Not yet archived.
Read here: https://sarahshotts.substack.com/p/regenerating-and-recovering
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Self Pub 101 Bonus (Personal Reflection)
Read more: Self Pub 101 Bonus (Personal Reflection)The timeline of my process self publishing Discover Your Creative Ecosystem.
2019 or “The Before Times”
When I am writing a rough draft I absolutely do not make any corrections. This includes spelling, grammar, or rewrites of any kind. As Miss Frizzle would say, “Take chances, make mistakes, GET MESSY!”
I take this approach as a person who can spend hours rewriting a single email. If I let myself start editing I’ll never finish a draft.
So in 2019 I started making notes and doing research for the book I wished I had to read. Davy was less than a year old and I was struggling to connect with Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way which felt absolutely inaccessible to me at the time. (I love Julia Cameron, but it did not work for me during my postpartum life.)
This was a book about creativity and motherhood and I was trying to make space for all of the varied human experiences within parenting.
I wrote a chapter about “creative ecosystems” that kept getting longer and longer.
At some point I realized this was its own “thing” but I wasn’t sure what that “thing” was. I pulled it out of my creative motherhood draft and set it to the side.
Then the pandemic happened.
2020 or “The Long Break”
When new motherhood collided with the pandemic I collapsed.
During the early adrenaline infused weeks I pushed out a single draft of the creative motherhood book. At this point we all thought the situation was somehow “temporary”, but when it didn’t let up I hit overwhelm pretty quickly.
I had almost a whole year between drafts. The time away from writing actually did more to inform the book that follows than any amount of “bum on seat hands on keyboard” ever could.
I learned that time and space between drafts is actually essential to my creative ecosystem and makes my writing better. I’ve found this to be true for both nonfiction books and novels that I am drafting.
There are two benefits to time between drafts:
1. Actual life experience you can bring to the book.
2. Time for your subconscious to unravel some of the book’s problems.
3. Distance from the material.
Coming back to a draft I found that the person I had become had new things to add to the book.
I find that the time I’ve spent thinking about my book or the themes of my book adds more depth to the writing. And that time away from my writing gives me the space I need to make ruthless edits. I feel less precious about it and also have more clarity on what I want to say.
March to June of 2021
When I came back to my draft I thought I could adapt it into a group coaching program. I asked a friend if they were interested in being a beta reader for a virtual creative retreat. I edited and emailed one chapter a week believing I was creating a group coaching program.
(Full transparency: I definitely missed several weeks in there because we were sick most of the time my son was enrolled in school. For school giveth time and school taketh time away. My beta reader was understanding and encouraging and I kept at it.)
I knew by now I wanted to write a book about creative ecosystems, but thought it should be longer and more complex than what I was working on.
September to November of 2021
I made some further edits and ran a Creative Ecosystem group coaching program in autumn of 2021. Hearing feedback from the creative kindreds in the group really helped me see the value in what I’d already written and realize that the simplicity was actually a strength.
Setting aside the idea of writing a 100,000 word thesis on creative ecosystems I decided to restructure the weekly emails as a book and self publish.
I downloaded a 6×9” book template and started formatting the book as I redrafted. I adjusted the language with a book reader in mind, but tried to keep the conversational tone I had established in the email versions. I also added additional images and prompts.
January 2022
I ordered the first proof for Discover Your Creative Ecosystem in January of 2022. This began the lengthy process of formatting and copy edits which took most of the year. There was quite a delay between ordering proofs and receiving them. And again, we were sick for much of the spring semester.
February 2022
My original plan was to create a printable workbook as a newsletter magnet that I would mention throughout the book. But I got carried away designing the workbook with full color illustrations and it turned out to be more than the average home computer could handle. So I decided to order a paperback copy and see how it turned out.
March 2022
I wasn’t happy with the paperback proof of the workbook so I added some pages and ordered a proof in hardcover. I was much happier with the quality and decided to offer it as a bundle.
April 2022
I recorded the audiobook. I did this before finalizing the final proof based on Austin Kleon’s suggestion that you always find mistakes when recording the audiobook. And I did.
