Julia Spencer-Fleming: I'm at a weird point in the process of seeing a new book into the world (and you'll have to pardon any birthing metaphors I make; my oldest, Victoria, is having a baby this fall, and it's taking up a ridiculous amount of my brain space, considering I don't have anything to do with it.)
At any rate, the words-on-paper portion of my work is done. AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY has been edited, and copy-edited, and galley-edited. (This is why authors will often say they never want to think about their current title ever again.) I'll kick into high gear again sometime in October and through November, with, I'm sure, some events in December, because we all know books make the best holiday gifts, don't we?
In the meantime, I'm left working on my To-Do list. It starts like this:
1. Have website rebuilt
1.a Research current best practices for author websites. What to include vs. what's too much?
1.b Get recommendations of web designers
1.c Contact and interview web designers
But then I start thinking, wait - what do I want the new website to look like? Remember that discussion on author branding we had a couple weeks ago? Should I use the same fonts as my book covers? (and what are they, anyway?) Do I use pictures of moody Adirondack landscapes? Maybe small towns? Shoot, should I have something that reference the military in there?
So then I go back and start:
1. Determine branding - what message to I want to send to my readers?
1. a Who are my readers?
1. b What are the three/four words they use for my work?
1.c Do I need a tag line? Is that old fashioned? Oh, crap, I'm going to have to do more research, aren't I?
And of course, if I have a brand new website, I want my social media - Instagram and FB - to reflect the same look. Also, I'm terrible with posting regularly, and that's not going to fly with a new book coming out. I promised Steve the Marketing Guy I'd do a better job. So if I renumber the website stuff to 2...
3. Update social media with new headers, etc.
3. a Come up with a posting schedule
3. b Don't forget to schedule time to answer readers, comments!
3. c What the heck to I post about?
Now I'm thinking I'd better go back to 1. b and add in
1. b. 1 Determine topics based on description words for books
1. b. 2 Figure out what kind of photos and graphic work with the brand
At this point, I'm getting increasingly overwhelmed, and I haven't even touched on everything I need to do to revamp and relaunch my newsletter. That's probably going to be points 4 through 6 all by itself.
Honestly, dear readers, this is not what I thought I would be doing when I became a published author. (I also didn't think I'd still be changing the cat pan and mopping the kitchen floor after becoming a NYTimes bestseller, but the life of an author is much less glamorous than advertised.)
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the unexciting but necessary part of your work? And does writing out your to-do list ever make you want to recline with a cold drink, as it does me?
Congratulations to Victoria . . .baby news is always exciting!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a perfect answer for the dilemma you're facing, Julia, but work often feels overwhelming [I try to ignore it] . . . and for exactly the reasons you've mentioned, I never write out my to-do list because it's far too frustrating [and ignoring it with a cold drink sounds like a perfect plan!]
You can tell I was writing this column at the end of my working day Joan, because I was already thinking about a gin and tonic...
DeleteCynthia-Julia I just got an ARC from you and found Books at Longview,WA library to read.
DeleteOooh, waiting for Victoria's baby is exciting!
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at Environment Canada on multiple climate change projects and later as a strategic directorate planner, I was DROWNING in bureaucratic paperwork and procedures.
Ironically, this became progressively worse during the last few years when the Canadian government was implementing "efficiencies"! Maybe the financial balance sheet looked better to the bean counters but they dumped a load of extra process work on us minions.
Grace, Celia taught me one of the first principles of effective organization is figuring out what works for you and chucking the rest. Of course, bureaucracies seem to come up with 'what works for every single manager' and then foist the collection on everyone else!
DeleteMake sure you leave enough time to continue writing about Miller’s Kill 😀
ReplyDeleteThe good news is, writing is one thing I DON'T need a to-do list to know how to get done, Anon!
DeleteLooking forward to hearing about the birth of Victoria's baby.
ReplyDeleteI used to do a to-do-list but then I forget where I put it so now I just wing it.
I knew I wanted to be more like Dru!
DeleteDru, I literally laughed out loud. That feels so true for me...
