For most of my life, I believed I couldn’t possibly have ADHD because I loved reading so much. After all, people with ADHD don’t like to read… right?

Of course, I now know that isn’t true. In fact, many people with ADHD have a kind of superpower: the ability to hyperfocus on things we genuinely enjoy. It’s the reason I could happily spend an entire day wrapped up in a good book if life allowed it.

But hyperfocus can also work in reverse. When something doesn’t interest us, focusing can feel nearly impossible. That’s one reason many kids with ADHD are reluctant readers.

Ironically, reading itself was never my struggle. Parker, however, is a different story.

As a lifelong bookworm—or, as I like to call myself, a book dragon—I’d always imagined raising a child who loved books as much as I did. I even read to Parker while he was in the womb because that’s what my mom did for me, and I assumed it would naturally create another little reader.

Life, however, had other plans.

Parker loves stories, but the act of reading itself is often hard for him.

And yes, reading matters. Research consistently shows that reading supports academic success, builds empathy, strengthens imagination, and even benefits mental health. That’s why schools place such a strong emphasis on it.

But if your child struggles with reading, all is not lost.

Over the years, I’ve learned that raising a reluctant reader isn’t about forcing books. It’s about helping kids build a positive relationship with stories and with themselves as readers. Some of these strategies have helped Parker engage more with books, even if reading is still sometimes challenging for him.

Aside from the usual “let kids choose their own books” advice, here are a few strategies you may not have heard before.

And if one doesn’t work? Toss it out the window. The best reading strategy is the one that works for your child’s unique brain.

Avoid Making Reading a Chore

This is my number-one reluctant reader strategy.

Many schools assign twenty minutes of reading each night. Unfortunately, this can unintentionally teach kids to associate reading with homework, pressure, or even punishment.

Instead, try surrounding kids with books they genuinely enjoy. Visit the library regularly. Shop at your local bookstore. Leave books lying around the house. And remember: all reading counts, whether it’s novels, comic books, cookbooks, game guides, or instruction manuals.

If your child still needs structure, try shrinking the goal.

Kids with ADHD often struggle because reading feels overwhelming. Large blocks of text can feel intimidating, which is one reason many reluctant readers gravitate toward graphic novels.

Instead of focusing on time, try goals like:

• Read for five minutes

• Read one page

• Read until you find one interesting fact

Small wins build momentum.

Let Kids Quit Books

Many reluctant readers secretly believe that “good readers finish books.” But that belief can create so much pressure that kids stop wanting to read at all.

Giving kids permission to abandon books removes some of that emotional weight and helps reading feel voluntary again.

Honestly, I struggle with this myself. Just recently, I had to remind myself that it was okay to stop reading a book I wasn’t enjoying. Even avid readers can start to resent reading when it feels like an obligation.

Life is too short—and TBR piles are too long—to force yourself through books you hate.

Let Kids Reread Obsessively

There’s nothing wrong with rereading the same book over and over again.

In fact, rereading can actually improve fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence. Familiar books reduce cognitive load, allowing kids to focus less on decoding and more on understanding and enjoying the story.

So, if your child wants to read the same series for the fifteenth time? That’s okay.

It’s Okay to Read Aloud at Any Age

I know some people push back on this because listening and reading are technically different skills. But read-alouds are still incredibly valuable.

Parker is almost eleven, and I still read aloud to him regularly. He’s obsessed with Goosebumps books, but he rarely picks them up independently. When I read them aloud, though, he becomes completely engaged.

Listening removes the pressure of decoding words and allows kids to fully focus on the story itself. That means they’re still building comprehension, vocabulary, imagination, and a love of storytelling.

And honestly? This applies to adults too. Audiobooks absolutely count.

Let Kids See You Struggle Too

Kids learn more from what we model than from what we say. So if reading is hard for you sometimes, let them see that.

Tell them when:

• “This chapter lost me.”

• “I had to reread that paragraph.”

• “I’m just not in the mood for this book.”

Moments like these help normalize reading struggles and reduce the shame many reluctant readers carry.

Because struggling with reading doesn’t mean a child is lazy, unintelligent, or “bad” at books. It just means they’re human.

The Takeaway

Most reluctant reader strategies focus on performance.

But the strategies that often work best focus on relationship instead: relationship with stories, relationship with books, and relationship with themselves as readers.

And that relationship matters far more in the long run than forcing the standard twenty minutes a night.

If you’re looking for a read-aloud that’s especially great for reluctant readers ages 6–8, check out Parker’s and my award-winning picture book, Attack of the Monster Pickles! It’s full of goofy fun, giant monster pickles, and a heartwarming message about using imagination to face bedtime fears.

This week, Parker and I both signed up for the summer reading challenge at our local library. I’ve written in the past on my mixed feelings about reading challenges, which come from the idea that when reading becomes a “chore,” one more thing for the to-do list, it no longer feels fun. And, hands down, the best reading is the kind you do for fun.

It should come as no surprise that reading is my favorite summer activity. Because, honestly, reading has always been my favorite activity—it doesn’t matter what time of year it is.

But what makes summer reading especially fun—at least for me—is that stretch of long summer days I get to spend reading exactly what I want.

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My Own Love/Hate Relationship with Reading

I often tell people I find it ironic that I’m an English professor. Even though I’m a professional writer and lifelong avid reader, English was never my favorite subject in school. (History was, actually. Because, for me, history class felt all about stories in a way English class never did.)

Even as a kid, I spent most of my free time wrapped up in a book. I still remember the first novel I ever read, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I think I was in second grade.

Side note: I actually use that book detail in the cozy fantasy mystery series I’m writing!

After that, my mom couldn’t keep me in enough books. I devoured so many of them (mostly Nancy Drew novels) that when I ran out of my own books, I’d sneak some from her collection (mostly Harlequin and Silhouette romances).

Another side note: I was reading about people doing certain activities long before I understood the reason they were taking all their clothes off…

Some of my favorite childhood memories were of going to the library with my mom and finding every unicorn book I could get my hands on. (My favorite thing was reading about the actual history and mythology of unicorns.) I’ve shared many times that the first “novel” I ever wrote was about unicorns arriving on Earth via a meteor to save the world. I was in either first or second grade.

Needless to say, I’ve loved both reading and writing for as long as I can remember. But English class? I HATED it.

We were always reading books that I found excruciatingly boring. The so-called “classics,” otherwise known as the litany of “dead white men.” Books like The Grapes of Wrath, The Scarlett Letter, and anything by Hemingway were not for me. (No offense to those of you who enjoy them! Read what you love!!)

The only two books I truly remember loving in school were Bunnicula in elementary and Rebecca in high school.

The Problem with Assigned Reading

This may seem like a contradictory idea coming from a teacher, but when kids are forced to read, it sucks the joy right out—especially when they’re forced to read stuff they don’t like.

The problems of forced reading aren’t small. Not only does it teach kids to hate reading, but it also doesn’t help them learn. I can’t tell you how many English class novels I skimmed or never read at all. But because I could read what I loved at home, my ADHD hyperfocus superpower meant I could spend all day in a book.

So when my own kid insists, “School is a waste of time,” but then comes home and devours Goosebumps books and graphic novels, I kind of get it. Because he’s actually doing far more reading at home than in the classroom.

Please understand that, unlike my kid, I don’t believe school is a waste of time! I teach for a living, and I 100% get the stress teachers are under to ensure they cover the required curriculum. And there are definitely things kids get in English class they don’t get from pleasure reading—like how to actually understand stories and comprehend themes.

But, one thing they may not be getting from English class: A love of reading.

That’s one of the reasons summer reading is so cool. Kids get to read for the sheer joy of it. And there’s a lot to be said for letting kids naturally follow their own interests, because… drumroll, please… It means they might actually read. And plenty of research supports the idea that regular reading is crucial to improving overall academic performance and mental health. So reading matters.

How to Actually Get Kids to Read

The No. 1 way to get kids to read? Let them read what they love. And not because they’re forced to—because they want to.

In other words, instead of insisting on reading for 20 minutes per day or reading X number of books per week, take them to a library or a bookstore. Then, let them pick out whatever books they want—yes, even a graphic novel, because that’s reading too.

When kids are invested in choosing their own reading material, they will be 100x (not a scientific number!) more likely to be caught reading on their own—no requirement to hit a daily reading goal required.

Granted, not all kids are like me. I was born a bookworm (or as I like to say, a book dragon).

But I do have an ADHD kid who, believe it or not, despite being an avid writer, is not much of a reader.

The last time he had a school reading project due? He turned it in 2 weeks late because getting him to read the book was a constant effort that required pulling my own hair out. (His teacher is an absolute saint, by the way, for allowing him to turn it in two weeks late.)

But when I take him to the library or a bookstore and let him pick out all the superhero comics he can carry, he actually comes home and reads them.

Every kid is different, but I’d love to know if you have a reluctant reader and whether you’ve tried this trick. Did it work for your kid(s)? Share in the comments below!

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And stay tuned, because I’m planning to send a bunch more tips for reluctant readers your way! If you’re not already, follow me on social media, because I’ll post individual tips there too. I’m on most platforms as @sarahelizabethgraves.

And if you’re looking for a fun book perfect for reluctant readers in the 6-8 year-old age range, check out my and Parker’s award-winning picture book, Attack of the Monster Pickles! It's a humorous and heartwarming story full of the kind of fun and silliness that kids love—and a powerful message about using imagination to overcome bedtime fears that parents and teachers can get behind.

Writing Outside the Lines is your cozy corner of the internet for a little everyday magic—including literacy inspiration, creativity, ADHD-friendly encouragement, and life beyond the page.

I’m Sarah Elizabeth Graves—an award-winning children’s author, educator, cozy fantasy mystery writer, and ADHD mom raising a neurodivergent kid. Here, I share insights on reading, writing, teaching, motherhood, creativity, and helping kids and adults feel seen through stories.

A little background . . .

I wrote my debut picture book, Attack of the Monster Pickles!, with my son, Parker, when he was just a kindergartner navigating his own bedtime fears. Together, we turned those worries into a funny, imaginative story that empowers kids ages 4–8 to face the things that go bump in the night.

Parker has ADHD, and nurturing his creativity has become one of the greatest joys of my life. Sharing our journey also gives us the opportunity to encourage other neurodivergent kids and families by showing them what’s possible when imagination, storytelling, and support come together.

