Billy Coffey
Billy Coffey

A Day in the Life of a Published Author

January 7, 2010  

photo by photobucket

photo by photobucket

I’ll admit there is little I remember about the conversation I had with Rachelle Gardner when she called to say I had been offered a publishing contract. Bliss mixed with shock and combined with a temporary but nasty case of the shakes can do that to a person. But I do remember her saying these words near the end:

“Your life is going to change now.”

I didn’t know what that meant exactly, but it sounded awfully nice. Not that my life was horrible at the time. It wasn’t. But to some extent that phone call divided my life into two distinct parts—the part that was before I was published, and the part afterwards.

I was ready to experience the part afterwards.

Ready to be a real writer and live a real writer’s life.

I didn’t know what that meant exactly either, but that too sounded awfully nice. I envisioned a flurry of emails and phone calls with editors and agents and publishers, interviews and mentions and furious planning.

To me being published was a sort of rebirth, a chance to lay aside the old me for a new and improved version. After years of trying and failing, I had found my holy grail. Those black clouds of fear and doubt were about to be replaced by blue skies and rainbows. My days, I decided, would now be meaningful.

For proof of whether that assertion has been proven true or not, here is a recollection of a twenty-four-hour span during this past week—one day in the life of a published author:

5:30 am – Alarm scares me awake. Cannot get out of bed. Throw the nearest object to silence the clock and miss, waking everyone in the house.

5:35 – Have a wonderful idea to include in my next book while in the shower.

5:37 – Forget the idea.

6:00 – Leave for work. With wind chill, the temperature is five below zero. Ponder the fact that real writers are likely still in bed.

7:00 – Begin sorting over two thousand pieces of mail. Wonder what in the world has happened to me.

8:30 – Break time. Thaw out extremities, then check email, Twitter, and blog comments. Really hoping people like my post. Also hoping everyone else’s numbers dipped a little over the holidays. Pessimistic voice inside my head mutters Yeah, right.

8:50 – Get an idea for a blog post during a conversation with a friend. This one I manage to write down in time. Still kicking myself for forgetting the one I had in the shower, though. Now convinced it could have been a bestseller.

9:00-11:59 – Thoughts of book tours and rampant adulation are replaced by the fact that I am scouring the campus looking for a box of grapes sent by a student’s mother.

12:00 pm – Lunch. Editing what I wrote from the previous night and looking over a few blogs. Decide that Jon Acuff’s book is going to be huge. Also decide that I’m not jealous because Jon’s a nice guy and he deserves it.

12:04 – Decide that even though Jon’s nice and he deserves it, I’m still jealous.

4:00 – Drive home. Have another good idea for the book. Pull over to write it down and am passed by someone who waves. Forget the idea. Curse my impending senility.

4:30 – Onslaught of kids/dinner/homework/exercise. Can’t write because of the commotion. Decide to reread Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. My enemy has a name, and its name is Resistance.

6:00 – catch up on emails. Nothing from publisher. They haven’t forgotten about me, right? Hush the pessimistic voice in my head before it answers.

9:30 – Family settled, I go upstairs to write.

1:15 am – 1,000 words for book number two, 720 for a blog post. Delirious from exhaustion.

1:30 – Bed.

Such has been my initiation into the world of publishing. Sounds glamorous, huh? Don’t get me wrong—I’m loving every second. This is, after all, my dream. But it’s not a blissful dream. Not a restful one. It’s work. Excruciating, tiresome, lonely work. Also the only work I’ve ever wanted to do.

Rachelle was right (Rachelle’s always right). My life has changed.

But I haven’t.

Getting published doesn’t remake you, it simply magnifies the person you’ve always been. I’m not as afraid or jealous or doubtful as I was before. It’s worse now. All those insecurities of being a writer are still there, and they still rage. The only difference is that while those emotions were once a distraction, now they’re a threat. Where once they tried to keep my dream from me, now they’re intent on taking it away.

There is no holy grail in writing. No point where you can relax and say you’ve made it. No place you can dream of getting to in order to make everything good.

