Five Things I Have Learned Working with Authors
Hi friends! I am emerging from my deadline cave for a moment because I am thrilled to have my virtual assistant, who also happens to be my youngest daughter, share a guest post today, allowing me to continue writing. I hope you enjoy!
Hi everyone! My name is Kayla Godfrey, and I am a virtual assistant, specifically a virtual assistant for authors! Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved reading, writing, and everything literature! I guess it’s not surprising that I am the daughter of an author! However, I never imagined I would be working with authors, helping to promote their books, organize their emails, and help them set up events! I also get to peek behind the curtain and be a small part of an author’s life, so today I’m excited to share five things I have learned from working with authors!
So let me take you behind the scenes of an author’s world!
- Authors are surprisingly disorganized
With all the intricate plotlines, layered characters, and jaw-dropping twists, you might be led to believe authors are always organized and have everything together. I imagine that’s true for some authors, but in my experience…authors have sticky notes everywhere, bulletin boards that are almost indecipherable, and about ten reminders, at the minimum, on their phone for a task. I often find myself sending reminder texts almost every day. Don’t worry, my clients are always grateful for those much-needed reminders!
- Each Author has their own writing routine and needs
One of my favorite things about authors is that they always have their own unique writing routines and needs. A cup of coffee, I’m looking at you, Mom! A pair of fuzzy socks, a special playlist, or a comfy blanket…no author has the same writing routine. I have often sent gift cards or gone on coffee runs for my clients while they’re on their deadline for additional encouragement. This is not a skill requirement for virtual assistants, in case you’re wondering!
- Authors are always ready for a unique conversation.
When I open my email inbox for the day, I never quite know what to expect! Authors are always equipped with the most unique conversations to discuss their next plot, a new character, or the wildest location for their next book. My clients and I often have people turn their heads in curiosity and at times concern while we brainstorm ideas and enjoy a cup of coffee at a local bookstore or coffee shop.
- Authors are always writing something.
Even when an author has just released a book, there’s a good chance that they are already writing their next story or, at the very least, scribbling ideas down in a notebook. An author’s work is never done, nor is their creative mind ever taking a break.
- Authors are some of the most resilient, encouraging, and inspiring people you’ll ever meet.
I have been a virtual assistant since 2021, and one of my favorite things I have learned is that authors are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet, and I’m not just saying that because they pay me! Authors have to face what seems like an endless stream of reviews, some good and some bad, never-ending deadlines, and juggling all the aspects of life. Yet, the perseverance of my clients never ceases to amaze me! Even if they are in the middle of a deadline or have heard a harsh critique of their work, they are ready to push on! Write the next story, do the next interview, or attend a much-anticipated conference. They are there with the biggest smile on their face and the greatest appreciation for their readers. My clients have encouraged me in difficult moments and have inspired me with their faith and never-ending perseverance to keep doing what God has called them to do. Writers are truly amazing!
It has been such a pleasure to spend some time with you, and thank you to my fabulous Mom, for not only allowing me to be a part of her writing journey but for finding the perfect balance of being a mom and an author. Being your virtual assistant is a dream, but being your daughter is the biggest blessing and honor from the Lord.
P.S. Thank you to everyone who has supported my mom or any of my clients! Words can’t express the gratitude we have for your support!
What is one of your favorite things you have learned from or about an author?
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Hi Kayla! It’s a pleasure to have you today. I’ve loved your mom’s books for a long time and she was one of the first author’s I met years ago at the first Christian Readers Retreat in Nashville. She was a delight then and it was great to reconnect with her last year at the Reader Rendezvous in Chicago. Thank you for sharing the ‘behind the scenes’ things you’ve learned from authors. One of the things, I’ve learned about them is even though they created their characters and have an idea of how they are to act, there are times when the character tells THEM what will happen. I don’t fully understand this, but find it fascinating that someone in their imagination can take over their own story.
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for your support and your kind words about my mom! That is so sweet of you!
I’m glad I was able to share some behind-the-scenes insights into an author’s world; it is such a joy to work with so many wonderful writers.
And that is very true about the characters! It never ceases to amaze me the creativity and imagination of authors!
That many of them are introverts but make themselves step out of their comfort zones to meet and talk with their readers. I was at Just Read Rendezvous (with you mom) and several of them said they were introverts and how hard weekends like this were. I truly appreciate them for doing this. Love to read and recommend books so others can enjoy.
Hi Jane,
It is amazing how willing they are to step out of their comfort zones. Their courage always inspires me!
I hope you had a wonderful time at Reading Rendezvous!
My daughter and I go every year and love it. We went to ACFW for a couple years, but we didn’t get to see the authors like we do at Just Read. Love getting to sit with them at our tables and ask questions and just get to know them.
Hi Kay,
Thanks for your fun post. I loved reading it. We loved to support each other.
Hi Mom,
You’re welcome! So glad you loved it!
Thanks for letting me do a guest post! I had so much fun writing it!
I’m amazed at how encouraging published authors are to the unpublished. No, they don’t always have time to read or critique or write a review for the book flap. But they always encourage. Published authors are real people with real life challenges who live the example of perseverance in writing no matter what life throws at them. Then, they just put it in a book somewhere! It’s authors like that that keep me writing.
Hi Susan,
That is so true! Authors are so encouraging!
It is a blessing to be able to work with so many wonderful writers.
I pray the Lord will bless you as you continue on your writing journey.
What a fun post, Kayla! Thanks so much for guest posting for your mom (who I love so much!)
Thank you so much, Deborah!
I had so much fun writing the post, so glad you enjoyed it!