Parker and I plan to write more books together, and I have many projects in the works, including picture books, magical middle-grade and YA stories, and a witchy cozy mystery series.

What you’ll find here ✨

• Literacy tips for reluctant readers

• Book-inspired activities for kids

• ADHD-friendly encouragement and strategies

• Creativity and storytelling inspiration

• Behind-the-scenes writing and publishing insights

• Cozy content to make every day a little more magical for readers, parents, teachers, librarians, and writers

A little about me . . .

I’ve spent nearly 30 years in education, teaching every grade level from kindergarten through college. Currently, I teach college-level English and coordinate the Writing Center at Ohio Wesleyan University, where I work closely with neurodivergent students every day.

I’m also a professional writer whose work has appeared in publications including USA Today, Healthline, and Business Insider.

At heart, I’m a multi-passionate creative who believes stories can build confidence, empathy, imagination, and a sense of belonging—especially for kids who don’t always feel like they fit the mold.

A few of my most popular posts…

• Imagination is a Superpower

• I Have Mixed Feelings About Reading Challenges

• The No. 1 Productivity Hack for Creatives

• In Defense of Family Vacations

• How & Why to Plan Artist’s Dates

Sharing is caring!

Sure, it’s a cliche, but it’s one for a reason. So, if you know a reader, writer, parent, teacher, librarian, or fellow creative (kid or adult!) who’d feel at home here, feel free to share this space with them.

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Ever since AI entered the fray in a big way, there’s been an ongoing fear that AI-written books will crowd out the market for real authors, leading to an inevitable collapse of the book market.

This fear recently seemed justified thanks to a New York Times article (gift link) published last month about a romance author who’s pumping out a book a day by using AI to write them for her.

I, too, once bought into this fear, but I no longer fear AI books replacing real authors because of an essential reality I don’t believe will ever change—readers don’t want them.

To Use AI or Not to Use AI?

There’s a lot of ambivalence around AI—some authors love it, some hate it. I’ll be straight-up honest and tell you I land somewhere in the middle, because AI has helped me supercharge certain tasks that used to take me months or years.

For example, when I’m planning a novel, I can bounce my ideas off AI by asking questions like, “Will this actually work?” And, when AI tells me it doesn’t, I can revise and ask again, “How about now?”

I also have it check my outlines and chapter breakdowns for story and plot structure, similar to how a developmental editor might.

Once I have a solid draft, I have it give me developmental feedback again. And, I always proofread with the help of Grammarly—a suggestion given to me by a real-life human editor.

I know better than to replace human editors with AI. After all, only a human can tell me how my stories actually land. But using AI in these ways helps me get my work as tight as possible before passing it on to a human editor.

It also helps me do things in a matter of days that used to take me months or years. Because of that, I’m enjoying writing more than ever before, and I feel like my creativity is on fire.

AI Writing Mistakes Are Actually Wild

But the term “AI slop” exists for a reason. Sometimes AI feedback is useful, sometimes it gives me suggestions that would never work in my story. Even when I use proofreading apps like Grammarly, it often suggests changes to my voice that aren’t useful.

As for using it to actually write a book? I would never. One reason is that AI often writes ridiculous or even—in the case of non-fiction—dangerous things.

For example, I once had AI write a scene for me just for fun and curiosity—I wanted to see what it would do. It had my main character unpack after a road trip, a paperback she’d brought for “the drive.” The problem? She was the one driving! Good luck reading a novel and watching the road at the same time.

I also heard about an AI-written non-fiction book on foraging for mushrooms that included the dangerous advice to test whether a wild mushroom is poisonous by eating it.

Plus, Just Why?...

Another reason I never have AI write for me is that I’m an actual author.

I don’t write books because anyone ever told me I’d get rich at it. In fact, the vast majority of authors never get to quit their day jobs.

I write because I love it. Characters are constantly showing up and “haunting” my mind. Their relationships, conversations, and storylines take up permanent residence in my head—at least until I can get them down on paper.

For me, creating characters, building worlds, and crafting plotlines is the fun part of writing. I get emotionally attached to my fictional characters—even though they’re just constructs of my own imagination.

And because of that, most days I’d rather write than do just about anything else. I don’t write for a paycheck. I write because I can’t not write.

So why would I outsource writing to AI? I’d be handing off the very reason why I write in the first place—the creative process itself.

Why Readers Can Tell Something Feels “Off”

But here’s the real kicker: Readers don’t want AI-written books either. In fact, if you read far enough in the NYT article, you’ll hear from real readers responding to the frustrating glut of AI-written books currently flooding the market.

In this increasingly technological age, we’re all craving human connection more than ever. Something AI isn’t: an actual human.

AI can often sound human. It can sometimes mimic human experience and even emotion. But it doesn’t think. It doesn’t feel. And it sure as heck doesn’t experience reality the way a real, live human does.

And readers can tell the difference. In experiments comparing human-written versus AI-written stories, it’s been found that AI can mimic all the right beats. But even when doing everything “right,” the emotion never resonates like it does when content is written by a human with real human emotions.

Perhaps even more crucial, when readers discover they’ve purchased a book written by AI and not a human author, they feel betrayed. I can tell you that as an avid reader myself, I wouldn’t want to read a book written by AI.

Why? I want to know there’s a real person behind the stories I love because that real person understands how to be a person—what it means to be a human living in a human world of emotions and experiences. That’s the thing we all relate to and resonate with in stories—shared experience.

For example, my husband sometimes listens to short AI stories on YouTube. They’re often dramas about “listen to what my family did to me.” Perhaps this doesn’t prove my point, since he keeps listening to them. But when I hear these stories, my immediate reaction is always—“Who cares? It’s not real anyway.”

These AI dramas never emotionally land for me. If I’m going to listen to a shocking story about what “people” did, I’m not going to be inclined to care when I know none of it is real.

Even though fiction by its nature isn’t “real” either, it nevertheless feels real to me when I know a human wrote it. But if I knew AI wrote it, I’m going to have the same reaction that I do to the family dramas—“Who cares? None of it’s real anyway.”

Fiction feels real to us when it’s connected to real authors. Because the truth is that I don’t care what a robot experiences or feels—and since they don’t think or feel or experience, there’s nothing there to care about anyway.

The Real Reason AI “Authors” Need 100 Pen Names

Another key detail in the NYT article is that the profiled author pumps out books under dozens of pen names. That’s because once readers discover they’ve been conned into buying a book written by AI, they won’t purchase from that author again.

Real truth: Any author who’s producing AI-written content isn’t an author. What they actually are is a con artist.

The “author” in the NYT article claims she uses so many pen names because of the stigma surrounding AI-written books. But she’s overlooking the real problem (or maybe deliberately disregarding it)—and that’s audience betrayal.

If readers don’t know they’re buying an AI-written book, they’re being conned out of their money and their trust because they thought they were buying something written by a human.

There’s also another word for what “authors” generating AI-written books are doing: plagiarism. As a college English professor, I have to talk about these issues with my students all day, every day. Plagiarism is the act of passing off others’ work as your own. It doesn’t matter if that work was generated by a computer. It’s not yours if you didn’t write it.

This is true even if you give the AI an outline—even a heavily detailed outline—of your story ideas. If you didn’t write it. It’s not yours. Full stop.

Even U.S. copyright law backs this up: You can’t copyright AI content that you didn’t write. Why? Because it’s not yours.

Why I’m Not Afraid of AI as a Writer

I read and watch a lot of sci-fi, so I’m no stranger to the dystopic and post-apocalyptic tropes of robots taking over. But when it comes to writing—and any kind of creative work, really—I’m not afraid of the robots.

Even if someday we get to a point where AI is actually intelligent (can think for itself) or can even feel for itself—here’s looking at you, Data from STNG!—I’m not worried.

Because as humans, we’re always going to feel the innate need to connect with other humans. And one of the best ways to do that is through sharing our stories.

I’m curious: What are your thoughts about using AI to write books? Comment below! 👇

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As summer nears its end, and students of all ages head back to school, I have summer reading on my mind. Tackling my TBR pile is my favorite way to spend lazy, unstructured summer days, and though I haven’t tallied it, I’m sure I’ve devoured multiple books per week this summer.

But, even though it’s hands-down my favorite way to spend those summer days when I don’t have to worry about lesson plans, grading, or class prep, I have mixed feelings about reading challenges.

Summer reading challenges are commonplace for both kids and adults alike. In fact, we started our summer with signing up for our local library’s summer reading challenge. They pushed it as something for all ages, encouraging me to sign up too. And I feel like the minute we could call it “summer,” I was seeing summer reading challenges everywhere. Even Amazon was sending me emails about Kindle reading challenges.

But something about reading challenges doesn’t sit right with me. Often, they turn reading into a “chore” — one more addition to my endless “to-do” list — rather than the joyful activity reading often is for me.

I’m a book dragon

As a kid, no one ever had to force me to read a book. You could almost always find me immersed in one, 24/7, any time, any day of the week. Sometimes I feel like I spent my childhood in the library stacks, usually searching for any and every book I could find on unicorns.

Once I graduated to novels, my mom couldn’t keep me stocked in enough books, not even when it came to every Nancy Drew novel ever written. So I snuck her Harlequin and Silhouette romance novels, and devoured those before I was old enough to have any idea what the adults were doing with all their clothes off.

I was no bookworm. I’ve always been a book dragon — an avid hoarder and devourer of books.

As a mom, I wanted to pass this same love of reading onto my son. Just like my mom had, I read to Parker even before he was born. Every chance I got, I’d read to my bump, and once he was out of the womb, I kept on going.

I also routinely stock his library. Even living on a tight teacher’s budget, I tell him at every school book fair, “No limit on books. You can never have too many.”

Parker is not a book dragon . . .

I assumed this constant, free-flowing access to “magical doorways to other worlds” would inspire the same love of reading in Parker that it did in me.

Unfortunately, despite all my best efforts, the apple fell far from the tree on this one. Although stories and storytelling are at the center of his world, just as they are for me and my husband (Parker’s dad), facing down words on the page is not what he considers a good time.

Weirdly, he does actually love books. He’s as crazy about Goosebumps novels as I was about Nancy Drew. But, even as a 10-year-old 5th grader, he still asks me to read these to him. He won’t do it himself.

