Describe your ideal week.
As an author of children’s books like Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, as well as my YA and adult historical fiction books forthcoming, and the creator of a growing blog, my ideal week is a blend of writing, connecting with readers, promoting my work, and making a difference in my community. Here’s what it looks like, infused with my passion for storytelling and spreading hope — not withstanding my health issues.
Monday: Creative Kickoff
I start the week at my cozy home desk, sunlight streaming through the window, with a steaming cup of herbal tea. Mornings are for writing—diving into a new chapter for my next book or drafting a blog post about the inspiration behind my characters, like Misty’s adventurous spirit. By noon, my blog hits a new milestone—maybe 600 visitors! I spend the afternoon responding to reader comments on my blog and social media, sharing behind-the-scenes tidbits about my writing process. Evening is for family: a quiet dinner where we laugh and share stories, grounding me for the week ahead.
Tuesday: Promotion and Outreach
Tuesday is about getting my books into more hands. I dedicate the morning to updating my Amazon listings, tweaking descriptions for Discovering Misty to highlight its themes of courage and friendship. I also check in on my GoFundMe campaign for George and the Brave Eagle, crafting a heartfelt update to thank supporters. In the afternoon, I record a short video for my blog, reading a snippet from one of my books to engage young readers. The evening is for brainstorming: I jot down ideas for a local book reading event to connect with my community.
Wednesday: Community and Connection
Midweek, I focus on giving back. I visit a local school to read George and the Brave Eagle to a group of kids, their wide-eyed reactions fueling my passion. Afterward, I host a small workshop for aspiring young writers, sharing tips on crafting stories with heart. In the afternoon, I write a blog post about the experience, tying it to themes of hope and resilience—core messages in my work and in suicide prevention advocacy. The evening is for self-care: a walk along Florida’s Emerald Coast, letting the waves spark new ideas, or a nice walk around my farm, visiting all my animals.
Thursday: Deep Work and Reflection
Thursday is my deep writing day. I unplug from distractions and pour my energy into revising my latest manuscript, ensuring every word resonates with young readers. By lunchtime, I switch to my blog, analyzing traffic data to see which posts are connecting most with my audience. This helps me plan future content that inspires. In the evening, I reflect on my mission to spread hope, drafting a newsletter that links my stories to real-world issues like mental health, subtly weaving in resources like suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Friday: Collaboration and Growth
Friday is for collaboration. I meet virtually with an illustrator to discuss visuals for my next book, ensuring the artwork captures the magic of my stories. I also reach out to local bookstores to pitch Discovering Misty for their shelves. In the afternoon, I engage with my online community, hosting a Q&A on X or Discord, about writing and storytelling. The evening is for learning: I attend a webinar on children’s literature trends to keep my work fresh and relevant.
Saturday: Adventure and Inspiration
Weekends are for recharging. On Saturday, I take a family trip to a nearby nature reserve, drawing inspiration from the landscapes that shaped Discovering Misty. I sketch ideas for new settings or characters while my kids explore. In the afternoon, I update my blog with a post about finding creativity in everyday moments, encouraging readers to share their own stories. The evening is for fun: a movie night with my family, laughing over a classic animated film that reminds me why I love storytelling.
Sunday: Rest and Purpose
Sunday is for rest and reflection. I attend a church service, connecting with others and finding renewed purpose in my work. Afterward, I spend time journaling, setting goals for the next week—maybe hitting 700 blog visitors or securing a new bookstore partnership. The afternoon is for quiet reading, diving into a children’s book by another author to spark inspiration. I end the week with a family dinner, grateful for the balance of creativity, connection, and impact.
This ideal week weaves together my love for writing, my mission to grow my blog and book sales, and my commitment to spreading hope—whether through stories or supporting causes like suicide prevention. It’s a week that feels productive, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling.
Oh, to have this “ideal week” once again!
Shirley
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