Because no matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you.

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  • http://topsy.com/tb/bit.ly/6lIv1P Tweets that mention A Day in the Life of a Published Author : Billy Coffey — Topsy.com

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Billy Coffey and TchrEric, Sarah Salter. Sarah Salter said: RT @billycoffey: New Post! A day in the life of a published author ~ http://bit.ly/6lIv1P [...]

  • http://sandraking-beholding-god.blogspot.com/ Sandra Heska King

    I think every writer with shower ideas needs to invest in a set of bathtub markers!

  • http://mainelymyles.blogspot.com Jo@Mylestones

    I don’t know how you do it, Billy. But I’m glad you do.
    And wouldn’t the world be a better place if the shower didn’t wash away so many great ideas?

  • http://theextraordinaryordinary.blogspot.com Heather of the EO

    Such a crazy beautiful time, Mr. Coffey!

    And yes, “no matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you.”

    So true.

  • http://www.ubervu.com/conversations/www.billycoffey.com/2010/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-published-author/ uberVU – social comments

    Social comments and analytics for this post…

    This post was mentioned on Twitter by billycoffey: New Post! A day in the life of a published author ~ http://bit.ly/6lIv1P…

  • http://www.BridgetChumbley.com Bridget

    Brilliant and honest post, Billy. I have something to share about my day:

    7:12PM – Decide that even though Billy’s nice and he deserves it, I’m still jealous.

    J/K of course… I’m so happy for you (not the long days part) and I can’t wait for you to get to write as your ONLY job… you deserve it and I can’t wait to read it ALL!

  • http://annkroeker.wordpress.com Ann Kroeker

    When Snow Day is published, marketed and promoted; when people are buying, reading, reviewing; when you’re speaking and being interviewed…write “A Day in the Life of a Published Author, Pt. 2,” please, and link back to this one.

    We’ll enjoy comparing this one with that. Your ending might be the same–the conclusion that you’ll be the same Billy, magnified–but we’ll be eager to lap up the details leading up to it.

    Speaking of details, I hope you find those grapes soon.

  • http://blog.hafchurch.org/peter Peter P

    My blog traffic didn’t dip a little over the holidays. It nose-dived out of control like a kamikaze pilot!

  • http://forevrenevernalways1.blogspot.com Jill

    Smile!

    Praying over all that is to come now as you walk through this new journey – published!

    Blessings,
    Jill

  • http://melindalancaster.com Melinda Lancaster

    Every time I have come to read your posts, which often, I find myself trying to convey them verbally to my husband. In addition, as an addendum, I always say “somebody needs to offer Billy a writing contract.”

    While it is true that “no matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you” who you are, Billy Coffey has made you a brilliant and passionate writer who is not so overcome with his gifts to allow room to grow.

    Keep up the great work. I look forward to your first book coming out. Eventually we’ll probably be saying something like “I knew him when…” in the meantime thanks so much for allowing us to share this very interesting and exciting time with you.

    Oh, and for the record, holiday traffic was very slow.

    Also I think that the best present a writer can get another writer is a set of shower markers/crayons.

  • http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com Joyce

    thanks for taking us along for the ride….can’t wait to read your book.

    ‘Wherever you go take yourself with you’…that’s one to remember.

  • http://roxanesalonen.blogspot.com Roxane B. Salonen

    Billy. You are right in this, and it’s as it should be. God would never want us to take our gaze off of Him, and all worldly success threatens that. In fact, that’s the true threat. He definitely wants you to experience your dreams-come-true. He put the love of that, the passion, in you, helped you nurture it. But…speaking as a published author myself…I have the perspective that what you say is true. There will be times when you feel elevated, but just as many times when you plunge into self-doubt. Just remember this: God loves you always, and would have, whether or not you ever put pen to paper. But I suspect He’s also awfully proud of you because this is the work (part of it anyway) He commissioned you to do. I’m reading Max Lucado’s “Fearless” right now. Have you read it? It’s good. It might be a good time for you to settle in with something like this. I think it will give you courage for the journey ahead. All best, and many blessings…Roxane (Peace Garden Mama)

  • http://churchrobin.blogspot.com Robin Arnold

    Would it scare you to know my life has changed because of you? I’m learning a lot from you and because of you. Thank you and thank you to your family. I am enjoying watching this unfold. It’s marvelous!