The same isn’t true when it comes to graphic novels. Those, Parker will gladly read on his own. But if the book isn’t full of pictures, forget about it.

As a teacher, I’m often tuned in to the latest research, especially as concerns reading and writing, because that’s what I teach. Feeling intimidated by large chunks of text is a common symptom of ADHD, and I see this in my college students as well.

But this phenomenon isn’t limited to those with ADHD, like Parker. The current research on Gen Z and Gen Alpha shows that most of today’s kids, ADHD or not, prefer graphic novels to books with nothing but text. It’s likely because these generations of digital natives aren’t used to reading large chunks of text.

Last year, I informed Parker’s 4th-grade teacher during a parent-teacher conference that he didn’t love reading novels, but he did love graphic novels, so that’s what he was reading at home. In response, she told me she was glad he was reading, but she’d like to see him move away from graphic novels.

The thing is, reading graphic novels is still reading, and if I forced him to read anything else, he’d dig in his heels and refuse. So I ignored her request and let him keep reading his graphic novels.¹ And I kept reading aloud his Goosebumps books.

What about reading challenges?

To me, forcing Parker to read plain text equates to my feelings about reading challenges. For most humans, when we feel forced to do something, it no longer feels fun, and, therefore, we’re less prone to want to do it.

Yes, I realize that we could count graphic novels as reading, even in summer reading challenges, and also that some people find reading challenges fun. In fact, Parker asked to sign up for the library’s summer reading challenge.

The thing is, he didn’t sign up because he was looking forward to reading. He signed up because he wanted to win the prizes, which were small items like coupons for free ice cream or rubber bouncy balls.

When I was in first grade, we had a reading contest in my class. Whoever read the most books would win a gift certificate — for more books. I thought this was the best thing in the world, and I knew I could win it. Since the teacher kept a running tally of the number of books each of us was reading, I did this easily — just by watching everyone else’s book count and continually outpacing them. I loved books so much, I wanted that prize with everything in me.

Parker, on the other hand, forgot all about the library’s summer reading challenge, almost the second he signed up. Mind you, he didn’t forget to read; he just forgot to keep track.

So, near the end of the summer, he was upset when he finally realized he hadn’t been consistently reading and tracking. Honest kid that he is, he wouldn’t go along with me telling him just to go ahead and mark off a bunch of spaces. So I had him do a reading marathon just so he could at least get some kind of prize.

I realize, as his mom, I should have had him read every day for at least 20 minutes and then marked it off on his reading chart. I also know, as a teacher, that daily reading is one of the top ways to prevent the summer slide.

But I never wanted to force Parker to read. First, because he’s the stubbornest kid on the face of the planet. Second, because I genuinely want him to love reading. I knew that if I forced him, it would feel like a chore, rather than the fun I always had with books.

Truth be told, as much as I love books, even I didn’t love being assigned to read. I often feel it’s ironic that I ended up being an English teacher, because I rarely read the books assigned in English class. Instead, I came home and read what I wanted to read.

Similarly, reading challenges often feel like an “assignment” to me. I don’t want to be told I have to read “12 books this summer” or even “52 books this year.” I want to read because I want to read, and I’ve never needed to keep count to motivate myself to do it.

Parker is like me in that he also doesn’t like to be told what to read or what to write. Thus, he rarely enjoys school assignments. Yet, he’ll come home from school and start writing his own stories or researching what he calls “lore” for the video games he’s designing, or he’ll ask me to buy him a Batman or Spider-Man graphic novel.

So maybe we’re not so different after all. I’m also not too worried about him, given his propensity to find his own ways to enjoy reading and writing.

So, I continue to buy him reading material (usually graphic novels), and let him choose when he wants to read them. Because I’ve never given up on my desire for him to love reading rather than associate it with a “have to.”

Of course, it’s always possible that if I don’t force him to read, he won’t. Hence, the mixed feelings. But so far that hasn’t happened. Although it may not work for everyone, our system is working for us, and he continues to ask me to buy him more books, even if they are graphic novels.

Do you have your own feelings about reading challenges? Love them? Hate them? Or are you somewhere in the middle? Read any good books this summer? Comment below and let me know!

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¹ Teachers work very hard at their jobs because they care about and want to support their students. (I should know, because I am one!) So I don’t encourage ignoring teachers’ advice. It’s usually given based on their experience and years of training, and following their advice about what to do at home supports your student’s learning. However, I also know my son. As a fellow literacy expert, in this one case, I knew this was the only way to keep Parker reading and thereby support both his teacher and the development of his literacy skills.

Thanks for reading!

Like free stuff? For tons of free goodies, including lesson plans for teachers and printable activities for parents, visit my website at sarahelizabethgraves.com.

Curious about my book? Head on over to my website, where you’ll find links to my debut picture book, Attack of the Monster Pickles!, which I co-wrote with my currently 10-year-old son.

Are you a teacher or librarian? Book an author visit! Parker and I enjoy visiting schools to share our love of reading and writing, and hearing from a kid author is inspiring for students! Discover more on my website.

Are you a teacher, parent, or student? Check out my Etsy shop, where I regularly add new digital downloads for teachers, students, and kids.

Like this post? If you enjoyed this post, please show it some love by hitting the like 💜 button. It helps others see it, too! And if you know someone who’d appreciate this kind of content, please share!

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Many of you know that I co-wrote Attack of the Monster Pickles! with my now 10-year-old son. What you may not know is that the story is all his, and he came up with it when he was only six. Parker was also diagnosed with ADHD around the same time.

Often, kids with ADHD get the message that they’re less capable than their neurotypical peers. Although Parker is fortunate to attend excellent schools with empathetic teachers, and I’ve always done my best to focus on the positive aspects of ADHD, he wasn’t immune to this negative messaging.

Although he fortunately does it less often now, in elementary school, he frequently came home asking if he was “stupid” because a lot of his schoolwork seemed harder or took him longer than the other kids.

However, Parker’s always shown signs of high intelligence, and that’s not just a mom brag. He’s intensely curious, loves to learn (although he doesn’t love school), and, from a very young age, teachers have constantly commented on his big vocabulary. In 4th grade, he was advanced to 5th grade math, and this past school year, he won a Presidential Gold Award for academic excellence.

But he also struggled with learning to read and still hates it. He has trouble focusing in school and is often caught daydreaming, and he’s had to be pulled out of class to work with teacher’s aides when tasks took longer than the allotted class time.

However, these things are less about intellectual capability than about being neurodivergent. Parker thinks differently, and that can often seem like a disadvantage in a world that encourages sameness, especially when it comes to classroom learning. Kids with ADHD don’t fit into the standard “box,” and that’s why they often get branded as less capable.

But the truth is that there are major benefits to thinking differently.

Is Creativity an ADHD Superpower?

All his life, Parker’s been a whirlwind of ideas. Writing this book together was one way to channel all that creative energy.

Creativity is often associated with ADHD. But I often wonder: Is supercharged creativity just an ADHD stereotype? Or is there any truth to the claim that ADHD brings exceptional creativity with it?

According to Scientific American, the research does show that people with ADHD are especially good at divergent thinking. Kids (and adults) with ADHD are less inhibited by traditional thought patterns, and this freedom from constraint can lead to an influx of “out-of-the-box” ideas. (Mutant pickles, anyone? ;))

ADHD is also linked to spontaneity and risk-taking. These traits can sometimes lead to the harmful impulsivity often linked with ADHD. But it also encourages the pursuit of new and original ideas, key factors in creativity.

Additionally, the hyperfocus that often accompanies ADHD can be helpful for anyone pursuing creative projects.

Case in point: Parker hates school because he doesn’t want to do any of the assignments. But, left to himself, he’ll do science experiments for fun, search YouTube to learn how to code his own video games, and write endless stories about superheroes. (Just don’t ask him to write an essay about tomatoes.) Specifically, he can hyperfocus for hours on drawing pictures or creating games.

Of course, not all kids with ADHD have super-charged creativity, and many neurotypical kids (and adults) are highly creative. (For example, I don’t have ADHD, yet I have more story ideas than I could write in a lifetime, and, like Parker, I’ve been coming up with stories all my life.)

Thus, individual difference plays a role. But, on the whole, research does show a link. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many artists and writers have ADHD.

My Writing Process

My writing process is a bit different from Parker’s, but co-writing with him has both taught and reminded me about the power of creativity.

I have a rather structured approach to writing, honed over years of practice. Whenever I start a new story, I first plan out the details. If it’s a novel, I might write character or world-building “bibles.” I often see scenes or hear lines of dialogue play out in my imagination, and those always get written down in a notebook. I call these my “sketches,” and eventually I compile them into some kind of order, which helps me start the process of building an outline. I call this outline/sketch combo my “zero draft,” which I then take and shape into a fleshed-out first draft.

This process works for me because I’m not a linear thinker. My husband, who’s also a fiction writer, likes to write his stories from A to Z, beginning to end. He “discovers” his story and its details as he goes.

But I usually get glimpses of parts of the story out of order. I might know how a story ends before I know how it begins. And my story ideas always begin with characters, and rarely plot points. So, rather than writing from beginning to end, I sketch out scenes as they occur to me and then arrange them in whatever order makes the most sense for the story to unfold.

This isn’t the age-old pantser vs. plotter debate to me, since my process is outside of either. I “pants” when I sketch out my scenes, and then “plot” when I create an order for them and fill in the “blanks” in the middle. So, for me, that dichotomy is too limiting. But then I’ve never much been a fan of dichotomies, which are almost always too limiting.

The Surprising Benefits of Breaking the “Rules” of Structure and Focus

I see some of my own process in Parker’s. He, too, is a notebook keeper. Whenever story ideas occur to him, he puts them in his notebook, jotting down his ideas for scenes, characters, and world-building. But, as is probably typical of any 10-year-old, it’s hard to say what his eventual writing process will look like.

But what I find fascinating is the way he works it all out on the page, first jotting down ideas and then reworking them like Play-Doh — all without having the language or sophisticated understanding of story structure that he’ll eventually learn when he’s older.

For example, whatever a writer’s process, at some point, whether during the initial writing or later in the editing phase, we have to ask questions like: “Is my plot structure working?” “What’s the conflict in this scene?” “How do I raise the stakes?” “What’s the character’s goal?” Stories rarely come out in a first draft in the same form they’ll take in the final draft — for any writer. We all have to figure out the technical side of what makes a story work in order to, well, make it work.

