The Journey of Writing
Every writer knows the feeling of elation when he or she finishes a book. “I did it. It’s done!” Then comes the moment of truth. I realize that although I am pleased and happy to have arrived, the book I wrote is not the book I intended to write. It falls short of my initial expectations.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to be negative. I don’t mean to belittle what I have achieved. It is more than I ever dreamed of. But I am not there yet.
What keeps me going is the process of writing, the insights I gain, the joy and (sometimes) the despair I experience. It’s a journey and I may never get to the ultimate destination. But I will reach milestones and enjoy the vista from a mountain top, from where I can see the next, higher mountain. I rest and then go on …
December 29th, 2013 at 8:28 pm
Christa, DAH-ling! You touched on it, but I still don't think you realize your full accomplishments. Each book you start is a mountain, Mt. Everest! You have scaled it and reached its top 3 times so far—a major, major accomplishment not to be belittled. Sure, it's been a different journey each time. You've tackled it from a different angle on each ascent. Those distant mountain tops you see are other Everests waiting to be conquered–each as impossibly high to reach the peak of, but also obtainable if you really work at it. You've reached it three times, as I've said, which is three more times than MOST people ever do. Be proud of yourself. Yoddle your heart out! You've done it!!
December 29th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Monster A Go-Go! Have a wonderful Holiday Season and, of course, all the best in the New Year! Yoddleodidu (ahem, my weak attempt at yoddling!)