins of the paragraphs are in straight lines along the length of the page. To do that, one has to use a software to format the margins, and even go in and hyphenate certain words so everything lines up straight.

Additionally, when you see excerpts from something in a book, like someone reading a journal entry, that needs to be formatted as well.

This is done through different software, or by paying a formatter to do it for me. To try and save some money, I’m going to attempt to figure this out myself. We shall see how it goes!

Proofreading

Once my book has been formatted, and I’ve uploaded everything to the printer, I will then send a digital and physical copy to my editor so she can proofread it. Proofreading is the last step of the publishing process. I still have a bit to do before we get there, but the end is in sight!

Webstore

While all the final touches are being made on my manuscript, I need to set up and launch my webstore so you all can purchase my book! I will have my book on the major channels like Amazon, library catalogs, etc., but I’ve learned that the best way to support authors is to purchase books directly from them. That way, the majority of the profit will support the author you’re a fan of. My team and I will work hard to set up my store so you can get a copy of my book from my website. I appreciate your support so I can continue writing books!

Launch

Once everything is set up and ready to go, and all the final touches are made on the book, ISBN numbers have been bought and applied, book launch will happen! Oh how I cannot wait for this day to come. A day I’ve been dreaming about for years. A day where my book will be out in the world and you can hold it in your hands.

Exciting News: Media Spotlight

Recently, I interviewed for an article with Canvas Rebel Magazine! When they reached out, I was honored, and a little nervous if I’m being honest. It’s a scary thought to put yourself out there for everyone to see. They asked me about myself, a meaningful project I’m working on, and how society can support creatives. Nerves aside, I’d love it if you could take a look! Here’s the link to the article: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-k-t-jay/

Thank you for catching up with me! Let me know in the comments, how you balance creativity and family life. To get exclusive updates, book recommendations, and freebies, sign up for my newsletter!

Until Next Time,

K.T.