  • http://www.warrenbaldwin.blogspot.com/ Warren Baldwin

    “No matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you.”

    Well said, poetic and insightful.

    Congratulations on this new phase of your life.

    Warren

  • http://lexiconluvr.blogspot.com L.T. Elliot

    And yet, I like you even more than before. I wouldn’t want publishing to change you (or me for that matter). Hope you get some rest and some ideas to fill up your notebook.

  • http://www.randommusings-helen.blogspot.com Helen

    I am sorry that your days are long and tiring.

    I am glad you haven’t changed.

  • http://marlataviano.com Marla Taviano

    This is great, Billy. I can relate on so many levels.

  • http://www.steeletheday.com Candy

    Not only do you take yourself with you, you take many of us with you, too. And I have SO enjoyed the journey!

    Do they still make shower crayons? They would be perfect for writers.

  • http://davidmetraux.com/daniel daniel

    My first book was a thrill, but soon came the realization how few people
    actually read what I wrote! But I have solved a few people’s insomnia problems,
    Can be very humbling!

  • http://blog.breakthroughalaska.com jasonS

    Great honesty. We all know it’s true, but we need to hear these things often. When we get our dreams (or get closer) doesn’t mean everything becomes champagne and roses, there’s a lot of work to be done. Thanks for doing what you do and being who you are, Billy (even if you don’t comment on my blog anymore). :)

  • http://www.katieganshert.blogspot.com Katie Ganshert

    This is an AWESOME post. And SO true! I’m not published, so I can’t say what it feels like in that respect, but I do have an agent (I think you know her ;) ) and it’s not like life all of a sudden changes into this bright, blissful place on the other side of representation. Things just become more real.

    I laughed out loud when I read 12:04. Love your honesty, Billy!

    This post reminds me of a quote from Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird. “Publication is not going to sole your problems. Publication will not make you more confident, more beautiful, and it will proably not make you any richer” She goes on to say that if you’re not happy now, you won’t be happy then either. Maybe for a little bit…but after the excitement wears off, you’re left with the same…which is what you said – yourself. That’s why I’ve resolved to enjoy every step of the journey because if I just enjoyed the finish lines, I’d be missing out on the majority of my life.

    Thanks for giving us a peek inside, Billy.

  • http://www.pridelandsmommy.blogspot.com *~Michelle~*

    Love this…..keeping it real. That’s why I love coming to your place.

    For some reason…..yeah, I am weird and I “see” things when I am reading others’ thoughts…..I see you traveling up another new mountain. Yes, getting signed/published was a mountain top for you……but now you have an even larger mountain ahead and you are hiking up it just fine! I know the view will be awesome for you soon enough.

    Oh, back to your normally sane commenters…….

  • http://rmabry.com Richard Mabry

    Billy, Thanks for sharing. Hate to tell you this, but as the launch for your book approaches, it gets worse. And even if you’re retired, there are never enough hours in the day for writing, marketing, blogging, etc. But isn’t it a great problem to have?

  • http://buzzbyannies.blogspot.com Annie K

    I will never complain about the measly stacks of mail on my desk. Ever. Again.

  • Jim H

    “No matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you.” well said, it’s who you are, the ones who love you and who you love that make the stories that you share so poignant – it’s about staying true to the One who loves you! A friend of mine is a very successful songwriter, and when I see her struggle with the mundane, I wonder, but it is the struggles that give the insight and edge to what she writes.
    Can’t wait to read your book!

  • http://trainstutusandtwizzlers.wordpress.com Corinne

    Oh the honesty :) Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed this (especially knowing that ideas fly in and out of the mind of brilliance as it happens to me on an almost hourly basis!)

