KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE: How to start and keep a daily drawing habit. PART FOUR: Use Your Sketchbook As Your Journal

Hello again!

It’s me, author, illustrator, and avid sketchbook keeper, Mike Lowery.

Today is my fourth and final post in my SCBWI blog takeover series about starting a daily sketchbook habit.

It's been an honor to share my sketchbook secrets with you all for the past few weeks, but sadly, tonight they are making me hand over the keys to the blog. Today will be my last day in this stone chamber room, hidden deep under the Society’s headquarters. The room also happens to be where they keep the 1998 Dell computer that all visiting authors and illustrators must use during our residency here, writing for the blog. As soon as I hit “publish” and this post goes live, there will be a small ceremony, and I’ll be escorted back up to the street level where I’ll be reunited with my family.

Enough about all that! It’s time for:

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE, PART FOUR: USE YOUR SKETCHBOOK AS YOUR JOURNAL.

In parts one through three of this series, I’ve suggested ways to start a daily sketchbook habit. Today, I’d like to focus on how to keep that habit going.

Consider using your sketchbook as your daily, illustrated journal.

This is my primary way of keeping a sketchbook currently.

How to get started.

Make a bullet-point list of anything that happened the day before.
I jot down anything that comes to mind, without worrying if it sounds interesting or worth drawing later. Did you get a new pair of shoes? Did you buy pickles? Or did you finally sign up for swim lessons? Jot it down.

Just like our “things that I like” lists from a few weeks ago, we are trying to cut out any internal editing at this stage. If it helps, set a timer and turn off your phone or notifications while writing.

BIG TIP.
Look through your photos to help remember what you did the day before.

Over the years, I've gotten pretty good at taking quick “reminder photos” throughout the day. A few days ago, we took our son to the Natural History Museum in DC for the first time. The photo wasn’t meant to be printed and framed; it was just a reminder to draw it later.

Here’s the photo I took.

(This is not meant to be seen or published in any way! It’s just a snapshot to remember the moment!)

And here’s the subsequent sketchbook drawing.

This is an unfair example of doing this, because a trip to a new town to see something new is something I would have remembered the next morning when I sat down to draw. However, I don’t only take photos of moments that include taxidermied elephants and other big stuff. I also do it when I get a new roll of film in the mail or boil a bunch of hot dogs all at once because my son is having some friends over. 

For the sake of this post's aesthetic, I decided NOT to include the photo I took of a big pot of boiling hot dogs. I am also aware that, at this point, I’ve lost a few readers who heard me say I was boiling hot dogs and, considering it an abomination, would prefer I grill them. Also, if you’re vegetarian, please know that there’s a chance they were vegetarian hot dogs.

Let’s move past the hot dog portion of this post.

The point I’m making is that taking lots of little reminder photos is a great way to have stuff to draw tomorrow when you’re journaling in your sketchbook.

And then…

Draw something that stands out.

Here are a few ways that you can consider drawing in your sketchbook journal.

a) Draw a favorite moment.
This is exactly what it sounds like. Just draw a moment from your day or the previous day. If you saw an interesting building or took a walk around a lake, draw it!

b) Draw a short comic.
Whenever I overhear something funny or have an interesting interaction with someone, I like to make little notes in my sketchbook to draw it out later. Sometimes it's a big, impactful moment; sometimes it’s just something silly.

A recent example from my sketchbook was when my son was eating a burger (grilled, not boiled, don’t worry) and said, “I think someone over-seeded this bun with sesame!” It's a great collection of words and a great sentiment. So I made a note and drew it the next day.

c) Draw a collection.
I love drawing things as small icons sorted into a grid. Just start drawing any bullet point that you’d like to draw. Saw a funny new type of mayo that happens to share your first name? Okay, weird, but draw it.

—

In conclusion.

As I so subtly suggested in the title of my series, keeping a sketchbook really did change my life. It helped me find my way of drawing and helped me keep going, grow, and get better. Every single story I’ve written has started in some form in my sketchbook.

