Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Perspective on Writing

So my baby just turned 3 months, and she's growing up way too fast.  I have enjoyed this baby so much more than my other kids at this age.  And while this sounds like a horrible thing to say, here's why.  With my other kids I was always worried and stressed out, like all other new moms.  Is my baby sleeping enough?  Is she getting enough tummy time?  How many ways will I ruin my child's life forever today?  Why did I do this?  I'm not good at this.

But with this baby I have perspective.  I know how fast these quiet moments turn into road trips to soccer tournaments or violin lessons.  I know how quickly the cute baby coos turn into a child telling me I'm not the boss of her.  So I'm enjoying every single moment because I know this is my last baby.

I've come to realize that I need to have this same perspective when I'm writing.  I often find myself saying the same things about writing.  Why am I doing this?  I'm not good at this.  This is too hard.  Sara Zarr once told me to appreciate and enjoy the time before you're published because it's the time when you are truly writing for yourself.  So even though I am struggling with the story arc of my book right now,  I'm trying to maintain perspective and enjoy writing without deadlines and bad reviews...because now that the baby is here, and I am not returning to my "real" job, I would actually like to get published.  And that's a scary thing.
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7 comments:

  1. It is so terrifying! Both wanting to be published and being a new parent. I love your comparison.
    I'm expecting my 5th and last baby this summer, and I'm tryin to enjoy every second of this experience. It's good to have perspective :-)

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  2. Thanks Yamile! Good luck with the new baby!

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  3. That's so true. I had the same experience with my 3rd baby, but I'd never connected it to publishing.So true.

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  4. I'm enjoying my easy writing time right now, too, and the thought of all the "real" editing and writing I'll have to do when I'm published is enough to make me hesitate...

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  5. Oh, and I LOVE this baby picture. So beautiful!

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  6. What an adorable baby!!

    I love what you say about perspective. It's so true and we all know it, but it's also so easy to lose sight of that perspective. Thanks for the reminder.

    And I have to agree with Sara Zarr. Once you get the contract, the whole feeling of writing changes. Not just in terms of editing and revising for your editor, but the whole experience is stress and pressure.

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  7. Perspective is rather a difficult thing sometimes. :) Okay, all the time. Good thoughts.

    It's good to find you, Valynne. :) We were in Ann Cannon's class together at WIFYR a few years back. Hop the writing's going well!

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