DeleteI absolutely get overwhelmed by the non-writing parts of the authorly life. The only thing that helps me is to chip away at the list, one thing at a time. And to hire help beyond the web person - I have an assistant (whom I've never met in person) who helps with graphics and social media.
ReplyDeleteI'm also waiting for a grandbaby (due January 2nd!), and now QUILT has been added to my longer-term to-do list. Baby-sniffing time is so joyful.
Congrats on new grandbaby coming Edith!
DeleteCongratulations, Edith! I'm also looking forward to the chance to get my nose full of baby-head-smell.
DeleteCongratulations on the new grand baby, Edith
DeleteI just cracked myself up, having my really tall grown grandson lean way over so I could sniff his head. He would howl with laughter!
DeleteJulia, do something simple and don't overthink it or you'll get frozen:). I have a list and I love to check off the boxes if I do them. I agree with anonymous--leave lots of time to write new book!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, Lucy: I LOVE checking off the boxes on my to-do list!
DeleteLucy, the good thing about having a paralyzing To-Do list is that it makes writing feel like I'm procrastinating, and we all know how much I love to do that!
DeleteJulia, the 2011 column you linked to was hilarious, and I'm sure it is nostalgic for you now. As for your lists, I have been called the Queen of Lists. I am an anxious person and I keep it under control, barely, by Writing Everything Down. I have seasonal lists, monthly lists, and daily lists. Sometimes I have weekly lists. Before I retired I had weekend lists and "vacation" lists (vacations from my teaching job were naturally time for more work on the farm).
ReplyDeleteTwo secrets in list-making I have discovered help me move forward when the overall task seems too huge. First: break it down to small tasks. (The classic newbie mistake in list-making for a home renovation, for example, would read: "#1. sheetrock house.") You've started doing this, but for myself, easily overwhelmed, I would break each task down even further, to a granular level. Right now I need to build a screen porch. So far all I've crossed off is: "carry chop saw to the porch." The next one will be "measure and cut 1 dog barrier" (there will be 4). Next will be "build 1 dog barrier," then "paint," then "install." And over and over throughout the project. The goal for me is to be able to CROSS THINGS OFF. This gives me a little rush of satisfaction. It also reminds me that I am making progress.
Second, I try to be as specific as possible. I recently scored 24 perennials on deep sale. Instead of listing "plant perennials" on my July list, I have written "plant 6 daylilies," "plant 3 rudbeckia," etc. Then each morning I put 3 plants on my daily list. It's slow but I'll keep everything watered and in 8 days they'll all be planted and I won't have been diverted from the main tasks of the day. Thus for me, your "Get recommendations of web designers" would work better if I wrote "Ask xx, xx, and xx (however many) for a recommendation for a web designer." Then if I was feeling frail one day, I'd just list one of those asks on my daily list. "Contact and interview web designers" for me would become on my monthly list "Contact 6 web designers" and, separate task, "interview 3 web designers." Or whatever, then to be further broken down on my daily list. You get the idea. I always have paper for longer lists and I know I need that rush when I can cross something off. It seems childish but it works for me. Good luck!
(By the way, did you see the terrible story last month of the ADK forest ranger found dead in the backcountry? It was tragic, and horrifying for those who found him after 8 days. I was immediately reminded of A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD. https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2025/07/commentary-an-open-letter-to-dec-commissioner-amanda-lefton-regarding-death-of-afr-brendan-jackson.html )
Oops, that was me, Selden.
DeleteSelden, I hadn't seen that story - it is horrifying.
DeleteAnd thank you for your extremely smart suggestion! You're right, I need to get much, much more granular; it will both help me keep from feeling overwhelmed AND actually think out everything involved in getting the tasks done.
My talented daughter did my original website, so when I hired a website designer for an upgrade, I had a basic idea of what I wanted. Simple, informative, easy to read, beautiful photos. One professional author photo later, it was done. I try to add and delete feature articles every few months. Take some good pet shots and go for it.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I hadn't thought of pet pics, Margaret! I do love showing off my boys and Neko.