More than that, it’s also such a great way to give your brain a chance to take a break.

Well, that’s all from me. I hope that you’ve been encouraged over these past few weeks to dust off that ol’ sketchbook and start drawing. If you have, please let me know. If you’d like to receive my once-a-month-ish newsletter, you can sign up here: Mike’s Newsletter

If you’re interested in hearing more about my course for illustrators that focuses on the business side of art, you can check out here: GETTING PAID TO DRAW.

Thanks for reading,
Mike

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

Want to know more about the illustration world?

Every year, Mike holds a class for illustrators called “Getting Paid to Draw.” He and his incredible guests break down the business of illustration. They go deep into topics like building a portfolio, submitting a children’s book, working with agents, beating creative block, and so much more. Registration is starting soon; sign up for more information.

See his graphic novel series, UNICORNDOG, here, and follow Mike on Instagram at @mikelowerystudio.

The Stress-Free Guide to Social Media, Led by Scott Richmond, CEO of Bookstr

The Stress-Free Guide to Social Media

Led by Scott Richmond, CEO of Bookstr

Social media is part of being an author or illustrator now, but that does not mean it is intuitive or comfortable. Many creators struggle with knowing what to post, how often to show up, whether what they are doing is actually helping their book, and which platforms they should even be on. This free webinar is meant to bring clarity to all of that and make social media feel more manageable. Scott Richmond is a digital content innovator and creative entrepreneur with over two decades of experience shaping how audiences discover and engage with media. Bookstr is a digital platform for book lovers and the literary community. In addition to connecting readers and authors through discovery and editorial content, Bookstr works directly with authors and publishers on social media strategy, visibility, and long-term promotion. This event is made possible by a grant from the SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 @7:30PM

WHERE: Virtual

REGISTER Free event for member and non-members!

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE: How to start and keep a daily drawing habit. Part Three: THE FEAR OF THE BLANK PAGE!

Hello again. It’s me, Mike Lowery.

It’s time for part three of this little series that I’ve been writing for SCBWI about how keeping a sketchbook has totally changed my life.

In part one, we talked about WHY keeping a sketchbook is so important. In part two, I talked about how to pick the right sketchbook.

Today, I’ll pivot to one of the hardest parts of starting and keeping a sketchbook habit: what the heck am I actually supposed to draw?

AKA
THE FEAR OF THE DREADED BLANK PAGE.

Has this happened to you? You sit down to draw. In front of you is a nice, clean, brand-new sketchbook, a cup of coffee, and a sharpened pencil. The sunlight through the window is just right, not too bright, not too dark. Is that a Northern Cardinal you can hear off in the distance?

The setting is perfect. And yet. When you look down at that stark white page, it suddenly occurs to you that you have no idea what to draw. What do other people draw? How is it that so many illustrators can apparently have endless ideas to fill up the pages of their sketchbooks?

Let me tell you that I have been keeping a daily sketchbook for nearly 30 years, and I STILL have these moments.

HERE’S WHY YOU GET STUCK.

We want each drawing to be perfect. And that’s not what a sketchbook is for. A sketchbook is meant to be a place where you can freely experiment with new approaches to making art and new art supplies. So, try to turn off that internal editor and get your pen moving across the paper.

Here are a few suggestions to get rolling.

DRAW FROM YOUR LIST OF THINGS THAT YOU LIKE TO DRAW.

Remember back in week one when I said to make a list of things you like? This should be a constantly evolving and growing document. Try not to overthink what you add to the list or decide to draw. Feeling uninspired by your list of things to draw? No problem. Find a “drawing a day” list that excites you. Or, join an online art community challenge like Hourly Comics Day or Inktober.

Sometimes drawing from a list like this can feel a little silly. That’s okay! The goal is not to overthink it.

I made a list of fun stuff to draw! You can download my list of drawing suggestions here: https://www.gettingpaidtodraw.com/stufftodraw

FIND YOUR TIME OF THE DAY TO DRAW

It’s easy to imagine that you’ll randomly pick up your sketchbook at various times during the day.

I’ve learned that it’s much easier to find a short window during the day and make that your go-to time to sit and open your sketchbook. For many years, I preferred to draw late at night when emails stopped rolling in, and everyone else was asleep. I would draw with no distractions until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Well! My kids came along and those days are over! Now I prefer to work in my sketchbook directly after the morning family routine stuff is over. After the kids are dropped off at school and before I start responding to emails or my client work, I will open my sketchbook and try to focus on it for at least 20 minutes. Some days it ends up being much longer; some days it’s just a few minutes.

THINK ABOUT IT.

Take a little bit of time to think about what time of day would be the best fit to make your official sketchbook time window. Maybe it’s during your lunch break or right before bed. Try sticking to the same time for a few days in a row.

DRAWING ACTIVITY NUMBER THREE.

Pick one of these drawing suggestions.

Set a timer for 6 minutes.

DRAW!

Drawing ideas.

A TURTLE PLAYING TENNIS

A STRANGE MACHINE

WHERE DID THE LOST SOCK END UP?


Ready? Set your timer and….

DRAW!


Thanks for reading,
Mike

Want more suggestions on things to draw? I made this little class with Skillshare.

(You can watch it for free if you use this link: https://skl.sh/49t44kI)

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

Want to know more about the illustration world?

Every year, Mike holds a class for illustrators called “Getting Paid to Draw.” He and his incredible guests break down the business of illustration. They go deep into topics like building a portfolio, submitting a children’s book, working with agents, beating creative block, and so much more. Registration is starting soon; sign up for more information.

See his graphic novel series, UNICORNDOG, here, and follow Mike on Instagram at @mikelowerystudio.

SCBWI Jane Yolen Mid-list Author Grant

SCBWI Launches Mid-List Author Grant 

in Honor of Jane Yolen

This grant is funded by the Jane Yolen Mid-List Grant Fund. Donate to the fund here.

Jane Yolen was the author of over 400 books for children and adults, including OWL MOON, THE DEVIL’S ARITHMETIC, the HOW DO DINOSAURS series, and was the winner of two Nebulas, two Christopher Medals, a National Book Award, and many other awards. She was foundational to the establishment of SCBWI as the first ever Regional Advisor (founder of the New England chapter), and serving on the SCBWI Advisory Council for many years.

Given in honor of the renowned children’s book author Jane Yolen, the Jane Yolen Mid-List Grant will be awarded to a mid-career traditionally published author. The winner will receive $1500, plus free tuition to the In-Person New York Winter Conference, where they will be presented with their award by Yolen’s daughter, Heidi Stemple.

Eligibility:
SCBWI Premium members only. Applicant must have published at least one PAL (traditionally published) book. Additional self-published works are acceptable.

Submissions open September 1 through September 31, 2026. Winner will be announced in November.

For guidelines and submission requirements, click HERE.

You can find the submission portal for the Jane Yolen Mid-List Grant on your SCBWI ‘Member Home’, under the ‘MY AWARDS’ tab.

Award includes: 

- $1500 cash prize
- Free tuition to the In-Person New York Winter Conference (not including travel fare and hotel accommodation)
- Publicity through SCBWI website, newsletter, and social media channels

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE: How to start and keep a daily drawing habit. Part Two!

Okay, so in part one of this series:

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, 

I talked about why keeping a sketchbook is great. Today, let’s talk about the best way to get started.

The first thing you need to keep a daily sketchbook is... a sketchbook.

WHAT SKETCHBOOK IS THAT?

I get asked a lot which type of sketchbook is my favorite, and I’ll try to break down here why that’s such a hard question to answer.

A quick note before you continue reading. I tend to be reluctant to talk about supplies in general. Not because I’m trying to gatekeep all of the cool stuff, but because I’m a big believer that there’s no one-size-fits-all art supply.

So, a sketchbook that works for me might be an awful fit for you. The same goes for pens and brushes.

It’s up to you to experiment until you find the supplies that fit you best.

For a very long time, I carried a Moleskine sketchbook. The small format (3.5x5.5) really helped me to start keeping a daily sketchbook because it was small enough to fit in my pocket.

  

They're small, and the paper color is a great, natural off-white. However, they felt too small after a few years of using one. They make a slightly larger version, but I also didn't love the paper for any wet media (like watercolor or Posca markers). If you like to work small and primarily draw in pencil, try a Moleskine.

Eventually, I realized I didn't need something small enough to fit in my pocket anymore; I needed sturdy paper, but not too textured like some cold-pressed watercolor sketchbooks. I could only know what I was looking for by experimenting!

Unhappy with that tiny size, I switched to a square-format Speedball handbook journal. They make these in a few sizes, but I found the 5.5x5.5 size to work best for me. Plus, the format made it easy to transfer any final drawings I liked to Instagram. The paper is sturdy but not too heavy, and the binding is strong and lays flat.

I will make an urgent plea later not to think about posting while you’re drawing, but those were the early days of IG, back when it felt cozy and friendly to post stuff. Instagram in general is such a weird universe that I actually wrote this little guide for illustrators. INSTAGRAM FOR ILLUSTRATORS.

A few months ago, I reevaluated my sketchbook needs and switched to a slightly larger version of the same sketchbook. So far I’m loving it, but will I stick with it for ten years like I did with my last sketchbook style? Time will tell.

PICK A SIZE

If you haven’t kept a daily sketchbook before, I’d recommend sticking with something on the smaller end. A smaller sketchbook has two big advantages.

1. You can carry it around.

2. The smaller pages are easier to fill up.

PICK A PAPER

If you already draw often and like to use watercolor or paint, get a sketchbook that can really handle wet media.

If you're starting fresh with a drawing habit, I recommend a “sketchbook weight” paper. I mean, it will say “sketchbook.” If the book you pick says “journal,” often the weight of the paper is very thin and won’t be great for drawing.

The best way to see how the paper feels? Go to an art supply store!

A few other things to consider when picking your sketchbook.


1. LOW PRICE.

The nicer it is, the more precious it will feel. The more precious it feels, the less likely you are actually to draw in it.

2. STAYS OPEN

Make sure it can lay open flat. Some fancy-looking sketchbooks aren’t really made to be drawn in; they’re mostly made to look nice. Make sure it lays flat, or you’ll have a hard time drawing in it.

3. WHITE PAPER

I recommend NOT getting a sketchbook with toned paper. Some really gorgeous books have kraft paper, but to get started, I’d stick with plain white paper.

4. 150 PAGES OR LESS

Get a book with a reasonable number of pages. The ones I use typically have 100-130 pages. Any more than that, and you’ll start to feel overwhelmed and give up.


HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PEN (OR THE WRITE PEN!?)

In the same way that you’ll need to experiment to find your favorite sketchbook, you’ll need to experiment to find the right drawing supplies for you. I’ve made a page with a few of my favorites, but again, I urge you to go to a local art supply shop and really play around with whatever they’ll let you try out.

Here’s a list of a few of my favorite drawing tools.

BIG HUMONGOUS TIP: START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

I recommend starting with a cheap mechanical pencil. I use a slightly nicer pencil these days, but a plastic mechanical pencil is a great place to start.

Some of my favorite pages from my collection of travel sketchbooks were done with a basic mechanical pencil.

https://www.mikelowery.com/travel-sketchbooks

Like this page from Maine.

WAIT, CAN’T I JUST USE PROCREATE?

Nope, not for this. Procreate is great. I use it for all of my illustration work, and I talk about it a lot in my class that breaks down the business of illustration, Getting Paid to Draw. Procreate is such a great way to have total control over your final image.

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

However! The point of this blog post series is to get you to make something in the real world. It’s better for your brain and a million other reasons.

FIRST STEP.

Did you find a good sketchbook? Great! Now it’s time to do the most important part.

WRITE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN IT.

I can’t tell you how many horror stories I’ve heard about folks leaving their books on the train or in a bookstore and never seeing them again. Put your contact information in it so if you leave it behind, some nice human will return it to you.

SECOND STEP.

Write the date in your sketchbook. Do this every day!

Noting the date is a great way to use your sketchbook as a daily journal, and it helps to keep you motivated to draw every single day.

ACTIVITY TWO: Draw some things about YOU.

Do you remember that list you made in part one? It’s time to do the same thing, but focus on yourself.

Step one.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and write anything you can think of about yourself. These should be bullet-point notes. Go into this exercise with the mindset that you won’t show it to anyone. This will help you avoid self-editing while writing. Just make a note of anything that pops into your brain.

Step two.

Draw a page that highlights some of the things about you. This could include a self-portrait or, if that makes you feel nervous, just some drawings of those things that you wrote down.

That’s all for now! Good luck getting started with your daily sketchbook.

Mike

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

Want to know more about the illustration world?

Every year, Mike holds a class for illustrators called “Getting Paid to Draw.” He and his incredible guests break down the business of illustration. They go deep into topics like building a portfolio, submitting a children’s book, working with agents, beating creative block, and so much more. Registration is starting soon; sign up for more information.

See his graphic novel series, UNICORNDOG, here, and follow Mike on Instagram at @mikelowerystudio.

FINAL DAYS to relive the SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference 2026!

Happy Labor Day! As the summer slowly comes to a close, we are in the final days of the conference replays! I've been revisiting some awesome workshops like Artivism: Changing the Narrative through Creative Empathy with Nikkolas Smith and Feeling Stories: Creating Picture Books that Pack an Emotional Punch with Kelly Starling Lyons. 

Go to MEMBER HOME > MY RESOURCES and click on the conference resource to view. You may watch and rewatch your favorite sessions as many times as you'd like. 

You can also revisit by accessing your AIRMEET link provided by SCWBI. That link will take you to the HOME PAGE where you can relive all the fun!

 In the top right corner, you will find the SCHEDULE button. CLICK that and the entire conference archives will appear! 

And remember, you can watch the REPLAYS until September 13th! The videos will come down on September 14.

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE: How to start and keep a daily drawing habit

WEEK ONE.

Hello SCBWI folks!

I’m Mike Lowery, and I will be taking over the blog here for a few weeks. Before you get too worried, I was ASKED to take it over. I didn’t hack my way into it or anything. There won’t be any ads for supplements. Probably.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to talk about my favorite topic: sketchbooks. I’m going to be discussing how I keep a sketchbook and why I’ve been keeping one for almost 30 years.

Here’s my bold, but totally true statement:

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE.

It’s true. Keeping a daily drawing habit has had so many incredible effects on my life that every time I get asked to speak (or write) about anything art-related, I bring it up.

So, here’s my next bold, but totally true statement:

I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KEEP A SKETCHBOOK.

(Though I do think the word “sketchbook” might mean something different to different people. Seems like a good thing to explore a little later in this series. I’ll make a note. Scribble scribble. Note made!) 

Let’s get started. 

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Well, first things first. Let me tell you a tiny bit about myself. This is an opportunity for me to add a little, you know, validity to what I’m saying.

Primarily, I make picture books and graphic novels for kids.

I am a NYT-Bestselling Illustrator and author who has worked on more than 100 books, mostly for kids. I’ve illustrated books for some really incredible authors like Mac Barnett, Max Greenfield (Schmidt from the show New Girl), Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings, Drew Daywalt, Laura Murray, and others. I have also written my own books, including the Everything Awesome series, BUG SCOUTS, and Random Illustrated Facts, and I have a new series coming out very soon from HarperCollins called UNICORNDOG.

But! I’ve also illustrated a bunch of cards for Hallmark, American Greetings, and other card companies, and now I travel all over the world talking to schools and organizations about creativity and making books.

(Oh! I also teach a class every year about the business side of illustration. It’s called Getting Paid to Draw.) 

I’m saying all of that stuff about me as a setup for this statement: 

Everything I’ve ever achieved professionally is because I keep a sketchbook.

So many big, bold statements in this series of blog posts! And we are still only on week one!

So, now that you know a little about me, let me jump into the big “WHY” part of this series. 

BENEFITS OF KEEPING A DAILY DRAWING HABIT 

When I started keeping a sketchbook, my primary goal was to get better at making art.

Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s great for a few big things.

1. Keeping a sketchbook is the ultimate way to find your VOICE and STYLE.

Drawing, like anything else, is not just something you are naturally able to do. It takes PRACTICE. 

I’ve heard the analogy that a basketball player doesn’t wake up one day able to slam dunk a ball. It takes a lot of training. 

However! The big problem with this analogy is that there are actually some physical aspects that you need to be able to reach this goal, right? Toddlers can’t slam dunk because they aren’t tall enough.

Drawing isn’t like that. There’s not one singular goal or result. It’s just constant building and growing! I have been drawing in my sketchbook every day for most of my life.

2. KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK IS THE BEST WAY TO GET IDEAS!

All of the books that I’ve written start like this.

a) draw a little something in my sketchbook

b) Oops! I accidentally drew something I liked. Maybe it’s a shark wearing an ugly holiday sweater or a grumpy spider.

c) start to ask lots of questions about that drawing. Like, “Why is this shark wearing a sweater?” or “Why is this bug looking so grumpy? What made her so mad? What would make her happy?!”

d) Answer those questions until a story starts to form. Sometimes it works; more often it doesn’t. But when it works, oh boy, it feels like magic. And that’s how I make a picture book.

3. DRAWING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN.

Drawing has huge benefits for your wonderful head.

• It activates the reward center of our brain.

• It lowers stress

• It lets you focus deeply.

Drawing has become my daily way to practice mindfulness. If I had known way back in my 20s that I would one day do something like that, I would’ve been shocked, but it’s true. There’s so much going on all the time that forcing myself to sit for just a little bit each day and mindlessly (or mindfully?) doodle, draw, and make notes really helps calm my brain and focus on the more important tasks of the day.

Are you convinced yet? 

I hope so! Because next week I’m going to talk about some great ways to get your sketchbook started and begin to make it a daily habit. 

DRAWING EXERCISE NUMBER ONE (OF FOUR)

This is a two-part exercise.

Part one. 

Your “Like List”

Set a timer for 6 minutes and make a list of things that you like. Try not to edit yourself or overthink it. Just write down anything that pops into your head. If you have a slow start, set a timer and do it again. 

Part two.

Set a timer for another 6 minutes and try to draw as many items from your list as you can, as quickly as possible. Again, don’t overthink it. Don’t picture posting your drawings anywhere. Just draw for you! If you finish your six minutes and still feel good, why not try again? 

Thanks for reading! See you again next week.

Mike

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

Want to know more about the illustration world?

Every year, Mike holds a class for illustrators called “Getting Paid to Draw.” He and his incredible guests break down the business of illustration. They go deep into topics like building a portfolio, submitting a children’s book, working with agents, beating creative block, and so much more. Registration is starting soon; sign up for more information.

See his graphic novel series, UNICORNDOG, here, and follow Mike on Instagram at @mikelowerystudio.

SCBWI University: The Journey of The Picture Book

The Journey of The Picture Book

Even more goodies for this Fall's SCBWI University! SCBWI will be offering even more classes with another Three-Part Series, this time focusing in on "The Picture Book," learning how to generate, shape and create picture books. Check out the offerings below!

Letting Your Stories Flow: Tips for Generating New Story Ideas with JaNay Brown-Wood

September 10, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Inspiration for story can emerge from a variety of sources and finding kernels of ideas that are molded into compelling stories is something writers do best! But what do you do when you cannot think of what to write next? How do you proceed when your ideas stop flowing? This workshop will introduce ways to find story ideas that can be refined into compelling and emotionally resonant books for children.

