Apologies to all my dear blogger-buddies, but things are a tad catawumpus about here. I've rerun one of my more popular pict-o-blogs for today's post. I hope to return to my regular posting tomorrow.
You've decided to write a book. You're sure the path will look like this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2OIyIM0qvgbKbbC62gyEoFNnswwLrRv2wx3llGtUS6lxZ9WcWM1fe4DHITGYdl2h5SJ2ZF6Z54NohzzVmFxtjcyWoFRhGckSvJa-0ehX7D8_5BGOr_AyGbH66359PEmbIC-fYi5ynvo/s400/semakau_pathway.jpg)
But you'll soon discover it looks more like this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KB1AvLsRkhdf45I1hAbKTVAPdlRaq9uzKBtDGOVtw6GVqt8AE1tA47JvRLpLubFCkYPMKI-IdCvURcxOawiWsx8zCmemaxQ0lwghkeaDdXMUdXUfoEv0MH0T2vXAkmpGOis0xfGNI_g/s400/Twisties.jpg)
When you're writing that first draft you'll get a few days like this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44cldNTbjF4SwV04c98R5c2hiLb-HSgYO_BOsChzteAvUljrlHVeMHz-YjoKW8_haUZiEppefwXmpEJLwACH6qf1RAVIg2fCdXlm5CEEWe6cwBDi00uIVJj_i_i1aq3jNaYWi1b_4C-o/s400/Photoshop_Summer_Day_013451_.jpg)
But in my experience, far more days like this.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_3XCA9NE2lUi95VJ1wJM2KcncCxQjTnTOsNVfqi1_dJ7Uy4zto8v3vmA-w3xg3zdCNkJfFyaSPm0yDZ-AOeKGar4idtm8FTxyTFYKoC5DMFo0lQYAjTFPfJ8BOX63GFXIiDxhBr1lAQ/s400/01052916.jpg)
And even a few days when you'll swear you're doing this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyprViIJMMIqCAZYA9oPeBk3csUoFrXL7IQayjLeZj5oIqr52BVRGrYLgvxUZu2us0apb5z2CREkbXzilnpsydy59fBUtZMkXdWAs9ovahkb_lFrqibQOr3499-ZfJ-xWdy77XTchffuQ/s400/rock-climbing.jpg)
You'll finish. But the journey isn't over. Now it's time for revisions.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoLg0uPgQ2gE9C9jRK5dZ7QySSjNpunrQN9WdN5Ecds-4bXXu7Hg2iaf8-o0eegwSiM0MPSkA1cI9EZ2yaonsi5tKrM4ohwzqe42QeclNjn4cjOE6Gdpb7dRJIc3HId7ypPoXjKfcoiM/s400/bglnb2.jpg)
You'll get new ideas, sharpen your dialogue, and flesh out your characters. There are days when you'll feel like this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn48ll0kBguWkaD6XY1f7_gpc9WyNCMn5hLdIOlosz08wplaKIxPcn8R7MB-ng2mPIghTVknWrR2qZJQMrXo_EgXhNqm6Qe1c933O-rD8e0BmuFytLCknNnpdxsjU89SKGC3vj8loHKY/s400/images-1.jpeg)
And yes, somedays when you'll feel like this...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZrwXzS7KXpMTE9hXmagTc3GHVBuuqn2KwS8J8zxlWHtVaxBsGDNh5hDf9VlLjaJLKxDuF5FRCCOfnApuQvaszKGWBkYwqly1auEHlSrsWC5yGslHH2tp0Ado-9GLN6cFppRB9Yo8OFw/s400/mad-man-pulling-hair-out.jpg)
But you WILL come to the day when you'll type...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZeeFLDT9O9BxniaX54I_BPvP3XDA1ZwZp9IeIvv3x2LpAaP1R15geeAzx_ne_IWJyqPp38pjTWdkF0dJ5E7AjRgD_wtDxtngJgHfu6-rpu3UEk8jsfeUBh_vjwf5P2ETN8K-go3aLgI/s400/the-end-3.jpg)
Because before you know it, you'll be back here.
I remember this, but as always, great reminder.
ReplyDeleteCD
Hope you're days get better. I can so relate - we were without power all day yesterday. I'm still playing catch-up.
ReplyDeleteElspeth - I hope things settle out for you. I know exactly how "catawumpus" feels (great word, by the way!). This was a terrific post - especially the pie - so I was glad to see it again : ).
ReplyDeleteLove that word - catawumpus. Wonderful pictures too. I hope your day smooths out.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post...well worth a rerun! Good luck getting everything settled.
ReplyDeleteReruns work, especially when they are as clever as this. Hope tomorrow is a mellow day for you.
ReplyDeleteSince one of my publishers just discontinued the imprint I write for, this rings so true. Back on the path!
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery