'When Are You Going to Get a Proper Job?: Parenting and the Creative Muse' with words and art by Richy K. Chandler is a graphic novel about the challenges of having a creative muse and limited time to do anything with it.

Tariq is a stay at home dad. His wife holds down a good job and Tariq loves his daughter. Tariq is also trying to get his career as an artist going, but with the demands of parenting, he has little time to be creative. This book is his character working that out with other people and himself.

It's an interesting inner monologue between this character and his creative muse. At no point does he consider letting parenting take a back seat, and I applaud that. He does find some creative solutions. The art wasn't my favorite, but it worked for the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Singing Dragon, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Related to it as an artist, not so much as a parent (because I'm not one). Though the parts about balancing your work and parenting were insightful (and a bit discouraging if I'm being honest), especially since at some point in the far off distant future that might probably be me.

Remove those parts (even though I know they're the point of the book) and it's a good look at the life of a freelancer. Just because you don't have kids of your own doesn't mean you won't have to deal with people (or their kids) who demand your attention because "You're not really working." Often times the muses have to be put on hold just because, to some people, not going out to a place of work means availability and this makes a great point of that.

Reading "When Are You Going to Get a Proper Job" was a pleasant surprise. I was not sure what to expect, because this was my first time reading a book that sympathized with the creative parent. As a creative parent myself, I wondered if the author would be able to capture the thoughts, feelings, and situations we experience. And I believe he did a pretty good job.

The idea of a visual creative muse (depicted as this fiery little dragon) is what delighted me the most with this book, because it describes the creative process so well. There were times that the main character Tariq expected his muse to show up and do all the work for him, but he had not allowed himself the proper time to put in the work. He had been distracted with family obligations, as many of us are, and had grown frustrated. And as such is life, the muse could not produce because it had not been utilized and nurtured.

Another thing that I liked about this book was how the author placed Tariq in many situations the creative parent could relate to. Possible strain in the marriage, lack of social interaction, oftentimes trouble finding a job, and family + friends never understanding that your livelihood isn't just a "hobby" are some of the experiences Tariq had that I believe others could definitely relate to.

I was surprised to learn that the author had not experienced these things himself, but interviewed other creatives in writing this book. Perhaps that's why some of the situations seemed easily resolved, which isn't always realistic. But the last thing I was looking to read was a stuffy, preachy book about parenting as a creative, so this was fine by me.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading "When Are You Going to Get a Proper Job?" I recommend this book to other creative parents and their loved ones. This graphic novel would be a great addition to your library to inspire and remind you that there are others experiencing the same struggles as you.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

The author/artist didn't write this from his own personal experience, but from interviews with artist-parents – and I think it shows. It feels quite surface-level, and doesn't delve deep into any of the issues. The solutions offered felt simplistic, and might work as a bandage in the short term but don't actually change anything. The art really wasn't to my taste either. I think this book might offer some soothing short-term solutions to overwhelmed artist-parents, but for me it felt far too light.

I almost passed this book by. The thought of another self-help book, telling how to raise your kids. Please, I am so over that, and besides, my kid is grown and out the door.

But then, I read the description, that this was a graphic novel take on it, and then I read the book itself, and fell in love with Tariq and is little fiery muse.

This story is so close to how it is for any freelancer, who wants to do some sort of art for their own pleasure. As someone who writes, it is hard to find the time to do the art form you enjoy while raising kids. The voices that discuss this, and the actions that happen to Tariq in the book, reflect all the different ways to solve this problem.

I like the solutions demonstrated, and enjoyed reading the story as well. Well done.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.