From Spark to Story: Shaping a Picture Book Idea Into a Book with Jashar Awan

September 17, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Learn how to develop your idea into a picture book with Caldecott and Geisel honoree Jashar Awan! He will discuss the variety of approaches he uses to develop his books, as well as share his journey to becoming a published author.

Ready. Set. Revise.: A practical roadmap from draft to publication with Andrea Davis Pinkney

September 24, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Learn the strategies needed to refine and strengthen your work without losing the spark that inspired it. You’ll leave this practical workshop knowing how to: assess your work objectively; identify what’s working and what’s not; distinguish meaningful revision from simple polishing; strengthen character, pacing, structure, language, and emotional impact; decide what to cut, what to keep; develop a practical revision plan—and know when the work is ready to submit.

What is SCBWI University?

The world of children’s books is constantly evolving, and staying ahead can be a challenge. SCBWI University is your gateway to mastering the latest industry trends, refining your creative skills, and advancing your career. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, or translator—published or just starting out—SCBWI University provides the expert guidance you need to thrive.

Led by renowned industry professionals, award-winning authors, and celebrated illustrators, our dynamic program empowers you to hone your craft, build meaningful connections, and gain the confidence to bring your stories to life.

Join SCBWI University and take your creative journey to the next level.

How It Works

Each 3-session University course costs $199 for SCBWI Premium Members. University courses will dive deep into an element of the craft of illustrating or writing children’s books. If you can't attend live, video replays of all classes will be available to view until 30 days after the final session. Click on the links below for more information on each course. All courses consist of three consecutive classes taught by high-level children’s book writers, illustrators, editors, agents or art directors.

Creating while Caregiving: Advice from the Kid Lit Community!

Hello, hola and howdy!

We’ve come to the last post of the Creating while Caregiving series! I hope this has been a useful and honest look at the highs and lows of caring for others while saving time and energy for your creative needs. While I am able to speak to my own lived experience as a mother of four with extended family both next door and across the globe, there are many situations I cannot fully comprehend. For my final post I am sharing advice from others in the community experiencing various caregiving situations.

While not an exhaustive representation of caregiving situations, I hope the advice from this cross-section of kid lit creators offers you hope and help!

Creating while caring for Elders

The heaviness of eldercare has a markedly different effect on our energy than the frenetic, yet often joyous, task of childcare. I am thankful to Margarita Engle for composing this poem in which creative practice helps gather courage during sorrowful moments. 

 

METAMORPHOSIS

Day after day, year upon year

I awakened as if nothing had changed.


Minutes for coffee were followed by hours

devoted to my task of scribbling daydreams

that gradually shape-shifted into books

on shelves

in schools

and libraries.


Exactly at 10:00 AM, the illusion of normalcy ended

day after day, year upon year, as I knocked on the door

of the memory care home, and transformed myself

into the person Mamá needed me to be, her primita

when she was a child, both of us jovencitas

en Trinidad de Cuba, hace 90 años…


Suffering from Alzheimers, my mother always called me

by her cousin’s name, instead of the one

she chose when I was a baby

and she still

knew me.


Without those treasured hours of scribbling

before 10:00 AM, day after day, year upon year,

I might have resented

my daily transformation

into a stranger

but as long as I could protect

my early morning daydreams

I felt grateful to become Anita,

la primita

my mother

needed me

to be.

- Margarita Engle

Creating while Caregiving from Afar: 

In our conversation, author Mariana Llanos, originally from Perú, brought up the pressures of caring for family from afar. Distance is a complicating factor, whether family are a town or country away, but Mariana also spoke to financial pressures that many immigrants face. 

Many immigrants/migrants care for family that remain in our home countries. En mi caso, I helped my father for many years. On the one hand, I had a guilt complex when I dedicated myself to “making art” in the United States rather than being hyper focused on making money. But later I learned that the best way to honor my parents was to take advantage of the opportunities in this country to cultivate my creativity and talent, which, after all, are a reflection of who they are.