But rather than be hindered by his lack of technical know-how, Parker seems freed up to take a story in any direction his mind wanders. And I wonder if that’s not an advantage? For example, how else does one come up with anthropomorphic pickles with laser eyes unless they let themselves freely follow their creative mind?

Eventually, he’ll need to learn story structure because he’ll need to know why a story may not be working and how to fix it. But for now, his mind wanders in any direction it pleases, without constraint. This may be a contributing factor to his exceptional creativity, as his mind churns out dozens of ways to answer the question, “What happens next?”

That’s exactly how we wrote Attack of the Monster Pickles! — by me continually asking Parker, “And then what happens?” I let him feed me any ideas that occurred to him, and then I did the work of turning them into a story with a structured plot.

When you turn on the creative faucet and forgo judgment, you may come up with ideas that won’t work. Yet, in his way of doing things, Parker comes up with more ideas than he would otherwise, and some of those ideas are pure gold.

What I’ve Learned From My Son’s Creative Process

Watching my son come up with his ideas without any concern for whether they’ll actually work in a story or become an eventually publishable book has re-inspired me to put more attention on the “sketches” stage of my own writing process.

Over time, I’ve slowly moved toward more rigid outlining for stories. In other words, I’ve been sketching less and planning more. But that feels less creative and more constrained to me since I’m asking myself at the outset, “What elements need to go into this plot?” rather than jotting down scenes as they occur to me, whether or not they’ll make it into the eventual story.

On the other hand, spending more time letting my mind wander and following it wherever it goes is more likely to result in ideas that take my story in new and wonderful directions that I might not have thought of otherwise — and that’s pure magic.

Re-thinking Imagination as a Superpower

In our book, the main character solves his problem (bedtime fears) using the power of his imagination. Hence, I’ve used the tagline “Imagination is your superpower” on a lot of our promotional materials.

But that idea is more than a cute sales tactic. Imagination, or creativity, is the way we solve many of life’s problems — by rethinking them with new and innovative solutions.

Allowing ourselves to think divergently can help us surmount many of the things we thought were insurmountable, whether that’s bedtime fears or solving a global crisis.

Thus, kids with exceptional creativity (or out-of-the-box divergent thinking) have a superpower. Whether or not they have ADHD, divergent thinkers are the world’s creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

So, if that’s you, never let the world put you in a box. It’s your superpower.

How to Encourage All Kids’ Creativity

Of course, whether or not one is “exceptionally” creative, as human beings, we are all inherently creative. It’s part of what makes us human. Additionally, it’s possible to become more creative by practicing creativity.

I’ve written in the past on kids and creativity. So, if you’d like to encourage your own kid’s creativity, check out these links.

The Benefits of Creativity for Kids

9 Strategies for Raising Creative Thinkers

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, which means I’ve had many (many, many . . .) book ideas over the nearly five decades of my life. Most of them are collecting dust in all the abandoned notebooks my husband refuses to let me throw out.

From that huge, cluttered pile of story ideas, I never imagined my debut book would be the one I co-authored with my kid. Yet, in many ways, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Although I’ve known I was a writer for almost as long as I can remember, I credit him with actually making me one.

Most of my life, I wrote in “secret.” I regularly told family, friends, and co-workers that I was working on a book. But the truth was that I always got stuck somewhere in the middle of my story drafts. And that’s when I would abandon them for the next shiny idea.

It wasn't until Parker was growing inside me that I finally decided not to let the murky middle stop me. I pushed past the stuck points by taking Anne Lamott’s advice, and wrote any “shitty” idea I could think of on the page. Doing so allowed me to finally figure out what was meant to be in the middle all along, and it was the first time I had ever finished one of my novel ideas.

I did this because I wanted my kid to know that his dreams were worth fighting for, and I knew I’d never convince him of that if his mom didn’t fight for her own.

So, years later, when he decided he wanted to write a story that we’d eventually publish, of course, I jumped on that.

Why I Wrote a Book with My Kid

Our book, which would eventually come to be called Attack of the Monster Pickles!, was inspired by Parker’s own real-life experience (minus the mutant pickles, of course!). Here’s how it happened:

One night, when Parker was around 6, he was having trouble falling asleep because of those creaky, creepy noises you can hear houses make at night when everything’s quiet. I tried telling him it was nothing, just the house doing its house thing, but he wouldn't believe me.

So I tried a different tactic and asked him what he thought the noises were. “Monster pickles!” he said. I thought it was such a funny answer that I asked him to tell me more about these pickles, and gradually a story filled with sci-fi silliness emerged. Of course, I had to turn that into a picture book!

Parker and I worked on this book together for several years. He supplied me with the ideas while I turned them into words with a definitive plot and characters and worked with editors on polishing the drafts.

Our Writing Journey

Working with a kid, much less my own kid and one with ADHD and super-charged creativity, was equal parts magic and chaos. As a writer, my own mind is constantly filled with ideas. So once I had the basics of the story, my mind took off in its own direction.

But that didn’t always work for Parker. This was his story, after all, so he wanted me to tell it his way, which meant he often shot down my ideas. Then, in that absolutely sure-of-himself way that only kids seem to have, he’d tell me: “No, Mommy. This is how it happens.”

Under ordinary circumstances, this is how collaboration would happen. Co-authors would banter ideas back and forth to come up with a compromise that worked for both authors and the story. Working with a kid is a little different. He was so sure of himself and his ideas that there was rarely give-and-take.

On the one hand, as a mom, I’m super proud of Parker’s confidence in his own creative process. On the other hand, many of his ideas didn’t work with everything I knew about plot, characters, and story writing.

I didn’t want to discourage him, though, because I know what early criticism can do to a kid. So, I’d nod enthusiastically at the idea and then do my own thing, hoping he’d forget about it. I’m not proud of it, but it’s a tactic that often worked. When it didn’t work, I’d let him down in the gentlest way possible, blaming it on the nuances of publishing and the market rather than passing judgment on the ideas themselves.

To add to the challenges, Parker’s creativity, much like mine, is frequently all over the place. He’s a constant idea factory, and even after we had the book “finished” and sent off to the publisher, he was still coming to me with more ideas, asking, “Can we add this to the book, too?”

The research on ADHD is unclear whether intense creativity is a factor of ADHD or more of a stereotype. But I’ve had people tell me more than once they thought my own “manic” creativity was a sign I had ADHD. (It’s entirely possible I do, but I’ve never been diagnosed.)

Parker has this same kind of creativity. It’s a wonderful gift that will likely prove to be his superpower in life.

But I also know firsthand that trying to navigate too many ideas at once can be a distraction from actually finishing anything. So, at the point when three different children’s book editors told me the story was ready to go, I had to believe them.

I told Parker what I often tell myself after I ship off a piece to an editor and kick myself for everything I didn’t include in it: “Save those ideas for the next book!” I can always write another article, and Parker has his whole life ahead of him. So, whether he ends up using all those ideas or not, there’s always the next book.

Despite what often seemed like a chaotic writing process, there was magic in it, too. Even with all the ideas I’ve had over the years, the story and central idea (the pickles!) in Attack of the Monster Pickles! are not something I ever would have come up with.

In fact, I asked one of the professional editors I worked with if she thought the pickles were too “weird” and would make the book unmarketable. (I did have one agent tell me he thought the story was great, but he didn’t know how to position it for the market.) But she gave me a resounding no! “The pickles are funny,” she said. “So definitely keep the pickles!”

Attack of the Monster Pickles! is the first book I’ve published — the first one that got me glowing responses from agents of “wonderful book!” when I’d only ever heard crickets on past submissions, and the first one accepted by a publishing house. So, she must have been on to something about the pickles.

Would I Do it Again?

Parker already has the beginnings of a storyline for a sequel to Attack of the Monster Pickles! He’s also filling notebooks with ideas for a middle-grade series he wants me to help him with. So, I think more collaborative projects are definitely in our future.

Moreover, despite the challenges of writing with a co-author who also happens to be my kid, there has also been magic when our two minds have come together. The pickles ultimately worked because they are funny. It also gave the book a kind of B sci-fi movie twist that worked well, turning an otherwise scary topic — nighttime fears — into a story that allows kids to confront them in a fun and silly way.

Even though I never have a shortage of my own ideas, he challenges me to go in new directions.

I also love that we can do this together. It’s ultimate mother-son bonding. I love that we’re a family of writers (my husband writes too!) that can share this activity together. Although it may sound a bit clichéd, I have only ever wanted two things in life — to be an author and to be a mom. Sharing these two things in tandem is amazing.

For Parker’s part, if you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he’ll tell you “Batman.” But I’d be shocked if his future career wasn’t something creative. I can definitely see the day when he won't need his mom to be a co-writer, and he’ll fly on his own, writing his own books. And when that day comes, it will be bittersweet. But I will also be seriously proud.

These posts will always remain free. If you’d like to support me (and Parker) and our writing, buy our book!

This month’s interview features Melody Rapela, a songwriter and zoology major at Ohio Wesleyan University. She shares insights about using songwriting to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Q: What kind of “creative type” do you identify as?

I am a musician, first and foremost. I have been singing since before I can remember; my parents joke that I was singing before I could speak. It is all I have ever known. My nickname around campus and with my friends is Birdie, short for songbird, because I always have music on in my headphones. When I'm not in class, you can usually find me singing along with the songs on my playlist. 

Q: Did you always think of yourself as a creative person? Were you a creative kid? And, if so, in what ways? 

I have always been a creative person. I have always been a dreamer, and I made up wild stories and make-believe games while growing up. To this day, I still have vivid daydreams and dreams at night, usually of fantastic stories and faraway lands. I think I will always have a very active imagination. As an adult, I am still incredibly creative. The type of creative I am now is a lyricist, or in layman's terms, a songwriter. I have been doing this for around five or six years now. 

Q: Did you choose to be an artist, or did it choose you? In other words, do you feel called to make art even if you never made money at it? 

From when I was a child to about a year ago, if you asked me if I considered myself an artist, I would have said absolutely not. I am not a talented visual artist, and my essay and story writing aren't the strongest. I have to say, songwriting chose me. A younger me would be shocked at what I do now. 

Q: Do you do your art for a living, part-time or full-time? Or would you like to pursue it as a career? 