  • http://thereluctanthomefront.blogspot.com Rebecca

    But at least you can rest assured that we all love you, Billy. ;) Especially when you’re keeping it real!

  • Rachelle

    I’m not always right, Billy. But I sure try.

  • http://whisperingwriter.blogspot.com/ Amber

    First of all, congrats on getting a book published. That’s fantastic and a dream that I’m working on.

    I really enjoy reading this. I, too, get ideas in the shower for future novels. Or when I’m out running errands. I’ve been known to write entire plots on my palm before. But it’s okay, because aren’t writers supposed to be eccentric anyhow?

  • http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ Wendy

    “it simply magnifies the person you’ve always been.” I loved this post. Appreciated the glimpse inside your world on the brink of amazing things…

    Why is it that some of the best thoughts happen during a shower? I need one of those washboard & pens for such times.

    My numbers dipped during the holidays too.

    I enjoy reading your insights.
    ~ Wendy

  • http://www.terri-treasures.blogspot.com terri tiffany

    Awesome day and explanation! Thank you! SHould I have the blessed forturne to get an agent, I will think of this post. Love your last line:))

  • http://lynnrush.wordpress.com/ Lynn Rush

    Fantastic post, Billy. Thanks for the glimpse into your daily life. I love your humor. Write on, my friend, you are meant to touch many lives with the gift God has given you.

  • http://heathersunseri.blogspot.com Heather Sunseri

    Well, that’s just great! I was just becoming comfortable inside the bubble I was living in.

    Really, thanks for giving us a peek inside your writing life. I, for one, am thankful that you make that amazing effort to continue writing because you are an inspiration to the rest of us. I can totally understand that chaos in the evenings that keeps you from writing. The problem is I think I would shoot myself trying to get up that early after going to bed at 1:30.

    Thanks, Billy. I am looking forward to your book debut!

  • http://kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com Krista

    Thank you! Oh, the pressure we put on ourselves (doubt) once we get the coveted acceptance! It’s crazy and I try to remind myself how amazing this experience will be, even if filled with the mundane. Keep going and let us know how things do change once your book is out.

  • http://topsy.com/tb/bit.ly/8ak7mW Tweets that mention A Day in the Life of a Published Author : Billy Coffey — Topsy.com

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelly Nickell, Brian Klems. Brian Klems said: RT @kmnickell: A fun read! A Day in the Life of a Published Author by @billycoffey: http://bit.ly/8ak7mW (via @scottneumyer & @LaurenBar … [...]

  • http://www.chattykelly.blogspot.com Kelly Combs

    “Because no matter where you go in life, you take yourself with you.” I love that line…even as I may not like that fact.

    I have lost more great ideas, by not writing them down. Of course they were ALL bestseller ideas. :-)

    I don’t think you have anything to worry about because you are a great writer, and you deserve publication. And yes, I am jealous as heck.

  • http://www.pambachorz.com Pam Bachorz

    Thank you for this post from another author who juggles a FT “other job”, kids, exercise, crumbling house and shameful reality TV addiction.

  • http://godsheart-heart2heart.blogspot.com Kat

    Billy,

    I’ve often wondered what a day in your life was like. Thank you for sharing it with us. I think we all would be exactly where you are and hope someday we are! Thank you for sharing just what this journey has been like for you from start to the end and you are right, readers and comments are down all over. People are doing other things beside blogging right now.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

  • http://www.rachelheldevans.com Rachel H. Evans

    “I’m not as afraid or jealous or doubtful as I was before. It’s worse now. All those insecurities of being a writer are still there, and they still rage. The only difference is that while those emotions were once a distraction, now they’re a threat. Where once they tried to keep my dream from me, now they’re intent on taking it away.”

    Yes! Yes! Yes!

    As a soon-to-be-published author (and fellow client of Rachelle’s), I feel the very same way. Part of me always thought that once I got that publishing deal, once I saw my name on the cover of a book, all my insecurities would melt away forever. Not so!