When the penultimate proof came in I did a photoshoot and launched Indiegogo preorders. I wanted to complete the crowdfunding campaign before people went out of town for their summer vacations.
By this point I had a draft I was mostly happy with, but also a list of changes I wanted to make to tweak images and formatting.
October 2022
A lot happened in October. My final proof arrived and I made one last round of edits. I decided against one further proof copy (even though my heart wanted one) because I really wanted to get my books out before the holiday shipping rush.
So I ordered my books and received them just before Halloween.
November 2022
When the books arrived I scouted out an autumnal spot to photograph them and to sign all of the preorders. The ground was carpeted in red maple leaves so I tucked one into each book. I took some photos and videos for Instagram.
I took my time packaging up the books so I could personalize the library pockets and wrap them each with tissue. It took several different sessions while someone else was watching Davy to get this done.
Finally they all went out in the mail! Once the books started hitting doorsteps I sent out the PDF ebook. I wanted people who preordered physical books to have a chance to hold that in their hands first.
December 2022
Two weeks into December I finally had the two days it took to finish editing the audiobook and set up all of the meta data correctly.
I sent that out today and sat down to turn my self publishing experience into creative compost. So writing the “rough rough draft” of whatever this project will be while Davy builds DUPLO blocks at my feet. (I can’t believe he is letting me work on my laptop. This changes everything!)
So that’s it!
Around three years from start to finish with a one year pandemic gap. The self publishing part of the process itself took about one year. I’d originally hoped to get the books out sooner, but would definitely allow myself more time in the future.
This isn’t a template to follow. I’m just pulling back the curtain on what exactly I did and how long this process took for me.
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More Reaching Than Rooting
Read more: More Reaching Than Rooting
First off, a quick update for local folks!
I’ll be attending my very first book festival as a self published author this Saturday! I’ll be doing a reading and signing at NWA Book Fest and would love to see you there! It feels surreal and I’m not sure I quite believe it’s real yet.
Find all the festival information here. (Catch me on the main stage at 2:30pm).
A peek into my creative process and current works in progress.
This week I’ve had more “reaching” energy than “rooting.”
Along with preparing for the festival I’ve also applied to two more art exhibitions at Spilt Milk Gallery and The Anthropology of Motherhood.
You can download either of these printables (Reach & Root or 100 Submissions) here.
I recorded a podcast episode with Kiki from Heiter Magazine. (Coming your way in April.) Podcast interviews take a lot of energy so I am experimenting with quarterly guests this year. In the past I’ve tried weekly or monthly and that has been too much. This is part of my seasonal planning approach and slowing down to find my own pace.
I’m also undertaking a just-for-fun puppet alteration project for a Wheel of Time parody contest. I haven’t done any crafting or fan art in a really long time so this has been fun.
Also Davy is fascinated.
Maybe I’ll share a peek at that next week.
Other bits and bobs I’d like to recommend…
Watch
“I used to think that art had to begreat to be worthwhile. Now, I only think it has to be to be worthwhile.” John Green. Maybe Art Only Needs to Be. Feb 21, 2023.
Me too, John, me too.
Listen
The On Being podcast is BACK and I am loving it! These two episodes were amazing.
Janine Benyus Biomimicry, an Operating Manual for Earthlings on natural organisms as mentors and peers… learning from them rather than about them.
And Rick Rubin Magic, Everyday Mystery, and Getting Creative. I have SO MANY quotes from this one because I listened while parked in the car while Davy napped:
- “The real practice of the artist is a way of being in the world.”
- “It’s hard for me to finish projects because I always see the possibilities of what else we could try and I want to try everything…”
- “What I came to realize is that there is a time for this open play. And it’s in those first two parts of the process, the seed phase… and experimenting.”
- “By working with sensitive artists, we resonate together in that we’re feeling things that not everybody else is feeling.”
- “There is no connection between the amount of time invested and how good something is.”
- “The sustainable part of the practice is: start with things that are easy to do.”
Read
Reflections on shapeshifting and reframing “scattered” by Cody Cook-Parrott
That’s all for this week, but I’d love to know what you’re up to.
Feel free to drop a link or comment below.