I do not consider this something I do for a living. It is more of a hobby. I don't think I could ever do music as a career because a part of me feels like I may get bored of it and no longer love it as much as I do now. I never want to lose my love of music and storytelling.

Q: How and when did you first discover you wanted to be an artist? 

Music has always been my outlet, my safe place, my escape. I grew up severely bullied. For fifteen years, I was bullied by one person that I went to school with up until I hit college. One day, I sat down with a notebook and just started writing. I wrote a more poetic story of some of the things that happened to me. My emotions, some of the things that were said, feelings, and thoughts I had. I sat with them for a long time and wrote and titled about four songs. I went back and read them, and my childhood best friend read them as well. She loved them, and so did I. I learned that I have a talent for lyrics. It is the one form of writing I am good at and the one form that I love with all my heart. All of this happened around five or six years ago, and I have been writing about it ever since. 

Q: Why did you decide to go to college?

I was very surprised when Dr. Graves approached me to do this interview because my major has nothing to do with my music. I came to school for a STEM field and never really intended to release my music until I met some people here. 

Q: Did your interest in your art influence your choice of major? Why or why not? 

As stated before, my major has nothing to do with my love of music. I am a General Zoology major with a Spanish minor. My major has actually inspired some songs that I have written, incorporating poetic animal facts into my songs. Those facts are some I have learned in classes here. 

Q: Do your college courses influence the practice of your art?

Being a third-year zoology major, I am incredibly busy. I made the incredible decision to take three labs this semester, so from basically sun up to sun down, I spend in classes, labs, and the library working on papers or studying for tests. I also help out with the Women's Rugby team on campus by taking pictures and helping around when I can. I don't have as much time to focus on music as I would like. However, whenever I have the time, I either sit down with my old beat-up notebook and write for hours, or I make the instrumentals in my music and record things. I hope I'll have more time in the future to dedicate to songwriting and singing. 

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about your experience of being an artist, going to college, or making a career in the arts? 

If you would like to follow along with my music journey or are curious about my songs and want to hear them, you can find me on almost all streaming platforms at Wild At Heart. If that doesn’t work or you don't know which artist I am, you can also look up the names of the two songs I have out. They are: “So I Survived” and “Addicted to Maybes.” 

If you like what you hear or want to know more about the writing process, you can also find my Instagram, where I post behind-the-scenes covers of some popular songs. You can find that at wilda_thearttt

Q: Do you have any advice for other artists bound for college?

To my fellow songwriters and music lovers, I have a few things I want to share with you.

1. Write from the heart. If you choose to write about your own experiences, it can be terrifying. Trust me, I understand that; the first song I released, “So I Survived,” covered some topics that I wasn't sure I was ready to share with people. However, I have found that there is more love than hate with songs that people can relate to. I have had people message me or, if they know me, find me and tell me they didn't feel so alone. It also can help you realize that you're not the only one who had the experiences or emotions you felt. I always say that if my songs can touch one person and make them feel better, or not so alone, then I have succeeded as a singer and songwriter. That is why I do what I do. I don't care about being well-known or being famous. Writing from the heart can be helpful to yourself as well as other people. 

2. Don't be afraid. If you choose to release your music and share it with others, it can be really anxiety-inducing. Not everyone is going to like your music. But that's okay! Not everyone has to. It's easier said than done to ignore negativity, but I recommend finding the positive things people say and clinging to them. People will always be awful, but the good outweighs the bad most of the time. Keep your head held high and know that no matter what, there will always be someone who loves your music. And know that your music is doing great things. YOU are doing great things. 

3. Try new things. A songwriter can often be their own worst critic. 90% of the time the song you hate and think is your worst really isn't that bad. If you take a step away from it and read it again a few weeks later, you may see that. But if you keep thinking something isn't working, don't be afraid to change gears. If you are writing more serious or sad songs, try writing a happier or more upbeat song. Or even try a comedic approach! You don't need to put yourself into a box; a good artist explores what they can do! Try new styles or new genres!

4. Have fun. This is the most important advice I can give you. No, not all songs you write are going to be fun, upbeat songs. However, don't take yourself too seriously; getting in your head can cause severe anxiety and take away the joy of writing and sharing your stories. Songwriting is a fun thing, you get to be creative with your words, creative with their music. It's a way to express yourself! Don't overthink things too much. As someone with extreme anxiety, I understand how hard that is. Take a deep breath and know that no matter what, whether you choose to share them or not, you worked hard, you used it to help you, and YOU are amazing. As cheesy as it sounds, it is incredibly brave even to sit down and write about an experience or emotion. Keep your head held high!

About Melody

Melody is a zoology major at Ohio Wesleyan University. She writes song lyrics in her spare time, and has published two songs: “So I Survived” and “Addicted to Maybes.” find her on Instagram @wilda_thearttt.

About the College & Grad Artist Interview Series

Hey, there! I’m Sarah Graves, a writer, author, English professor, and mom to a creative kid. I’m interviewing writers, artists, musicians, performers, and other creative types who are currently attending college or have college and graduate degrees because going through college when you have nontraditional career goals comes with unique challenges. My hope is that seeing how others with creative interests have navigated college and grad school helps you in pursuing your own dream. There are many ways to approach art, college, and career. However you go about it, the most important thing is to make your art because the world needs your art (and so do you)!

If you’re a creative type with advice to share about navigating college, I’d love to feature you in an upcoming interview. Just hit reply to this email!

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Hey there! It’s Sarah with the latest Sketch Pad round-up of news and goodies.

But first, a note to say “Hi!” 👋 since I’ve been absent the last couple of months. Unlike in summers past, that wasn’t the plan this year. I’d love to say I was busy reading ALL the books. I did read a few — a grand total of 10 over the summer — although they weren’t all the ones on my original summer reading list from the June round-up.

Instead, I found a fun distraction in reading light and “cozy” books, especially those involving witchy romances or cozy mysteries. (My favorites were The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches from Sangu Mandanna,  the Charming Cove series from Linsey Hall, and the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries from Danielle Garrett.) These kinds of cozy, witch-centric stories are my new favorite thing.

On a more somber note, my dad’s dementia worsened at the beginning of the summer, and I spent the rest of it moving him into assisted living and gradually taking over managing his entire life. It’s been a journey and a LOT. Hence, I had to pause most of my usual writing activities.

But now that the new semester has begun, I’m back in the swing of things and trying to find a rhythm with my dad that lets me care for all of my family (hello, sandwich generation!!) while keeping up with teaching and my first love—writing.

So, without further adieu, here are your September goodies!

What’s New?

Here’s what I’ve been up to this summer:

1. I had several new pieces published over the summer, including a new article for Business Insider and five new articles for BezzyT2D. (As a reminder, you can always keep up with my latest work on Authory.)

• I was drowning in $370,000 of student loan debt with my salary as a teacher. Then, it was all forgiven.

• Using Journaling to Cope with Type 2 Diabetes  

• Diabetes-Friendly Slow Cooker Meals to Make This Summer 

• Making Mornings Count: My Routine for Managing My Blood Sugar 

• How I Stopped Comparing My Diabetes Journey to Others

• How Radical Acceptance Helped Me Process My Diabetes Diagnosis

2. I’ve spruced up the shop, including giving it a new name and logo, and added new printable planning pages and bundles:

• A dorm room planning bundle in four color options (minimal, blue, pink, and purple). It includes packing lists, a room-planning page, roommate interview questions, and an editable roommate contract.

• A study abroad planner (with more color options on the way!).

• I’ve also updated the kids’ superhero travel journal.

• Coming soon: Updated versions of the student notes bundle!

3. Don’t forget: You can download FREE study session planning pages on my website.

Want More?

Links to resources for students and creatives:

1. September 22-28 is Banned Books Week. Any small action—including posting to your socials, signing petitions, and writing to your congressional representatives—can help keep critical books in libraries.

2. By September, most college students have already moved in, but if you want to spruce up your dorm room in these first couple weeks of college, check out Good Housekeeping for a list of dorm room essentials and HGTV for dorm room organizers. 

3. I’ve cleaned up my Pinterest boards and tailored them for the Sketch Pad community. Check them out here.

What I’m Loving Now . . .

Fun stuff:

1. It’s the official start of pumpkin spice season! (Yes, I’m totally that person! Pumpkin spice is my FAVORITE season. 🎃) I’m so excited that ChocZero has come out with a pumpkin spice coffee syrup. I love their coffee syrups, and this one is *chef’s kiss*!  

2. Speaking of fun fall stuff, I can’t wait for our annual trip to the Ohio Rennaissance Festival. We go on “Time Traveler’s Weekend” because my son always wants to go as Batman. So, I’ve taken up a new hobby of “time travel” cosplay. Here’s what I have in mind for Parker’s medieval twist on the Batsuit.

3. So excited for the return of The Umbrella Academy! (I haven’t watched it yet, so no spoilers!)

That’s all for now! Look out for an essay, interview, and community thread coming later this month!

Do you enjoy spending the lazy days of summer with a good book? It’s definitely my favorite way to indulge in a little R&R.

I love a good book rec. Whether it’s a friend handing me a paperback or a newsletter with a booklist, word of mouth is how I discover tons of great new writers I might not have found on my own.

In this month’s links roundup, I shared some of the books on my summer reading list. Now it’s your turn. Let us know what you’re looking forward to reading this summer. It might just help one of us find our next great read.

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This month’s interview features Leigh Eskin Mascolino, an author and the Director of Career Connection at Ohio Wesleyan University. She shares insights about her college experience and publishing her first novel.

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Q: What kind of creative type do you identify as?

I identify as a writer and have always enjoyed creative writing and expression.

Q: Did you always think of yourself as a creative person? Were you a creative kid? And, if so, in what ways? 

In some ways, yes; in some ways, no. I have always been creative with written work, ideas, and art forms such as creating videos and photo books. I am not creative artistically in the traditional sense, but have enjoyed these other outlets of creativity. 

Q: Do you feel called to write even if you never made money at it? 

I found that I did not enjoy trying to make money — in a full-time sense — with my artistic endeavors. I write and create videos/collages for my own personal joy. The fact that I was able to publish a book and make some money on it is truly fantastic, and something that I worked hard at on the side for many years. 

Q: How and when did you first discover you wanted to be a writer? 