    Yet there’s something strangely encouraging about knowing that the ability to be content has been there all along, that I didn’t need a big break to love the writing process. It seems we can be happy or miserable, confident or insecure, regardless of our publishing status. And that’s good news for all writers!

  • http://joannesher.blogspot.com Joanne Sher

    So love this insight. And, as ALWAYS, the last line. Definitely a keeper. I’ll remember this.

  • Katdish

    No matter where you go, there you are.

  • http://www.dianeestrella.com Diane

    Busy schedule! Congrats on the published author status. Get a waterproof board and pen for the shower for next time! :O)

  • http://Bryanallain.com bryan a

    great post Billy. thanks.

  • Laurie

    Congratulations and . . . Oh, no!

  • http://writingwithoutpaper.blogspot.com Maureen

    If you had changed, they/we wouldn’t still be coming. Who you are is why we’re here.

  • http://www.nebraskagraceful.blogspot.com Michelle at Graceful

    Well I’m glad to hear at least someone else is wicked jealous (okay maybe the wicked part is just me) of Jon Acuff. Seriously nice guy — he answered a couple of really pathetic emails from me! — but I’m still jealous. Come to think of it, I’m a little jealous of you, too. It’s funny how perspective changes on this writing road. When I first started blogging, I was happy with one reader. Literally one reader. Now I want more, more, more. Sometimes I have to take a step back and trust God (trust God — that’s my phrase this year). He knows the big plan. I’m just trying to listen as best I can. Thanks for your insights, Billy — they are both comforting and unnerving!

  • http://www.tisagifttorceive.wordpress.com Anita Yoder

    This hit a chord in my soul. I always like your readable, personable posts. You’re from VA like I used to be, and you have Amish roots, you said, and I do too, so I feel an affinity in several ways. It is exactly 2 yrs now that I self-published a book for singles, and while that’s not nearly like being published for real, I’m finding what you wrote to be terribly, exhaustingly true. But, well, we word-smiths seem to be known to be gluttons for punishment, right?!

  • http://more-of-mich.blogspot.com mich

    God has blessed you with a beautiful gift. Thanks for sharing it with us and sharing your heart at the same time.

    I love how you stay true to who you are and the person God made you to be.

  • http://www.thechurchofnopeople.com Matt @ The Church of No People

    Sounds like a great day! And if you’re still wondering, yours and my numbers both dipped during the holidays. That makes at least two of us. :)

  • http://www.zimmages.blogspot.com BeckeyZ

    Congrats!!!

    So, when you start your book signing tour, if you make it to my town (San Antonio)….you really must let me take your photo after you sign my copy – okay? OR let me take you to lunch. That would be so cool.

    Oh, and btw – I hadn’t realized you had moved…so I should do a little better at keeping up with you now.

    Bless you Billy.

  • http://www.moonboatcafe.com Cassandra Frear

    50 comments lets you know you’ve hit the target on this post. And you have. Wisdom from a life being honestly lived. That’s what your writing is about. And here, you do it as well as any of your posts I have read.

  • Caroline

    Missed this one and just discovered it. Glad I did! Your itemized run through the day made me really laugh! Thank you. Just keep on doind what you always wanted to to because you are gooooood at it!

  • http://www.peaceforthejourney.com elaine @ peace for the journey

    Billy:
    Love your day; sounds a whole lot like mine–well, at the least the busy part of it. I can’t say that I was looking for grapes at noon. Instead, running to the teacher bookstore to purchase “reading comprehension” supplements for a son whose “words” remain trapped somewhere inside of him.

    So glad yours have found a way to break free! The world will continue to be blessed by them as you continue to magnify the Author behind them.

    Rest well as you can. Write well even more.

    peace~elaine

  • http://cravesomethingmore.org Chris Tomlinson

    I think I know why everyone’s #s dipped during the holidays. It’s because we were all stuck on our stats pages wondering where everyone was.

    Thanks for the post…

  • http://www.faithbarista.com Bonnie | FaithBarista

    Sounds like a great day, Billy!

    Your book is going to do GREAT! And then, you’ll find yourself getting up even earlier to read all your fan mail.