It’s easy to get caught up in duty or going through the motions and trying to get everything done, that we lose the enjoyment of it. We lose the thrill in our intimidation and worries over our very personal creation.
After six plus times over the same scene, the words and pages blur. Bits and pieces become changeable accessories like nailing crown molding onto popcorn ceilings.
Yet the more time and effort we invest in something, the more we feel to lose if it never produces the expected results.
Sometimes it’s a rollercoaster that only gets more extreme the longer you hang on. One minute I want to take it out and start slashing at it and the next I hang my head, sigh and wonder if I should shelf it for a time until I can do it better justice.
I’ve found myself slipping into “ruts” and even if it’s one that I theoretically choose, I think ruts can be the death of writing – it’s no longer alive – sort of like pressed/dried flowers are only an artistic shadow of a live and vibrant bloom. Like the work of a taxidermist. When it becomes “work” we lose the passion and fire inside and THAT fire is probably what will promote your book better than all the press-releases, websites and reviews out there. Also, when we get overwhelmed and that passion wavers, it’s easier to doubt and get discouraged.
We must hope and not fear, act and not react. Not always easy, but that is my current “aha!” as my Husband calls them. Hopefully you too can take some gem of value from it too though. Good luck.
