I've been trying to figure out how I feel since finishing the final edits on my book that will be released in May 2011 from Strang/Realms. Book One of The Ravensmoore Chronicles: Secrets of the Heart. I wanted to document this first time experience of what it's like to finish a book that is scheduled for publication. It's kind of like a firework Rorschach Test experience. Interpret your inner fireworks.
Yes, I'm relieved that I made it this far. But I can't quite figure out how I REALLY feel. I know that probably doesn't make any sense at all, but I thought this would be a kind of huge jumping for joy feeling. I'm happy, don't get me wrong, but . . . it's like fireworks. Different ones go off and make all these pretty patterns, but they're not all beautiful. Some can make your ears and eyes hurt and others can jiggle your insides or make your heart pound. Kind of like the emotion of this experience. Weird. I know.
Did I just finish this revision?Ohhh. Ahhh. Wow! Hmmm. Gee Whiz. Yikes! Shazaam! Uh-Oh, now I've got to do it again. Can I do it again? Sure. Maybe.
What do these firworks mean? They're pure emotion. Bright, and shining, and beautiful. Sometimes they just fizzle out after making a lot of noise. Some go really high, burst, and then disappear quickly, while others linger and leave their mark on the air.
~WOW~
Brenda Ueland wrote a book called, If You Want To Write http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Want-Write-Independence/dp/1935785575/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291685048&sr=1-1
Her 8th summary point on page 178 says the following:
"Don't think of yourself as an intestinal tract and tangle of nerves in the skull, that will not work unless you drink coffee. Think of yourself as incandescent power, illuminated perhaps and forever talked to by God and his messengers. Remember how wonderful you are, what a miracle! Think if Tiffany's made a mosquito, how wonderful we would think it was!"
And that's what I want you to remember when you write. I don't care if it's your first paragraph or your 50th book. Remember how wonderful you are and then experience your own fireworks. Your own incandescent power.
So how do you describe those moments in your life that aren't easily described? What do they look like? How do they feel?
They fill me with gratitude. Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteGratitude makes all the difference. Thanks Bonnie.
ReplyDeleteI forgot that our books were scheduled to debut at the same time! Fun!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing that final edit. It is a weird and happy feeling, but I remember the huge relief more than anything else. These books gestate for a long time--at a certain point, I just wanted it OUT. :-)
He Rosslyn,
ReplyDeleteI wanted it out, but then I wanted it back! Not really, but I got caught up in a brief few moments of 'not good enough' thinking and that can be deadly. Have you dealt with galleys yet? I'm not sure when they show up.
I forgot about our books coming out at the same time too! That will be fun. I love your cover and I haven't even seen mine yet. Hope it's a good one.
This writing life is such a roller coaster, isn't it? Craaaaziness! ;) I know the feeling you describe, though I'm not published (and may not ever be). Just hearing news about a book can be exciting and nerve-wracking. I'm not sure that ever changes!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes as your journey continues!
Hi Gwen! My old Inky Sister. :)
ReplyDeleteRoller coaster is right! You just never know about this business. One minute you don't have a contract and the next minute you do. And your world turns upside down and inside out and you wonder how you'll manage it all. But God makes a way. Keep me posted on your journey too, Gwen. I have a feeling.:)