Creating through Health Issues

 

Picture book author Harshita Jerath offered the following advice for holding on to creativity during health challenges.

During challenging seasons of my life, I’ve held onto creativity like it’s my lifeboat. Would you let go of your lifeboat in a storm? No, right? But sometimes storms are so powerful that you tend to lose grip of the lifeboat. 

These are the few ways I’ve learned to find my way back to creativity:

Being gentle to myself: To me, that means resting, watching funny television series, reading Calvin and Hobbs, chatting with friends, and listening to music. Once I get my bearings back, I lean towards creating, which to me is writing and cooking.

Creativity with no expectation: I simply journal a lot during hard seasons of life. It is my way of letting go. When I don’t have anything to write about, I would still pick up my pen and write, “I don’t know what to write about…” and keep doodling. And that would lead to more writing, or not. The key is ‘no expectation.’ 

Creating as an Invisible Caretaker

  

Artist and educator Brenda Boykeni was kind enough to reach out and bring up the concept of invisible caregiving. 

“Be sure to find a support system specific to your need, be it pet owner or medical caretaker, etc. Pets are forever toddlers with just as many needs and desires as human offspring but a shorter lifespan and higher probability of being replaced at least once. The logistical issues of being a medical caregiver compound with relationship tensions and create more stress. Find the support so you don’t feel alone. Multiple overlapping support systems are best.”

Creating while Teaching

Teachers already demonstrate superpowers and those who find time to ensure their own art has a chance to thrive inspire me beyond measure. I reached out to Nicholas Solis, whose latest book, The Poetry of Poo, is a collection of poems written to teach and entertain his students over the course of 20 years in the classroom. 

My biggest tip for creating (and staying sane) while caregiving is to embrace the chaos. Whether I'm parenting or teaching, my environmental input is usually at a 10. This can have a negative impact, but I try to be more open to the positive. Over the years my brain has been trained to identify the seeds of stories all around me. Sometimes it is a full idea, and other times it is just a title or a way certain words string together. When you have the opportunity to be surrounded by the creativity and energy of the kids, ideas abound. The important thing is to always be open to them.

Another thing I try to do is find balance. There are days when it is too much and the sensory overload is maxxed out. Take some time, turn off the lights, and just sit. Allow yourself time to process your day and your ideas. You have to have balance in your life, but that can be especially difficult as a caregiver. By the end of the day you are tapped out, so carving out that little bit of time can be extremely hard. One of my goals this year is to take more walks without any devices; no podcasts, no music, no input. I want to take the time to reflect and create in a quiet space.

Final thoughts

That's a wrap on this month's exploration of Creating while Caregiving this month! These posts were drafted in transit, edited between back-to-school events and uploaded in between tech help sessions for my kids and my mother. They were also created using many of the methods mentioned such as sprints with my sprinting buddies and many discussions with friends in my creative community. I am deeply appreciative to everyone who has reached out with suggestions for fellow caregivers and comments on what resonates. Please continue to reach out as I would love to incorporate your credited feedback into future iterations of this series. And if there is a caregiver who works the night shift, please check out my upcoming picture book debut illustrated by the incredible Isabel Roxas, THE GOOD NIGHT SHIFT.

bye, adios, chau-chowdy!

Read the previous posts in the Creating while Caregiving series:

Picture books that Help Caregivers Feel Seen!

Leaning on your Creative Community

Making time to Make Art

Próximamente este artículo estará disponible en español en La Cometa.



Romy Natalia Goldberg is a Paraguayan American writer and artist with a love for stories about culture and communication. She has lived throughout the Americas, including in Argentina, where most of her family is from. Her debut picture book, THE GOODNIGHT SHIFT, is an ode to the people, especially caregivers, who help keep our communities running at night. Illustrated by Isabel Roxas, it will be published by Scholastic/Orchard Press in April, 2027 with a forthcoming Spanish translation. To learn more and shout out night shift heroes in your life, visit www.romynatalia.com/the-good-night-shift