Back to Work on Shadow, Please

Back to Work on Shadow, Please!

I’m currently working my way through my Shadow Work Journal, Shadow, Please!, revising and resizing everything so I can get it ready for publication through Barnes & Noble Press. There’s a bit of work involved in getting everything formatted correctly, but I’m determined to get this project across the finish line.

Once I’ve finished making the necessary adjustments, I’ll be reaching out to Barnes & Noble Press customer service with a question about displaying interior pages. From what I can tell, the option to preview interior pages seems to be available for eBooks, but I haven’t found the same option for printed books. I want potential customers to have a better idea of what they’re purchasing, especially when it comes to journals, planners, and workbooks. Being able to see the inside is just as important as liking the cover!

Now, I know I can work around some of this by creating digital versions of my published products. That’s something I want to explore anyway, especially versions that can be used on iPads, tablets, and other compatible devices. Offering both printed and digital options would give customers more flexibility and open up another avenue for myself.

But not being able to show off those beautiful interior pages? A little frustrating, to say the least. I put time and effort into designing these products, and I want people to see more than just the outside.

The Great iPad Debate

Speaking of iPads and tablets, this has me thinking about investing in a portable device that would let me create wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

Honestly, the biggest benefit would be being able to work on my projects during downtime at the clinic. Instead of just sitting there thinking about all the things I could be working on, I could actually pull out a device and get something done.

Of course, now I’m researching another potential purchase when my whole goal is to start bringing in money from the products I’ve already created.

NOTE TO SELF: Consider this idea... but maybe after the products start making money. LOL!

One thing at a time. One thing at a time.

ADHD, Open Tabs, and Staying on Track

My (self-diagnosed) ADHD has me bouncing between browser tabs like I’m participating in some kind of internet Olympics.

On the bright side, at least I’m still sitting here working on the project instead of wandering off to do something completely unrelated. There’s a small victory in that!

The challenge is keeping myself focused long enough to finish what I started. I have a habit of jumping ahead to the next idea before completing the one in front of me. Sometimes that means I have several projects in progress, a dozen new ideas brewing, and nothing quite ready to launch.

Sound all too familiar?

This time, though, I have a goal: get Shadow, Please! published today.

That is where my attention needs to stay. The other ideas can wait their turn. I have products to finish, a business to build, and money to start making from all this creativity.

The Canva Pro Dilemma

There is one more thing I need to address: my Canva subscription.

I’ll need to reactivate Canva Pro to take advantage of some of the features and options that will help me with my designs and publishing projects. I’ve been hesitant to pay for the subscription again before making any sales, and I still believe in being careful about adding expenses to a business that hasn’t started generating consistent income.

However, I’m also realizing that sometimes you have to invest in the tools that help you move forward.

The trick is knowing which expenses are actually necessary and which ones are just tempting distractions. I don't want to throw money at every shiny new tool or subscription that promises to make life easier. I want to make thoughtful decisions that support the business I'm building.

For me, Canva Pro may be one of those necessary expenses, particularly with the number of journals, planners, and other products I want to publish. If it helps me work more efficiently and gives me access to features I genuinely need, then it's something I'll have to factor into the business budget.

Of course, the goal is to make that investment worthwhile by getting these products finished, published, and in front of potential customers.

One Project at a Time .. sometimes 

Building everything has been a learning experience. There are always new things to research, platforms to explore, designs to improve, and ideas to chase. It's exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when I try to do everything at once.

So, today's mission is simple: finish revising Shadow, Please!, get it ready for Barnes & Noble Press, and take another step toward turning my creative work into something that generates income.

The tablet research can wait. The other projects can wait. And those browser tabs? Well, let's not get too ambitious!

For now, I'm focusing on getting this journal published and continuing to build something I'm proud of.

One finished project is worth more than ten ideas sitting in the planning stage.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a journal to finish and a publishing goal to meet!