DeleteWhat Margaret said: "simple, informative, easy to read, beautiful photos -- including pet shots". That's what I want in an author website. I go there to find the books (in what order should I read them?), to learn when the next one will be published, to learn a bit about the author, and to see photos related to the author and their books. That's all. Oh. I suppose if there's swag to sell, tell me about that, but, truly, I don't want swag. I want another book, Julia!
ReplyDeleteExactly so, Amanda!
DeleteAmanda, you made me laugh, because my daughters are encouraging me to sell 'merch.' Do you think there's a market for official MKPD sweatshirts? :-)
DeleteWould a St Alban’s message on one side and a police department on the other or maybe Russ’ Private Investigators puffer vest? Thank you, Julia and commenters for showing me a way out of my own to do list! Elisabeth
DeleteHi Julia, I preordered When Midnight Comes the Cry (from Broadway Books) and am looking forward to it. Soon you'll be hearing the cries of your precious grandbaby!
ReplyDeleteMy mind goes in very similar directions which make my to-do list overwhelming. Maybe get someone close to listen to you think about keywords and your brand? Not for advice but just for encouragement and cheerleading.
I had an incident this week that made me realize that my overwhelm/impossible feelings may not be valid. My dryer died and I bought a new (to me) dryer at a used appliance/repair place. On Wednesday it was due to be delivered, and I thought it would be easier to take it in the old back door (2 back doors) of my house, because they'd be half way down the basement stairs. Then I opened the door and realized that it opened in and blocked the stairs. Sigh. Still, I decided to show it to the delivery guys. They immediately said it was the best way to bring the dryer in. They just took that old back door off, got the dryers in and out, put the door back on and were loading the old dryer on the truck in a few minutes. This task was very easy for them, but seemed impossible to me. I've been thinking since then about how this lesson may apply in other areas of my life.
I've also been noticing it because I'm deep cleaning in preparation of having a household full of guests at the end of the summer, Gillian. "Everything in the family room" is too much; I have to break it down into tiny segments. And when you don't know HOW to do something, even those tiny segments are hard!
DeleteFrom Celia: Gillian is correct. Time to start breathing again. It will all work
DeleteI'm going to be cleaning too for a few days in preparation for a visit from my son's girlfriend. A little bit each day and it will get done.
DeleteJulia, I'm not at all surprised that all of that was overwhelming. Just reading about it overwhelmed me and I wanted to lie down with a cool cloth over my eyes! Keep it as simple as possible is the best advice I can give. The actual book and the new grand baby are the most important things, so just enjoy all of that.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, who says you have to do a website and a newsletter and social media? Good grief! You write terrific books. That's more than enough!
It's also very much doesn't come naturally to me, Judi. Fortunately, I have some highly organized friends I can call upon if needed!
DeleteFrom Celia: Judi is right
DeleteI love you, Celia!
DeleteThe only real information I seek from an author’s website and social media is what books have you written, what’s new that is coming down the pike and when. And also tour dates and locations. And a short author bio with a recent photo. A menu button that will quickly take me to these is essential. The rest is fluff.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know, Brenda!
DeleteI agree Brenda. Instagram, Facebook and other social media serve a similar purpose to a website and they are generally more up-to-date than a website which is more static. I followed a website of a "character" in a cozy mystery (not the author) which was a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of fun add-ons like that, Anon, and I like them!
DeleteFrom Celia: Don't panic, I'm heading northwards next week.
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteJust in the nick!
DeleteJulia, have someone professional design your website. The main thing is it should be easy to navigate and clean and give any major details before anyone has to scroll. People don’t keep returning to websites. It’s usually a first check on you then they go to your social media. No work on newsletter, Facebook, instagram etc to have regular content there and build anticipation
ReplyDeleteAnd I write a to-do list almost every day. It’s satisfying to cross off items
I wish it was no work on socials, Rhys! :-D
DeleteNow. No no!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Victoria! We hope that Victoria will stay in Europe and have the baby there. Unless you are a billionaire, it will be challenging to have the baby in the USA. I do get overwhelmed by the necessary part of writing. It is worthwhile because I love writing. Regarding your concerns about your website, I would suggest talking to many author friends and get feedback about how to find and hire skilled professional website designers.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Anon!
DeleteI feel so seen! I became a writer to write and weirdly some days it feels like it's the smallest part of the job. Hang in there, Julia!
