The Kids’ Book That Never Gets Done

There’s something on my to-do list that has been sitting there, staring at me, for far too long. Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet—my kids’ book, my passion project, my unfinished masterpiece. I’ve poured so much time and energy into illustrating, researching, and dreaming about this book, but somehow, it never seems to get done.

Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

It’s not for lack of trying. The last few years have been a whirlwind: relocating to a country farm, running a café full-time, homeschooling, converting a house bus into a tiny home. Life hasn’t exactly been handing me leisurely afternoons to sit down and tie up loose ends. But if I’m really honest with myself, I have managed to create other art during this time—designing patterns, launching socks, making new Hypno Bat variations. So why not focus my limited time on finishing this book?

The Real Reasons It’s Not Done

I’ve been reflecting on what’s really stopping me. Is it just life’s chaos? Or is it something deeper?

1. Perfectionism: The Endless Loop

There’s always one more thing to tweak. One more animal to refine. One more pass at the text. Perfectionism is sneaky—it disguises itself as dedication, but really, it’s just a form of procrastination. If I never finish, I never have to release something that might not be perfect.

2. Fear of Success (Yes, That’s a Thing)

What if I actually finish this book? What then? What if it does well? Suddenly, there are expectations—another book, more marketing, more public attention. Staying in the safety of “unfinished” means I don’t have to face the unknown that comes with success.

3. Fear of Competition

The kids’ book market is saturated. What if my book gets lost in the sea of other alphabet books? What if it doesn’t stand out? The what ifs are enough to make me stall indefinitely.

4. Self-Sabotage & Burnout

I’ve been through a lot. Since my first child was born, both my parents have passed away. I’ve moved house twice. I’ve lived through bushfires and pandemics. To be quite honest, I’ve been in survival mode, not thriving mode. Creativity requires energy, and I’ve been running on empty.

How to Turn It Around

If I want to break this cycle, I need to shift from survival to intentional action.

• A Deadline, Not a Dream – I need to treat this book like a real project with a real deadline.
• Good Enough is Good Enough – It’s better to have a finished book that exists than a perfect book that never does.
• Small, Consistent Steps – Even 15 minutes a day is better than nothing. The book doesn’t have to be finished all at once.
• Rest and Recovery – If I’m burnt out, I need to acknowledge that and build in time to recharge. Creativity flows best from a well-rested mind.

The Bottom Line: Just Finish It

The best way to get out of survival mode? Finish the thing that matters most. Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet has been waiting long enough. It’s time to set it free.