Cheers,
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Making 360 VR with a 3 year old collaborator ✨
Read more: Making 360 VR with a 3 year old collaborator ✨Hullo all,
I’m playing with the structure a bit here. Trying out categories rather than themed emails. I’m also bringing back some old themes long time supporters may recognize.
Let me know what you think.
I haven’t had much studio time this month unless you count making Number Block counting beads with Davy and the 3 hour masterclass I took from Amie McNee & Jimmy Winestock.
A peek into my creative process and an update on my collection, This is my Brain on Motherhood.
This week I’m sharing a sneak peek at a 360 VR piece I made in December. It’s taken a while to work out how to share this online.
UNRAVEL
2023 / VR 360
An immersive experience demonstrating my internal experience of motherhood.
As an autistic parent my brain does not prune synaptic pathways. This means to process information I often have to unravel a tangle of connected thoughts among sensory input, memories, and connections most people would overlook.
There are two ways to experience this work.
- If you have the YouTube app you can experience this work in VR here. Just moving your phone to look around. Please select HD by tapping the cog or it will load super blurry. 🫣
- Don’t have the YouTube app? Here’s a simulation of how it looks in 3D.
- Or you browse still photographs here.
Curious about the process? Here’s a timelapse.
This piece was inspired by a piece of writing by Hayley Dunlop which reminded me of doing this as a child. It was purely creative play at the time. I later revisited this process in directing class when I was asked to “completely transform the space.”
Hayley’s writing connected this memory to neurodivergent thought patterns which immediately made me want to create this with Davy.
Working alongside him added all sorts of layers – both layers of meaning – and literal pools of knots (which were never part of my previous efforts.) 😂
Other bits and bobs I’d like to recommend this week.
- Katherine May’s podcast How We Live Now with Priya Parker – This is a chat about gathering well and drawing the lines we need around different social events and communities. I couldn’t have listened to this as a better time as I had been struggling with the Code of Conduct for my membership program and this gave me all the confidence to go with my gut. I’ve also ordered Priya’s book (affiliate link) which happens to have a gorgeous watercolor cover.
- We’ve subscribed to the newspaper for the first time ever and I loved this article about artist Thaddeus Mosley.
- Waiting for a quiet moment to enjoy this studio tour…
I also admired these shadows.
Minor updates March 2025 to correct links and images.
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One Year of Magic ✨
Read more: One Year of Magic ✨
I’ve been a photographer for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid I was drawn to photographing trees and birds and cowboy boots lined up beside the swimming pool. But somehow I had never tried a long term photo-a-day project.
That is until Claire Venus proposed a year long creative collaboration. We would exchange photos of our every day life each day for one year.
We started the project without a name, but very quickly found magic in the mundanity. Little moments of synchronicity between the Northwest of Arkansas and the Northeast of England.
I also noticed how well this form of connection suited my neurodivergence. The structured project soon became a container for friendship to grow. Life and art bled into each other.
Soon after we started the project my family traveled out of state for my son’s autism evaluation. And it felt like Claire was right there beside me – even an ocean away. We began to chat about the beauty and the hard things of motherhood, neurodivergence, and creativity.
The project also sharpened my artist eye. To the beauty around me. The magic in the mess. In my creative ecosystem framework I call this creative oxygen.
It’s also become a self regulation tool. Pausing to compose a photo was just what I needed when things broke or the milk spilled (again) or the room had become a complete mess.
We talked about this a bit when I interviewed Claire on the podcast.
We’re in the final days of exchanging photos now and I can’t believe this project is coming to and end. Right now I’m working out logistics for how to curate and exhibit this work. (I’ll keep you updated.)
If you want more magic you should definitely follow Claire’s Substack. She writes about creativity, slow living, and work life balance. She recently posted her reflection of this project here.
To celebrate the completion of the Magic Mundane I’m hosting a little giveaway over on Substack chat. Enter to win a copy of my book Discover Your Creative Ecosystem and Claire’s Creativity Island for Mums. 🥰
Cheers,
P.S. Keep the magic going by using the hashtag #themagicmundane on Instagram.
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Self Publishing 101 (Archive)
Read more: Self Publishing 101 (Archive)This archived course is no longer updated and some sections may be out of date.
Please do your own research – especially regarding crowdfunding platforms. They have changed dramatically since writing this course. Indiegogo no longer allows for flexible funding for example. Other platforms change as well and I have moved on to other projects.
I’m leaving up these posts as an archive documenting my self publishing process for my first book. Browse my blog for more up to date posts about self publishing.
I originally created this course for paid subscribers. After one year I decided to remove the paywall. If you’d like to support my work you can pledge as little as $5 a month. Paid supporters get snail mail zines from me (in your actual real life mailbox) once a month.
Please remember this course is for personal use only.
Do not screenshot, share, or cite without asking my permission.
Thanks for respecting the time and energy it has taken to create this resource.
Transcripts
Each module includes a short podcast.
If you need transcripts download them below.
Part One (Making the Book)
This first half of the course will take you from the reflective space after writing a book through the publishing process for physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Each module will have a short podcast. You can listen or tap transcript to read. I’ll also include a short summary with some reflection prompts and links to any resources I might have mentioned in the module.
Part Two (Selling the Book)
This module will cover the process of selling your book and telling people that it exists.
Part 3 (Crowdfunding)
Here’s a separate course for crowdfunding any creative project.
Guest Speakers
This section includes modules by guest speakers sharing their own expertise and experience in the realm of book publishing.
Please reach out if you’d like to contribute a video or podcast.
Author Spotlights
Bonus Material
I’ll keep this page updated with resources you may find useful.
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Crowdfunding 101 (Archive)
Read more: Crowdfunding 101 (Archive)This archived course is no longer updated and some sections may be out of date.
Please do your own research – especially regarding crowdfunding platforms. They have changed dramatically since writing this course. Indiegogo no longer allows for flexible funding for example. Other platforms change as well and I have moved on to other projects.
I’m leaving up these posts as an archive documenting my self publishing process for my first book. Browse my blog for more up to date posts about self publishing.
Please remember this course is for personal use only.
Do not reproduce.
Thanks for respecting the time and energy it has taken to create this resource.
Transcripts
Each module includes a short podcast.
If you need transcripts download them below.
Modules
BONUS MODULES
You may also be interested in these modules from Self Publishing 101.
Just replace “book” with whatever your project is.
Are you a writer?
You may also be interested in Self Publishing 101.
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How it Feels to Be Time Blind ⏳
Read more: How it Feels to Be Time Blind ⏳Growing up I had no idea I was time blind.
But I was already establishing coping mechanisms. Because I had no internal chronometer to distinguish between 5 minutes and 50 I would prepare for every outing far far in advance and find myself in a state of limbo unable to do anything but wait.
This is effective, but is also a black hole for both energy and time.
People with time blindness tend to be chronically early or chronically late.
It’s funny that the same internal experience can result in two such seemingly different behaviors, but it makes sense. One approach to time is a rigid controlled white knuckling. A hyperfocus that saps both time and energy from your life. The other holds on with a looser grip and time slips away.
You might construe the first stereotype as autism and the second as ADHD, but time blindness is an internal experience shared by both.
Now that I’m a mother I simply don’t have bandwidth to white knuckle my way through the day hyperfocusing on time.
I cannot wait in the car for an hour. I do not have an hour to spare.
Not to mention the chaotic element of a small human who has all sorts of urgent needs that can’t always be anticipated.
How do normal people know when to leave the house to arrive somewhere on time?
I never realized I was working SO HARD at something most people find simple.
I was obsessed with planners a few years ago. I never would have described myself as disorganized, but this was down to the fact that I relied on a series of complicated systems to keep track of the most basic things.
Like what day of the week it is. (I’m not kidding.)
When Davy was in his human goat phase I gave planners up. As a result I’ve been flying blind for 3.5 years now. During this time I have learned a few things:
First, go gentle on people who show up late and forget things. They are doing their best.
Second, I really thrive with structure and systems.
It’s impossible to overstate how much having a plan helps me.
Structure frees up my brain for other things in a way that I can only compare to breathing oxygen versus being waterboarded.
I’ve been metaphorically drowning for actual years now.
At first I thought the lesson I was meant to be learning was how to “let go” and embrace fluidity.
