What Writing a Book Really Looks Like

It’s down to the wire with my book, What to Cook for Dinner with Kids (now The Family Dinner Solution). I thought about writing on some nutrition topic but all I have on my mind is THE BOOK.

My first book, Fearless Feeding, coauthored with Jill Castle, was published through a traditional publisher. They set the deadlines, publishing date and did all the tedious formatting. But now that I’m an independent author, it’s all up to me.

While the experience with a traditional publisher was great, it made me realize self-publishing is for me. Publishing has changed and with technology being what it is, it’s not necessary to go the traditional route. I’m also fiercely independent and like to have more control.

So I’ve written the book and have had some of my blog readers review it. It’s gone through an editor and now a second round with my gracious husband.

This past week, I’ve been proofreading and figuring out how to do a print-on-demand version of the book. I finally figured it out but it took a whole week to format. What this means is my normal life has been turned upside down. I let some important things slide like sleep, working out, keeping the kitchen stocked and even meals. Oh, and I can’t forget the messy house.

It also happened to be Thanksgiving break. That means the kids were home and in need of attention. I’ll admit, there was more screen time being allowed. But I didn’t sacrifice time with the kids. I kept my promise of “girl time” with Big A. She made me a Pink Princess.

We carried on the tradition of making pies for Thanksgiving. The pumpkin pie developed a strange bubble while baking and burnt on a couple of the edges (still tasted good!) but the apple turned out great. Then, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with family. We even put up our Christmas tree and lights last night!

I even found time to get fitted for new running shoes and got some cool inserts. The running-shoe guy told me I have really high arches (do they say that to everyone??). The kids had fun running around the running store.

As I continue to work on the book, my goal of getting it out by November (today!) is quickly fading. I realize I have more work to do and it seems silly to rush it.

But I have learned so much about what to do differently next time. I am going to buy software that will make this whole process run smoother. I will anticipate this last “week of pain” and make be sure it does not land on a holiday. I will also schedule family to take my kids out more while I sit in my PJs chained to my computer for hours on end.

While many emotions have gone through my mind this past week, the one that stands out the most is gratitude. I’m grateful for you and the opportunity to write on my own terms. It may not be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving!