I’ve been writing about writing for years. This is thanks in part to childhood dreams of seeing my name on a spine. Particularly, I dreamt of finding myself within the library. (And I did, in others’ imagined tales.)
I’ve approximated my goal of seeing my name on the page a handful of times. With published poems, yearbooks, newspaper articles, and blog posts, there’s still something satisfying about the byline.
I spent a decade as a paid content creator, for myself and others’ works, after all. And that was a foray into representing individuals, groups, and organizations. Sometimes there wasn’t a byline. That worked, for a while. Getting people excited about services and programs felt like service. Even if my name wasn’t attached to a post or press release, I was still writing.
Now, I’m a librarian, surrounded by others’ works, media, and books. I’m awestruck by this confluence of information, materials, and people. Daily.
I still have an undeniable urge to complete my book, though.
It’s time to make concentrated time for finishing. I’m setting a routine: I will write my book every Sunday from 6:30-7:30pm. I’ve found it’s not enough to write about writing, anymore. I want this thing done. Not just because it’s an item off my list. Because I have things to say, I want to honor little Kaylie and present-day Kaylie. I need to share.
I’ve set a deadline of June 30, 2026 to have a completed draft of my book. That’s 4 months from now. And when I look through the docs, blog posts, and yes – scribbles – there’s a nearly complete work. It’s just ensuring the structure. And actually completing it. (If you’re curious, I have an entire category on the website called book writing – see the book writing category here – and I will be tagging more blog posts as I do this restructuring.)
Perhaps more importantly, creative work is best expressed, outside of my head. Organized. And at least for a moment, complete. So, stay tuned, dear friends. To writing!