Mere words cannot do justice to my love for Natalie Whipple. (Kind of ironic, huh?) In a blogosphere full of writers clamoring for attention, Natalie stands out for being completely open, honest, helpful, funny, insightful, and most of all, genuine.

(Trust me. After I discovered her, I went back and read every. single. post. in her archive of 2+ years. So I know.)

She also has great taste in anime, a zillion awesome book ideas, and enviable talent with a pen. And pencil! Yes, Natalie is an artist to boot, and she has graciously shared that talent with us today.

I want to give a big thanks to Natalie and all my wonderful guest bloggers! Readers, please remember to show them comment-love. When I get back, I’ll select the most thoughtful comment of the week, and winner/prize will be announced Monday.

Now, without further ado, Natalie’s guest post…


(Click to enlarge. No seriously: CLICK NOW!)


18 responses to “The (de)evolution of a writer”

  1. Sonja Avatar

    I definitely like the aesthetic of the writer sinking lower and lower. However, the “waiting” period depicted looks much quieter than mine has been. I’ve done a fair amount of kicking over trashcans and shaking my fist at the sky. :)

  2. Les Avatar

    And just when I was starting to have a positive outlook on life there you go squashing it… :p

    Side note and totally unrelated, I’m o envious of your vacation organization.

  3. Joelle Avatar

    I have now received my daily dose of giggle.

  4. Marie Avatar

    Soooo fabulously apt. Although my waiting involves a lot of ice cream eating too…I don’t wait for rejection for that. :) Yay Natalie!

  5. Dara Avatar

    LOVE THIS!! That’s so true.

  6. T.S. Bazelli Avatar

    Oh man, this is so true, it’s funny! LOL

  7. Bethany Mason Avatar

    Have to say I love Natalie as well – I’m currently reading through her entire archive (only one year left to read) and can honestly say I very rarely spend that much time on one person. As for the (de)evolution of a writer I can totally see this being me – you know, once I get past the second part :)

  8. Erin Avatar

    SO true. Wonderful!

  9. Sarah Enni Avatar

    This is AMAZING. Gorgeously illustrated, first of all, and also hilarious.

  10. Sarah Avatar

    I’m stuck on editing…so much. further. to. go!

  11. Shari Avatar

    This made me LOL … it’s so accurate!!

  12. JannatWrites Avatar

    Great depiction – and it’s almost accurate…except that she still has a full head of hair after the waiting and rejection :)

    I love the repeat if success part. I guess it’s like childbirth; not fun while you’re going through it, but somehow the reward is worth it so you do it again.

    Thanks for the laugh!

  13. Jon Avatar

    I love this cartoon! If that character were me, I would caption the last cartoon “dejection,” but I think that’s just my mindset right now. I really need to cheer up…

  14. Kristan Avatar

    Bethany Mason-
    She just sucks you in, doesn’t she?! I have only done that for 3 bloggers so far: Natalie, her friend Kiersten White, and the infamous Heather Armstrong of Dooce.

    JannatWrites-
    LOL! Good thing I have so much hair to spare…

    Jon-
    Aww, hang in there! I know it feels like we’re constantly treading water, but we’re so young, and have come so far already!

  15. Meghan Ward Avatar

    I think she missed a few steps – drinking wine, eating chocolate, tearing hair out, crying, cleaning the toilet in order to avoid writing, drinking some more …

    Thanks for sharing the link to her blog!

  16. Kristan Avatar

    Meghan-
    Lol well Natalie is Mormon, so there IS no wine step for her… but I think your process is probably quite common.

  17. Heather Pranitis Avatar

    What an absolute great “sketch”. I think you nailed it.