There is nothing less helpful you could suggest to a human whose brain needs structure.
The last few months I have been experimenting with themed days. With one focus per day my nervous system has improved dramatically. It also seems to help Davy. (We are both the type of neurodivergent who likes to know what’s coming.)
But we all need different things.
If your brain needs freedom embrace that. Don’t let people shame you and push you into a rigid structure if that doesn’t work for you.
When we’re forced to work in ways that run counter to our neurotype it’s important to recognize this is legitimately difficult for us.
Life seems determined to deal out changed plans, external deadlines, and an ungodly amount of urgent paperwork.
When this happens we should treat ourself like we’re doing something really hard (because we are.)
Without a plan my brain feels like it is on high alert all the time just trying to get through the day. Imagine a tennis player bouncing with bent legs ready to sprint in any direction*. That’s how I feel without a plan. It’s exhausting. And I am far more likely to become overstimulated.
*I know nothing about sports. But we were told to stand this way in Improv class and I quit immediately. 😂
When our nervous system is on high alert we can help ourselves by:
- providing sensory support (comfortable clothes, fidgets, movement, regulating environments)
- seeking comfort (a cozy blanket, a favorite book or tv show, a cup of tea)
- asking for help
- finding someone to work alongside us (sometimes this is called “body doubling”)
- rewarding our own efforts (treat yo’self)
I could say more, but I’ve run out of time. 😂😂😂
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Neurodivergent Boundaries
Read more: Neurodivergent BoundariesBoundaries can be extremely difficult for neurodivergent folks to navigate. This is particularly true for those of us who were late in life to realize our neurodivergence. For decades I saw my autistic traits as my character flaws. Reframing them to ask for the supports I need has been a seismic shift for me.
This is the first holiday season since my child’s autism diagnosis and I am drawing some lines in the sand about what we really need. I wrote these as a pep talk for myself and decided to share.
But you don’t need a diagnosis to advocate for your own needs.
The diagnosis isn’t a magic paper. It doesn’t actually do anything on an interpersonal level.*
I was officially diagnosed seven years ago and even so I have never properly advocated for my own needs. It took my child’s diagnosis (and the resulting inner work) to reframe my autism and start to see my own needs as neutral and valid.
If you are also struggling to ask for what you need remember I am over here rooting for you.
Your needs are valid.
Sensory pain is real.
Time to decompress is essential.
I am new to all of this! But I’m sharing my story to help you all feel less alone.
This isn’t a template, it’s just where I am right now in my boundary setting process.
How I supported my neurodivergence when setting boundaries…
- I no longer make phone calls. When a phone call is required I say, “I have auditory processing disorder. Text based communication is best for me. Can we do this via email or text message?” (I don’t always disclose my autism diagnosis because it is easier for most people to understand a difficulty hearing. We don’t have to fully educate every person. We can choose to communicate the specific piece of our neurodivergence that is relevant to the situation. Or the piece that is most easily understood.)†
- I communicated what we need for holidays through a letter in the mail. The resistance I had to doing this was strong. But I wanted to set these boundaries in advance and didn’t feel able to do so over the phone. When I was packaging up the letter I thought about all the times I heard written communication described as “passive aggressive.” This is definitely from a neurotypical perspective. I wonder how many of these “passive aggressive” notes and letters are a last resort by autistic or neurodivergent folks whose needs are being misunderstood or ignored?
- I made a schedule. Important routines such as meals, afternoon downtime, and bedtime are fixed and in red. Places to eat that meet sensory needs have been decided in advance.
- I also included an informational packet. I printed some of my favorite pages from Andi Putt’s Autism Handbook(not an affiliate, just love her) and bound them in a paper folder. I put a sticky note that said, “More info. Please read the bits I highlighted.” I also printed a copy to bring with me so I can refer to it if I feel stuck in the moment.
Does that sound brave?
It was.
I am still incredibly nervous about how these boundaries will be responded to.
It has taken a lot of work to get here, but at this point I would be unable to visit extended family without these supports.
Since becoming a mum I’ve noticed that I have less capacity to mask than I used to. And I simply cannot push past my limits without hitting a brick wall. Our last family visit ended with a panic attack and a mental health spiral that almost landed me in a mental hospital. The stakes are high.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have anguished for years over how to set boundaries and what boundaries would even help.
