Fabulous post, Maria. I don't have kids, but if I did, I probably would have asked the exact same question as you while holding a newborn!
It sounds to me like you the writing down, but I can fully appreciate the voices in your head challenging this. And I enjoyed your editor's response of: Don't make any sudden moves. Sometimes it's good just to leave a piece of creative work alone to sit for a while.
I have never been a mom but my characters have been. I look forward to the feedback from my editor. She is always right (so far) and I am eager to get back into the story to make it better. Given that I will wind up reading the same book at least a dozen times before it gets published, I had better love it. Like a child.
Well said, Bill. You are so right. We spend A LOT of time with these characters and these worlds we build; simply liking them is not a enough. Also, I love that you actually look forward to feedback. What a wonderful and inspiring attitude!
One of the amazing things about being here on Substack is that there are so many extremely talented and experienced authors and other talented artists to learn from. And they are willing to respond and comment on my work. I have been writing in the dark my whole life (at one time in the basement so I wouldn't wake up my parents). It is great to be visible.
You’re making me reconsider my decision to not work with an editor during this present revision phase. Kinds sound of thrilling to have any suggestions at this point!
I think there’s been a lot of fear, there, for me — which should be long gone after the experience of querying — but also needing a hand to help me figure this thing out!
You’re so right, Kristine. It’s terrifying, but what a gift. I realized that as I went through the edits; I kept thinking how glad I was to have this feedback so early on. I think it will save me from having to make huge changes later.🤞
You’ve learned the most important thing about the writing process: “Pick it up!” Pick it up, try again, feed it, change it, let it sleep, and when it cries out to you, pick it up again.
oh this photo at the end be still my heart. I love the process of not making sudden moves and then boom! brushing teeth and there it is. So far has the editorial phase been the hardest for you of all the phases thus far?
You know, I usually love editing because I like having pieces to move around, even if the picture isn't clear yet. I find the blank page scarier. That said, I have never edited anything this big, and this is way beyond cleaning up a few paragraphs. It's a massive, multi-layered process where the learning curve feels steeper than vomiting a first draft that no one sees.
So beautifully described. I have been there my dear! I have been! Many many times in a year! I need that moment of realisation you got! Its so good to know and energising how you overcome it.i need to read this many times to get there.
Dear Maria i am in 40s with two kids and a writer in Urdu, first time trying to write in English. But your write ups always inspire me and many times mirror my life! Sending you Love from an other continent! ❤️
Sofia! Thank you for your very kind words. I think, at the end of the day, we are all more alike than we are different, no matter where we live in the world. It means so much to me that my writing inspires and resonates with you.❤️ I am also always amazed at writers who write in a language other than their native tongue. It's extraordinary and you have all my admiration.
Love this! I appreciate the way you invite us along this journey of yours, Maria. I have no doubt that you are a "skilled enough reader and writer" to write this novel!
Thanks for sharing your process! Although I’m not writing a book (yet?) I often find that I get downloads in the midst of doing the everyday menial tasks.
I am currently stuck in my existing project. What am I even doing?! I have decided to set it aside for the time being. Which is different than just avoiding it.
Ramona, I couldn't agree more, and I love that you are giving yourself permission to do so. Sometimes the only thing we can do is step away and create space for clarity.
The "eek" moment?! You described yours beautifully. I like the comment, "Just do it." Mine moment occurred when I returned to teaching after 15 years. I had recharged, recertified, renewed rules but the first day with my core group, I tried to just 'do it' but I did have enough understanding that I needed extra help now and then. My core group of teachers carried me along, when necessary, just as your editor and your very smart friends. Good luck.
Thanks so much, Sarah. Glad to know I'm not alone in my "Wait! Help!" moments.😂 I totally agree. Our minds can take on all sorts of puzzles if we just give them a little time and space. It's amazing what we can handle when we must, whether it be a newborn or a creative project. Thanks for reading.
Fabulous post, Maria. I don't have kids, but if I did, I probably would have asked the exact same question as you while holding a newborn!
It sounds to me like you the writing down, but I can fully appreciate the voices in your head challenging this. And I enjoyed your editor's response of: Don't make any sudden moves. Sometimes it's good just to leave a piece of creative work alone to sit for a while.