I discovered that I loved writing at a young age, and at 7 I wanted to become a novelist. I wrote throughout middle and high school and worked on the first draft of this novel [The Djinn Entrapment] as part of my senior project. 

Q: Is your writing something you do for a living, either part-time or full-time? Or would you like to pursue it as a career? 

Right now it is very much on the side. Perhaps it could become more of a full-time career, but at this moment, I enjoy the other work I do so much, I do not see it going in that direction.

Q: Why did you decide to go to college?

I always planned on going to college and wanted to explore different career paths. 

Q: Did your interest in writing influence your choice of major?

I majored in English originally to become a writer but soon discovered that I did not want to do this as a full-time job. I then shifted gears to Psychology and pursued Career Counseling. Now I am the Director of our Career Connection office at Ohio Wesleyan University. 

Q: Did your college courses influence your writing?

I took a creative writing class and enjoyed it, but ultimately found that working with a professional editor really helped me hone my craft and actually finish my novel! 

Q: Did your college experience help your writing career in any way?

I certainly developed my creativity and leadership further from the wealth of college courses and experiences. 

Q: What are you most grateful for from your college experience?

I am most grateful for the relationships I made and the way I changed my perspective. I began college very in my shell and afraid to put myself out there. By the time I graduated, I felt like an entirely different person who took risks, was more vocal, and willing to push hard to reach my goals. 

Q: Do you have any regrets about your college experience?

Not really! I got really involved and felt like I had a nice blend of academic rigor, extracurricular activities, jobs, and open time for relationships/connections. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience of being a writer, going to college, or making a career in the arts? 

I think that even if you do not pursue your artistic endeavors as your full-time job, keep at it! It may be many years later — it took me 20 years to finally finish my book — but when you do it’s so rewarding.

Q: Do you have any advice for other artists bound for college?

College is an amazing experience. Get involved, make connections, take risks! This is the time to do that. Always keep at your craft and know it’s okay to take breaks and return when life gets full. All good things take time!

About Leigh

Leigh Eskin Mascolino works as the Director of Career Connection at Ohio Wesleyan University and lives in Columbus, OH with her husband and family. She is a first-time author and a mom of two little girls. The Djinn Entrapment began as an idea 20 years ago, and Leigh decided it was time in 2022 (before the birth of her second daughter) to finally finish and publish it. When Leigh is not working or writing, she loves being active, traveling, skiing, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

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About the College & Grad Artist Interview Series

Hey, there! I’m Sarah Graves, a writer, author, English professor, and mom to a creative kid. I’m interviewing writers, artists, musicians, performers, and other creative types who are currently attending college or who have college and graduate degrees because going through college when you have nontraditional career goals comes with unique challenges. My hope is that seeing how others with creative interests have navigated college and grad school helps you in pursuing your own dream. There are many ways to approach art, college, and career. But however you go about it, the most important thing is to make your art. Because the world needs your art (and so do you)!

If you’re a creative type with advice to share about navigating college, I’d love to feature you in an upcoming interview. Just hit reply to this email!

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Many college students use the summer break to work or take additional classes. For those of us who are artists, the break can also be a great time to work on our creative projects.

But, if you’re fortunate enough to get some time off, summer is the time for some well-deserved R&R. And after the work of the semester, the brain needs a break. None of us can go, go, go all the time without experiencing burnout.

Thus, breaks can be an effective way to recharge our creative batteries. That matters because creative burnout is just as real as college or work burnout. We need creative input, which comes from doing other enjoyable activities — like taking ourselves on artist’s dates — as much as we need to engage in creative output.

So, even if you need to work this summer — whether in a job, summer classes, or on a creative project — make sure you take care of your brain and mental health by building in some necessary downtime.

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A little planning goes a long way

Last summer, I wrote about my plan to avoid overworking. As a teacher, I often use my summers to work on my personal creative projects, which I don’t have as much time for during the school year. So last year, I decided to take the pressure off myself to write an entire novel in the summer and let myself rest instead. 

But I’ve since discovered that if you plan nothing at all — even if doing “nothing” is your goal — downtime can quickly get away from you, and you can end up feeling like all that free time was “wasted.”

So now, I plan my breaks so that I can move through them with intention. I avoid overscheduling and ensure my time is flexible, but I also “pencil” in how I want to spend my time. That way, I can keep my promises to myself to actually get rest and relaxation.

Here’s how I approach my summer schedule:

1. I avoid over-planning. 

To ensure I get plenty of downtime, I don’t pressure myself with too many projects or even one big project. For example, instead of planning to write an entire novel, I might plan to write just an outline. 

I know I can accomplish that in three months without feeling overwhelmed. And, if I finish my goal with time left over, I can always work ahead. The point is to feel as though I’ve accomplished something without experiencing time stress.

2. I make a plan for downtime. 

It may seem counterintuitive, but to ensure I have plenty of downtime, I schedule it. This can be as simple as blocking out a few hours a day of “me time” or reserving one day a week for yourself. 

Spend this time in whatever way helps you feel recovered, whether that means getting lost in a novel or binging your favorite TV shows.  

3. I write a seasonal “bucket list.”

Summer bucket lists may feel reminiscent of childhood, but they can be just as valuable for adults. A bucket list helps put your focus on the fun activities you want to ensure you get to do this summer.

So brainstorm a list of all your “must-dos,” and then schedule them into your calendar. Don't skip this second step, as having these activities blocked out in your calendar ensures you actually do them. (I learned this one the hard way.)

If you have kiddos at home or are just a kid at heart like myself, I have a superhero-themed summer bucket list printable in the shop that can help with your planning.

The takeaway

Planning your summer days might feel like the last thing you want to do; after all, isn’t the point to spend time relaxing and doing “nothing”?

And I’d never tell you to overbook yourself by scheduling every hour of the day. I’ve learned that’s a recipe for burnout. 

But being intentional with your downtime ensures you can transition into the fall feeling renewed and refreshed without letting all those summer days slip through your fingers, leaving you wondering where they went.

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Summer is in full swing here in the Graves household. Parker’s last day of school was last week, so he’s super excited for the break, and I’m already in full playdate-planning mode. 

We plan to spend plenty of time at the pool and the park and take fun day trips to places like the Columbus Zoo, Zombezie Bay (a waterpark), and COSI (an indoor science museum). 

As for me, I plan to spend some time working on writing projects, alongside my favorite summer activity — lounging around reading.

Maybe not the most exciting activity to some, but I’ve always been an avid reader, which should come as a surprise to no one since I’m both a writer and an English teacher. 😀

Even as a kid, my favorite thing to do was settle into the lounge chair on our front porch and read into the night, when the day had quieted down and the air was cooler. And many decades later, it still feels like the quintessential summer activity to me.

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And now, without further ado, here’s your June links roundup.

What’s New?

Here’s what I’ve been up to this month:

1. If you love summer reading as much as I do, check out my printable reading tracker bookmarks. I’ve also got a superhero-themed reading tracker bundle, perfect for the younger set.

2. BezzyT2D published my piece on how I use radical acceptance to cope with my type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

3. I’m writing a bunch of college-specific freelance articles this summer, so stay tuned!

Want More?

Links to resources for students and creatives:

1. Javacia Harris Bowser of See Jane Write discusses making a “life bucket list” in her latest podcast. This is just one of the many possible “bucket” lists artists should consider making to help them pursue life more intentionally.

2. There’s been a lot of pushback from artists on Apple’s latest misstep, its commercial for the newest iteration of the iPad. This piece discusses why it resonated so poorly with artists and also illustrates why technology can never replace art.

3. On a similar note, check out this study that shows writing by hand beats typing for creative expression.

What I’m Loving Right Now . . .

Fun stuff:

1. I’m a little behind the times, but the first thing I did when I finished the spring semester was binge all three seasons of Bridgerton. I’m now totally hooked and eagerly awaiting Part 2 of Season 3, due out on June 13th.

2. Last summer, I bought myself and my son hiking boots, and we were all set to hit the trails. But the weather was so hot that we ended up getting stuck indoors all summer. This year looks to be even hotter, but this time, I’m prepped. I bought us each a neck fan so we can keep our cool while enjoying the outdoors.

3. Extra reading time is one of my favorite things about summer. Here’s what’s on my reading list:

• Nonfiction:

  • I’ll be reading up on why ADHD is Awesome.

  • Written and edited by the mentors and mentees of Girls Write Now, On the Art of the Craft: A Guidebook to Collaborative Storytelling is a toolkit for aspiring writers.

  • As a writer of children’s books, I read many of them, so I’m excited to learn about all the other reasons Why You Should Read Children’s Books.

• Adult Fiction

  • Wondering if Juliet finally finds her happy ending in The Hundred Loves of Juliet.

  • Summer feels like a great time for a for a rom-com, especially one that tells a Funny Story.

  • As a huge fan of Netflix’s Jessica Jones, I can’t wait to read her literary debut in Breaking the Dark.

• YA Fiction:

  • I have a weakness for Celtic mythology, so Silver in the Bone is right up my alley.

  • It Waits in the Forest promises a foray into a YA darker than any of the previous series published under Rick Riordan’s imprint.

  • Written by one of my co-workers, I can’t wait to dive into the The Djinn Entrapment, a YA filled with romance and magic — two of my favorite things.

• Middle Grade Fiction:

  • A new middle-grade fantasy filled with myth and magic, Paper Dragons feels like my kind of novel.

  • So far, I’ve loved everything I’ve read under Rick Riordan’s imprint, and I’m sure that will be no different with Winston Chu Vs. the Whimsies.

  • I’m looking forward to the third book in the Amari and the Night Brothers series, Amari and the Despicable Wonders, which is due out late this summer.

What’s on your reading list or agenda this summer? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Whoo hooo!! School’s out; it’s summer! If you’re a student or teacher, it’s time for some well-deserved R&R. So, we want to hear from you: How are you planning to spend your summer break?

I always have writing projects planned since this is the time of year I can focus on them. But, since it’s summer, writing might include spending time with my laptop at outdoor cafes—or indoors sipping iced coffee at coffee shops if the heat gets too unbearable.

I also plan to spend a lot of time hanging out with my awesome kiddo and going on fun adventures, which will probably include trips to Zombezie Bay and to the nicely air-conditioned COSI when we need a respite from the heat.

