photo by Elle Darcy

What is Do the Work?

Do the Work is a newsletter about how to get creative work done. You know you want to write a book, and you know the way to write a book is to sit down and writing, but it’s hard. A day goes by, then a week, then six months. Do the Work is a pep talk telling you that it’s ok, you are still a writer, even if it’s been a while since you wrote anything you liked, or anything at all. And Do the Work is here to inspire you to get back to it. If you want to write a children’s book for the kid you were, you owe it to yourself to do it. And you owe it to the kid who would love it now. Even if it’s hard. Especially if it’s hard.

Who is Julie Falatko?

Julie Falatko writes books for children. She is the author of many books, including Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), which was named one of the ABA’s best books for young readers for 2016, was featured in People magazine, and was read online by David Harbour of “Stranger Things,” the Two Dogs in a Trench Coat chapter book series, illustrated by Colin Jack (Scholastic), for which she received the Denise McCoy Literacy Award, and Rick the Rock of Room 214, which was called “the back to school book of the century.” 

You can view all of Julie’s books here. Julie’s website is at juliefalatko.com.

If you’re interested in writing and revising picture books, Julie has an online class about revising picture books.

Julie lives with her family in Maine, where she maintains the Little Free Library in front of their house.

Julie’s pronouns are she/her/hers.

Why subscribe?

Every month, a free subscription to Do the Work will include:

  • an essay about writing, getting work done, staying off social media (and why), how to get and stay inspired, or the craft and business of writing books for children

  • audio of Julie reading the essay

  • a link roundup

  • books Julie read that month that she loved

  • occasional video pep talk

If you choose to subscribe to the paid tier, you will also get:

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To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.

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People

Author of books for kids, including Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) and the Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School series.