I have never been a mom but my characters have been. I look forward to the feedback from my editor. She is always right (so far) and I am eager to get back into the story to make it better. Given that I will wind up reading the same book at least a dozen times before it gets published, I had better love it. Like a child.
Well said, Bill. You are so right. We spend A LOT of time with these characters and these worlds we build; simply liking them is not a enough. Also, I love that you actually look forward to feedback. What a wonderful and inspiring attitude!
One of the amazing things about being here on Substack is that there are so many extremely talented and experienced authors and other talented artists to learn from. And they are willing to respond and comment on my work. I have been writing in the dark my whole life (at one time in the basement so I wouldn't wake up my parents). It is great to be visible.
It’s an apt metaphor, for sure! ❤️
You’re making me reconsider my decision to not work with an editor during this present revision phase. Kinds sound of thrilling to have any suggestions at this point!
I think there’s been a lot of fear, there, for me — which should be long gone after the experience of querying — but also needing a hand to help me figure this thing out!
You’re so right, Kristine. It’s terrifying, but what a gift. I realized that as I went through the edits; I kept thinking how glad I was to have this feedback so early on. I think it will save me from having to make huge changes later.🤞
You’ve learned the most important thing about the writing process: “Pick it up!” Pick it up, try again, feed it, change it, let it sleep, and when it cries out to you, pick it up again.
Exactly! Our creativity needs nurturing. Thank you so much for reading, Catherine.❤️
oh this photo at the end be still my heart. I love the process of not making sudden moves and then boom! brushing teeth and there it is. So far has the editorial phase been the hardest for you of all the phases thus far?
You know, I usually love editing because I like having pieces to move around, even if the picture isn't clear yet. I find the blank page scarier. That said, I have never edited anything this big, and this is way beyond cleaning up a few paragraphs. It's a massive, multi-layered process where the learning curve feels steeper than vomiting a first draft that no one sees.
So beautifully described. I have been there my dear! I have been! Many many times in a year! I need that moment of realisation you got! Its so good to know and energising how you overcome it.i need to read this many times to get there.
Thank you so much, Sofia! Writing is solitary work, but it's so wonderful to know I'm not alone in these challenges.❤️
Dear Maria i am in 40s with two kids and a writer in Urdu, first time trying to write in English. But your write ups always inspire me and many times mirror my life! Sending you Love from an other continent! ❤️
Sofia! Thank you for your very kind words. I think, at the end of the day, we are all more alike than we are different, no matter where we live in the world. It means so much to me that my writing inspires and resonates with you.❤️ I am also always amazed at writers who write in a language other than their native tongue. It's extraordinary and you have all my admiration.
Love this! I appreciate the way you invite us along this journey of yours, Maria. I have no doubt that you are a "skilled enough reader and writer" to write this novel!
Aw, thank you, Wendy. This journey is a lot more fun with your company! Thank you, as always, for being here.❤️
I remember asking a similar question to a nurse after my first kid. 😰
Thank goodness, it's not just me!😂 Thanks for reading, Jenna.
Thanks for sharing your process! Although I’m not writing a book (yet?) I often find that I get downloads in the midst of doing the everyday menial tasks.
I love that "yet," Bridget. Sounds like something is brewing. Yep, it's always when you're doing anything but writing, right?
Yes!
I am currently stuck in my existing project. What am I even doing?! I have decided to set it aside for the time being. Which is different than just avoiding it.
Ramona, I couldn't agree more, and I love that you are giving yourself permission to do so. Sometimes the only thing we can do is step away and create space for clarity.
The "eek" moment?! You described yours beautifully. I like the comment, "Just do it." Mine moment occurred when I returned to teaching after 15 years. I had recharged, recertified, renewed rules but the first day with my core group, I tried to just 'do it' but I did have enough understanding that I needed extra help now and then. My core group of teachers carried me along, when necessary, just as your editor and your very smart friends. Good luck.
Oh gosh, Paulajo! I can only imagine, having been a teacher myself. We all need a little help sometimes, that's for sure. Thanks for reading.❤️
Thanks so much, Sarah. Glad to know I'm not alone in my "Wait! Help!" moments.😂 I totally agree. Our minds can take on all sorts of puzzles if we just give them a little time and space. It's amazing what we can handle when we must, whether it be a newborn or a creative project. Thanks for reading.