How do you plan to spend your summer? Share in the comments!

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This month’s interview features Layn Mayfield, a songwriter and current college student. Hear how they’re navigating college while pursuing their art.

Q: What kind of creative type do you identify as?

I’m primarily a musician, but I also act. 

Q: Did you always think of yourself as a creative person?

I don’t think I’ve ever called myself a particularly creative person. Songwriting was always an interest of mine, but ideas were hard to come by. Acting and performing music, on the other hand, were easy because I always had a script or sheet music to read. It wasn’t until recently that I explored more creative aspects of myself, but I still don’t identify with that label. I believe that I have just as many ideas as others; the only difference is that I have the musical vocabulary to express my ideas. 

Q: Did you choose to be an artist, or did it choose you?

Art certainly chose me. I was recently forced to decide whether or not I wanted to pursue something more practical and put music on the side. I chose not to, and I wouldn’t blink before making that decision again. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed, no matter the medium. 

Q: Are you in college to pursue a creative career?

I’m not currently a full-time college student, but I do try to give music and academics equal weight. I’d love to allow music to take over my life, but there are so many things that I want to learn in college. The dream is to go into film music and to teach. 

Q: How and when did you first discover you wanted to be a songwriter?

I almost feel like I accidentally stumbled into music. On my ninth birthday, my dad bought me a guitar, so it just made sense to enroll in the guitar program at my middle school. From there, my career snowballed. By the time I was in high school, it didn’t make sense not to go into music. My first introduction to songwriting was on the writing team of my high school’s student-written musical. I spent hours coming up with chords and melodies, so I felt extremely fulfilled when I at last had a final product. From there, I decided to dabble here and there in songwriting, and I eventually decided that it was what I wanted to do full-time. 

Q: Why did you decide to go to college?

Going to college was mostly familial pressure, though after a semester, I came to my own conclusions about my needs. There are so many things that I want to learn about, and the structure of college is exactly what I need to approach these subjects. 

Q: Did your interest in music influence your choice of major?

I always knew that if I went to college, it would be for music; It was a matter of what I would specialize in. My goals as a musician are to write songs that utilize a large ensemble of instruments, so I decided that music composition would best suit my needs. 

Q: Does your music influence your academics (or vice versa)?

I’d say that my music is very separated from my academics. While music classes certainly influence my art, the best thing that I can do is listen to a wide variety of music. In that way, the only course I can see shaping my music is Spanish, my second major. I plan on getting much more involved with Hispanic culture, and in doing so, listening to Hispanic artists and pulling ideas that intrigue me. 

Q: Do your college courses have an influence on your pathway or desire to pursue a career as a songwriter?

My gut reaction is to say no, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. The point of a liberal arts education, at its core, is to acquire general knowledge—knowledge that I believe will in some way influence my career. I wouldn’t say that my courses specifically encourage a career in the arts, but I would certainly say a career, no matter what it is, is encouraged. In other words, my courses influence the way I view starting and maintaining my career.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about being an artist attending college?

I came to a realization recently, which is that college is about learning and growing—not about grades. As an example, classes can cover very specific details that, unless we’re going into a specific field, we’ll likely forget after a few years. And our grades can often be heavily affected by these small details that are only important to a select few. What we take away from these classes, especially in liberal arts, isn’t those small details, but rather a more mature understanding of the world. And for this reason, we shouldn’t get extremely hung up on small details. What’s important is that we’re growing. 

Q: Do you have any advice for other artists pursuing a college degree?

I touched on this briefly, but, as artists, I do think it is very important not to let academics negatively affect our art. If something goes wrong in academics, we shouldn’t sacrifice our art to fix it. This goes both ways, however. We shouldn’t get so caught up in our art that we begin to neglect other aspects of our lives.

About Layn

Layn is a Music Composition and Spanish double major with a passion for music and acting. In their free time you can find them crocheting, listening to music, and reading up on history. 

Find Layn on Instagram @laynm.music.

About the College Artist Interview Series

Hey, there! I’m Sarah Graves, a writer, author, English professor, and mom to a creative kid. I’m interviewing writers, artists, musicians, performers, and other creative types who are currently attending college or who have college and graduate degrees because going through college when you have nontraditional career goals comes with unique challenges. My hope is that seeing how others with creative interests have navigated college and grad school helps you in pursuing your own dream. There are many ways to approach art, college, and career. But however you go about it, the most important thing is to make your art. Because the world needs your art (and so do you)!

If you’re a creative type with advice to share about navigating college, I’d love to feature you in an upcoming interview. Just hit reply to this email!

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Last week, a student asked me if I had any “motivating words” to help her get through finals. But try as I might, I was at a loss for anything better than “Hang in there; it’s almost over!”

(Does anyone else remember those “Hang in there!” motivational posters with a cat hanging out of a tree?)

“Hang in there” has been my own consistent mantra over the past couple of weeks. But rather than share that unhelpful advice, I suggested another trick I often use: Promise yourself a reward once you get through it.

Personally, I’m looking forward to getting margaritas with a friend once I hit “submit” on my students’ final grades.

Because ultimately, no amount of motivating words straight from a cat poster are likely to help much. Fortunately, there are a few actionable tips and tricks that can help us all face the overwhelm—now and in future semesters.

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How to Deal with Overwhelm as a Student

This advice might come a tad late now, but the best way to manage college overwhelm is to make a plan from the first day of classes.

We all tend to procrastinate. I’m as guilty of this as anyone. But if you want to avoid overwhelm and have the certainty that “you’ve got this” come finals time, you have to schedule study time throughout the semester.

I know we’ve all heard the advice, but I can’t emphasize enough why cram sessions are a terrible idea. They’re not merely terrible because the brain is bad at retaining information this way. They also cause undue stress.

When you’re constantly scrambling at the last minute to get things done, you will naturally feel overwhelmed. But, when you schedule a little time each day to review your notes or complete steps on a paper or project, you avoid this.

Of course, I’m as guilty as anyone of putting things off. Sometimes, you just don’t feel like doing a thing. I’ve been there; I get it. 

So the real question, then, is how do we actually motivate ourselves to get it done when getting it done is the last thing we feel like doing?

Tip #1: Break Big Tasks into Small Steps

First, recognize that what’s often behind our tendency to procrastinate is that feeling of overwhelm that comes from facing a big project like writing a paper or studying for an exam. In other words, we procrastinate because the work seems like too much.

If this is your challenge, one way to help motivate yourself is to break things into small steps and just do that one thing. For example: Just review your notes for 15 minutes. Just brainstorm ideas for that research paper. Or just write a thesis statement.

Just take one small step at a time. Then, do the next step. Then the next.

If you’ve planned ahead, you can schedule out these tasks and complete just one a day. But, even if your paper is due tomorrow, this strategy can still work. It just takes some mind games.

Instead of telling yourself you have to write a 15-page research paper, just tell yourself you only have to brainstorm ideas right now. Once that’s done, tell yourself you just have to find some articles to support your ideas. Then, set the next small step. For example, you just have to make an outline.

Likewise, if you find yourself — like most students — cramming for exams, try thinking about studying one topic or section at a time and taking breaks in between. Movement and snack breaks are especially useful for recharging your brain.

Often, once we get the ball rolling, it feels much easier to keep going. Taking things one step at a time will help you build that momentum so you can push through.

Tip #2: Establish Routines

Another factor behind procrastination is routine. In other words, we don’t get things done because they’re not a built-in part of our day.

As a result, the day goes by, and then the next day, and the next, and “suddenly,” we’re facing down that 15-page research paper that’s due tomorrow, or we need to pull an all-nighter to prep for that big exam.

So, it helps to make study or homework time a regular part of your routine. Set aside the same time every day to study or work on your class assignments and projects. Schedule it in your calendar to ensure it’s dedicated time and you don’t forget. 

Then, even if you have no homework to work on on any given day, don’t brush off that time. Ensure you at least review your notes or take steps toward a big project.

And remember, these daily sessions don’t have to take a lot of time. You could schedule in as little as 15 to 30 minutes a day, which will always feel far less overwhelming than the 15 or more hours it might take to write a research paper when you save it for the night before it’s due.

Plus, just like brushing your teeth or working out every day, it gets easier once it becomes a habit. Soon, it will feel natural and less like you have to fight yourself to get it done.

Ideally, you’ll have made this plan early in the semester. But even if you’re trying to cram for finals, it can still help to sit down with your calendar and block out times for study sessions. 

You can even schedule these times with classmates. Study groups can make the task more fun and also give you accountability to ensure it happens.

Tip #3: Use Rewards

Of course, while adjustments are possible, both of the above strategies work best when you’ve planned ahead. So, if you find yourself, like many students, cramming for your exams at the end of a semester and just can’t find the will to muster through, go the rewards route. 

After all, finals week is stressful even when you have studied all semester. So, regardless of whether you’ve planned ahead, you deserve an end-of-the-year celebration to congratulate yourself for surviving it.

So go ahead and promise yourself that margarita (only if you’re 21 or over, of course!) or whatever else feels great to you. Because, hey, you’ve made it!

Got any great time management or study tips for getting through finals? Share in the comments!

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Welcome to a new month! For some of us (Here’s looking at you college students and fellow teachers!) May means it’s almost time for summer break and some well-deserved R&R.

Right now, I’m neck-deep in grading final papers. But next week, I’ll be frolicking through the flowers.

In the meantime, keep reading to see what I’ve been up to and discover some helpful resources, plus other fun stuff.

What’s New?

Here’s what I’ve been up to this month . . .

1. I had an article published in BezzyT2D on “How Menopause Affected My Type 2 Diabetes.”

2. And here’s the other side of the coin . . . My kiddo is now 8, but I still remember the whole process of dealing with being pregnant while having type 2 diabetes. So I also shared “What to Expect When You’re Pregnant and Have Type 2 Diabetes” in BezzyT2D.

3. For those of you facing final exams in the next couple of weeks, I created a free, downloadable study session planner on my website to help you get through it all.

Want More?

Some resources for students and creatives . . .

1. The best way to get through finals? Do it with friends! To help make studying a social (and productive) event, check out “College Study Tip #5: Form a Study Group.” (And be sure to use your free planner pages to help organize them all! 😉)

2. Once finals are over, give your brain a break. It’s good for you! Read all about it in “College Study Tip #9: Take Care of Your Brain.”