During pregnancy I signed up to therapy for support setting the postpartum boundaries I needed. But I was invalidated by a therapist who didn’t understand autism. If you’re looking for support try to find someone who gets it or they could do more harm than good.
Four years later I finally worked up the courage to ask for what I need thank to support and validation from autistic therapist Steph Jones in a 1:1 coaching session earlier this year.
Before I could set boundaries I had to internalize the fact that my needs (and my child’s needs) are valid. And I had to stop trying to make boundaries that were “reasonable” so I could ask for what we really needed.
What boundaries did I set?
Most of us haven’t seen this type of boundary setting modeled. So I am sharing some of the areas we asked for support. We all have different needs so your supports will be different.
Don’t use this as a framework, but as inspiration to set the boundaries you need.
- Space – a private space to decompress. (We booked an Air B&B that fits our sensory and social needs rather than staying with a family member.)
- Overstimulation – limiting the number of auditory inputs at one time.
- Social overwhelm – limiting the amount of people present. (For us this means more intimate visits and not including the entire extended family.)
- Structure – we will be following our schedule for meals, downtime, and bedtime. Others are free to join us or not.
- Respect – I have asked that preferences to not be touched, photographed, talk, or make eye contact be respected.
That’s it! Please wish us luck and send any positive vibes, prayers, energy, our way.
Cheers,
fOOTNOTES
* An official diagnosis would be helpful if required by your workplace, school, or insurance to offer supports and resources, but it little help in family context.
† Because of privacy issues my insurance is one exception that refuses to speak to my husband on the phone. I have yet to find a workaround and we struggle through the calls together on speakerphone. If you have advice for this navigating supports in health care / insurance settings please share.
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Intentional Inconsistency
Read more: Intentional InconsistencyHolding 3 years of motherhood journals.
The very idea that inconsistency is something to practice may fly in the face of everything you’ve ever heard.
It’s certainly the antithesis of what Julia Cameron prescribes in her book The Artist’s Way.*
*I actually love this book, but her specific creative process hasn’t been a good fit for me since my kid was born.
During my autism evaluation the psychologist noted that I was an “all in” person. I was drowning in commitments and my evaluator suggested I try practicing inconsistency. I was completely blind to having that choice.
My brain only sees “do” or “do not.” (I would be an excellent Jedi Master.)
Its been a very long and slow process to begin shifting this.
That’s why I call it a practice. I mean that in the same way someone has a yoga practice or a gratitude practice. Inconsistency is something I’m actively working to cultivate in my daily life.
Because of this tendency I avoid “don’t break the chain” mindset like the plague. I’ve fallen under its spell many times and its pretty ugly. I could chain 300 days and if I miss a day its all over for me.
That broken chain feels worse than starting from zero.
My best defense is to embrace inconsistency. To invite it in.
When I was journaling as a new mum I was often faced with the option to sleep or to write. And, in my maternal wisdom, I knew that Julia was wrong.
Art is important, but sleep is number one.
Here I am three years later.
I’m celebrating 916 journal pages during the first three years of motherhood. (189 of those were using a simple daily check in you can download here.)
I broke the chain many times.
I chose sleep, and baths, and yes sometimes even Stranger Things.
And I don’t regret it.
Because I was intentionally inconsistent this isn’t a failure. It’s a win. It’s me taking care of myself and my creative ecosystem.
Those 673 pages would not exist without taking this approach. (The same goes for writing my books by the way. That process was also wildly inconsistent.)
So here I am with a fist full of journal inserts (it is pretty satisfying they all match, isn’t it?)
…one of which was nibbled by my child when they were in the human goat phase. 😂
This taste for paper is part of why I found journaling time hard to come by. I’m writing more these days, but I still want to hold this practice with a loose grip.
How do you feel about consistency? Love it or hate it?
Ok, it sounds like my child has waken up grumpy from their nap so my quiet time is all used up.
Until next time,
P.S. If you resonated this blog post you may enjoy the ramble podcast I recorded on the same topic.
Originally published to Substack on Jun 17, 2022.