ReplyDeleteRight? Write!
DeleteJenn, just to let you know, I enjoy your FB “story postings” . (I usually avoid these from friends, finding them weird and too short to make sense.) Elisabeth
DeleteJulia, I am a procrastinator extraordinaire so I make lists in order to get anything done (and then usually ignore half of the things on the list). I’m like you in that I would be overwhelmed by the many tasks you have set out. However, you have some secret weapons: the six other Reds — and Celia! I love her little pop up comments of reassurance. Breathe and remember you have friends who have your back. — Pat S
ReplyDeleteSo true, Pat!
DeleteBest job in the world besides writing is being Grandma--I have six and love every minute--oops, maybe not every minute, but most minutes!! My to do list is also overwhelming and I find that when I can't get something checked off the list, it means I don't actually know where to begin and what needs to be done. I like Selden's comments about putting it all into bite sized pieces. I'll try that. As for web site--I really like Xuni (Maddie James) and her son Riley--they'll be at Bouchercon again this year if you happen to be there. I love what they do for Author websites and they offer suggestions, never make you feel like an idiot for your questions (even though later you realize you really were asking idiotic questions) and are very responsive. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gerri! And yes I'm looking forward to being Granny. My mother said grandkids are your reward for raising children...
DeleteJulia, you made my head explode!! Now time for a nap...
ReplyDeleteSeriously, ditto everyone's advice. Professional website, as simple as possible. Use same artwork on newsletter and socials. Have fun. You will be fine!!!
Like others, I found it exhausting to read this, Julia!! But I totally agree with Selden's "small bite" list process. So much less daunting. Confucius said "the longest journey begins with a single step", which always reminds me that each step/process brings us to completion of the task. You don't "eat the elephant" in a single meal, right?
ReplyDeleteI've always worked from to-do lists, informal paper ones rewritten when they get too many cross-offs to read legibly. Since about 2015 I've used MS OneNote (which has migrated to the Sticky Notes app, I think--who can keep track?), and it updates from my desktop to my phone, and vice versa. So much handier than the grocery list I used to leave on the counter.
My middle daughter, as an aside, is the queen of listmakers, and she is the most organized person I know. She keeps lists of her lists! Which is excessive, for heavens sake, but it works for her.
I am utterly thrilled for you and your family, Julia, anticipating a new family member. Such a joyful time.
For years, back when I actually knew how to create a website, before it got so complicated, my husband begged me to make one for him. I was willing, but he had no idea what he wanted it for, so it was difficult for me to create what he was unable to articulate. Then a friend who had a web business sat down with him and pretty much bullied him into giving her a framework from which to start.
DeleteThat site worked for awhile, until he found someone to create the much more sophisticated one that replaced it, after seeing what he could actually expect from a website.
So having a wish list of features for your site is probably the #1 task towards that item..
Oh, I agree! It is so absolutely overwhelming. Overwhelming. If only we knew what mattered. But what matters is that you have a fabulous book, and you do, Julia, so the world will make it work!
ReplyDeleteDo I get overwhelmed by the parts of publishing a book that aren't writing, revising, and proofing the book? YES. Publicity/marketing/social media--it's all a nightmare for me. I can tell you how sympathetic I am about your list, and I have no helpful advice because I can't handle any of this stuff.
ReplyDeleteJulia, when you started talking about authors' web sites, my number one satisfaction or criticism of one is that they be kept up-to-date. I've gone to some major author web sites before and found they aren't up to the current book, let alone on what's coming. As well as keeping books up-to-date, keep event schedule the same. I love when authors have a page that gives some tidbits about the history or significance of certain times or events or places in the book. Authors do have so much to handle besides writing their books and the work that comes after. Some have blogs, some have newsletters, some have FB pages--all to try and keep up with and keep current.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Julia, it's little wonder your mind keeps drifting to your grandbaby on its way. It's the reason we have children, to have grandchildren. Haha. I'm so looking forward to pictures of you holding that sweet treasure.
I love making lists, to-do lists included. But it does seem like the to-do list gets lots of revision and many items show up on the list for many days.