3. And if you’re planning to recuperate by taking a post-grad trip, know that it’s not such a bad idea. Haley Catalano explains why in “Why Traveling After My Degree Was the Best Decision I Ever Made” on Thrifty Nomads.

What am I Loving Right Now?

And now for the fun stuff . . .

1. Some people need absolute silence to study, while others find music helps them focus. If you’re the latter, try this study session playlist. (Or create your own!) 

2. Right now, I’m in the thick of finals season. But I’m mentally preparing to lie back and enjoy some summer reading once all those final grades are submitted. One book I’m really looking forward to is Damsel by . My whole family loved the movie, so I can’t wait to see what she did with her spin on the story.

3. Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I already know what I’m getting: a Ninja Creami deluxe! In preparation, I’ve been obsessed with scouring Pinterest for Creami recipes. (And there are so many! This machine appears to have a cult following.) Follow my ice cream board on Pinterest to join in the fun!

What are you loving right now or looking forward to this month? Share in the comments!

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Monthly Community Thread

In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, I wrote about my own journey with time stress.

So now I’m wondering: Do you have any hacks that help you better manage your day, get more done in less time, or find joy in the time you have?

Do you time block, put big rocks first, or prioritize R&R? How do you manage your day-to-day?

Let’s share our best time hacks so we can help each other feel less overwhelmed with the time we have.

Feel free to respond to each other’s posts, but please keep it kind. To keep this a safe space, remember not to judge or criticize. This is meant to be fun and helpful.

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We all live and work under constant pressure to do more and be more. Feeling overwhelmed can also be especially easy if you’re currently in college or, like me, are trying to juggle an artistic career along with a day job or being a parent.

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The Roots of My Time Stress

Although I’ve gone through plenty of past periods feeling overwhelmed by all that life threw at me, my current issues with time stress began in the fall of 2018 when I started working as a freelance writer alongside teaching, an already highly demanding job, while also parenting a son with ADHD.

I somehow managed to endure the stress for years. But this past December, I had a meltdown in the middle of a Joann’s. I had just finished the craziness of finals week and, without pausing for a breath, headed straight into the busyness of Christmas.

Crumbling under the pressure to get it all done, which included—the day before Christmas Eve—sewing the Harry Potter costume my son had asked for, I cried into the phone to my poor husband.

I’d finally hit the wall. I could no longer take the crushing burden that had become my life. All the joy was gone; every day was a never-ending to-do list, and I was constantly stressed and on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I knew something had to give.

So, I enrolled in Marie Forleo’s Time Genius course, which is more than a “time management” program. It radically altered not just how I get things done but also how I think about time.

Discovering a New Relationship with Time

To keep this post from getting too long, I'll only share my biggest takeaway for now. In future posts, I may focus on a few other key takeaways, like getting laser-focused on one project at a time or escaping the “planning fallacy” trap.

Learning Boundaries

My most significant shift wasn’t about how to schedule my calendar; it was psychological.

I already knew I needed to build more time into my day to rest and recharge, spend time with my family, have more fun, and reclaim joy.

What I hadn’t realized was how much of the overwhelm was related to what I thought I needed to do.

For example, I don’t need to spend days baking and decorating five batches of Christmas cookies that everyone asks for but no one actually eats; I can just buy some from the store.

I don’t need to spend weeks making party decor and planning activities for my son’s birthday parties; I can buy a party package at the local trampoline park and have them do everything.

I don’t need to spend my Sunday afternoons scrubbing toilets; I can pay for a cleaning service.

I realize that I’m in a privileged position to say any of this. Not everyone can afford a cleaning service, for example. But the real lesson for me was about boundaries.

I used to panic whenever I perceived anyone was adding something more to my plate because I thought it meant “one more thing I have to do.” But the truth is, I don’t have to. I get to say no.

It may seem like a small thing, but realizing that I get to choose has been no less than earth-shattering. I don’t go into panic mode anymore whenever I think someone’s adding to my to-do list.

Now, I just shrug it off because I know I don’t “have” to. It’s a choice. I don’t have to bake Christmas cookies if I don’t want to. I don’t have to make half a dozen cardboard Minecraft pickaxes if I don’t want to.

I don’t even have to cook dinner if I don’t want to. That’s what cereal or takeout is for.

Saying “No”

My new mantra: “Just because I can, doesn’t mean I have to.”

So, I guess you could say I’ve been learning the power of “no.” Of course, there are tons of things in our everyday lives we don’t get the option to say no to. There are also plenty of easy things to say no to—like scrubbing toilets.

But I’m also learning that one of the most powerful places to say “no” is to things we want to do. For example, as a multi-passionate creative, I’m constantly experiencing a barrage of ideas—books I want to write, things I want to discover, stuff I want to make.

But right now, I have more ideas than potential years of life left to realize them. More importantly, I’m easily distracted by “shiny things.” Whenever I get attached to a new idea, my current project is abandoned. The result is that I rarely finish anything.

I’m sure many of us have heard the famous Warren Buffet quote:

What I hadn’t realized before, however, is that it’s not just about saying no to the things we don’t want to do. It also means saying no to some of the things we enjoy or want to do so that we can focus on what’s most important.

In the words of Steve Jobs:

Thus, to me, saying “no” means one thing at a time. It could be a hard “no,” or it could be a “not now.” Regardless, when it comes to working on my art, I know I need to put new ideas on the “shelf” until I finish the old ideas.

For example, I have a draft of a novel I wrote while pregnant with my son. But my son is now 8, and that novel is still just a draft. I might have finished it eight years ago if I’d stuck with it instead of getting distracted by other shiny things.

It also means deciding what to let go of so I can also focus on the other important things, like spending time with my awesome kid.

Even then, as much as I love being a mom, sometimes preserving Mommy’s mental health means not doing everything. For example, I love crafting. It was fun to dream up with my son a “Minecraft IRL” birthday party and invent all kinds of activities we constructed out of cardboard.

At some point, however—probably when it took a literal two weeks to make everything—it just became too much. So this year, I’m paying the trampoline park. He’ll still have fun, and all I’ll have to do is order the cake.

The Takeaway

These quotes by Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs are about productivity. But I think they’re equally applicable to how we think about time in general: If you want to enjoy your time, you have to let go of trying to do everything and focus on what’s most important.

Where can you say “no” to things in your life, even if they’re things you might enjoy, to make space for what matters most—whether that’s finishing your novel or spending more time with friends and family?

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The “New” Sketch Pad

You may have noticed I’ve been a bit absent from your inbox of late. I’ve been doing some “spring cleaning” here at Sketch Pad and over on my website.

The slight revamp was instigated by my participation in the latest iteration of Marie Forleo’s Time Genius program, which, it’s not an exaggeration to say, has radically altered my life.

Although I’ve been writing about productivity for years, often emphasizing the crucial importance of rest, I’ve suffered from ongoing burnout over the last several years as a result of working a high-demand day job (teaching) while writing on the side and parenting a son with ADHD. It all culminated in a literal meltdown over the holidays.

So, when Marie opened the newest session of her program for enrollment, I knew it was time for a radical shift in my relationship with time and productivity.

I’ll share some of my biggest takeaways for college students & creatives in this month’s essay. But for now, know that I’ve had to do some serious rethinking about how to approach this newsletter.

From its inception, Sketch Pad was intended as my “author” newsletter, a space for me to share insights on whatever I’m working on at the moment.

As a working writer, my heart gravitates toward helping other creatives. However, as a multi-passionate creative, I’ve long had trouble with “niching down.” It’s extremely hard for me to brand myself as a writer on any one particular thing because I have so many varied interests.

My non-fiction writing runs the gamut from education to parenting to personal finance and health and wellness. And I write fiction for all ages — kids through adults. Plus, I was both a creative kid who knew what they wanted to do from an early age AND a “late bloomer.”

So, I wanted a space where I could share “everything”—all my “sketches” on creativity, being a mom, and navigating college. But I’ve realized that Sketch Pad has felt unfocused as a result.

Additionally, I’ve come to understand that I need a space where I can keep in touch with you, my beloved readers, while also continuing to do all the other things I do without burning out.

The best solution I’ve come up with for now is to focus on sharing the insights and lessons learned around my current works in progress. Right now, that’s a book aimed at helping Gen Z students navigate college, with a special focus on creatives.

In the future, I’m also planning books on navigating finances as a creative, doing the work you love, and developing creative courage.

You can read more about what to expect from Sketch Pad on the new About Page.

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Links & Recs

Here’s another change: These link posts will no longer be sent as subscriber-only emails, which means you’ll have forever access to them on Sketch Pad.

This change is mainly due to certain tech issues with Etsy, which resulted in me discontinuing the coupon perk for subscribers. However, you can still access a forever coupon through my website (as well as freebies).

And now for your monthly goodies . . .

• A helpful freebie. In addition to Sketch Pad, I’ve also done a little sprucing up to my website. This includes a new freebie: Download a study planning bundle — just in time to help you prep for finals!

• A useful tool. I’m also sprucing up my Etsy shop. Check out the new and improved student notes bundle! (And if you want to save some dough, snag a 25% off coupon from my website.)

• A fun read. Anyone else obsessed with the Empyrean series? I’m a little late to the party and just finished binging The Fourth Wing and Iron Flame back to back. OMG! I could not put these books down. They’re absolutely as good as everyone says, and I blame them entirely for my recent sleep deprivation. I’m not sure I can wait another year for the 3rd book!

• A kid lit writing resource. I’m back to working full steam on my children’s picture books. Look out for Attack of the Monster Pickles!, the picture book I co-wrote with my son in late spring 2025. Journey to Kidlit is the resource that helped me get it done.

• An eclipse treat. We’re all in eclipse fever here in Ohio as we’re on the path of this year’s solar eclipse. Local favorite Jeni’s Ice Cream has released an eclipse ice cream collection to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.

• A song for the eclipse. Yes, I know it’s corny, but my husband can’t help belting out “It’s a Total Eclipse of the Heart” every time I mention tomorrow’s solar eclipse.

• Eclipse fun. My apologies to my readers from far and wide, as this is a local rec. But I’m excited to take my family to experience tomorrow’s eclipse at the Columbus Zoo’s Solar-bration.

Are you also on the path of this year’s total solar eclipse? How will you be celebrating? Let me know in the comments.

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