March has been a month of change and reflection. Winter moves into spring,
the sun comes out, and the buds begin to show on our trees. We might
have a light snow, but it goes away as quickly as it came. The birds
sing louder, and wildlife emerges from the hollows and burrows. It's a
beautiful time of year. I've learned much in my year and a half since
publishing my first book, but what I've learned most is that it's okay
to live up only to my own expectations.
Problems
can arise from this because I expect a great deal of myself. What I
haven't allowed enough time for in the past is reflection on my books. I
have not set aside a book to let it "breathe" and awaken while I'm busy
typing away at other stories. I don't come back to it with new ideas
and a new outlook. I became arrogant thinking that if it hadn't happened
to me yet, it wasn't going to. I was wrong.
Interestingly
enough, I feel free knowing that I've given myself permission to follow
this time-honored tradition. Why should I be any different or better
than the experienced, best-selling authors out there. I'm still a
newbie, so why did I imagine for one moment that I wouldn't someday
experience the delays, doubts, and hard word that they have? I was
foolish, but no longer (at least I hope no longer).
Time
for reflection, whether it be one week, one month, or one year, can
often be the difference between a mediocre book and a great book.
Sometimes a manuscript can be like fine wine. One must allow it to age
and then breathe before it's palatable. A wine that does not age or
breathe properly is not giving you the best of what it has to offer.
Sometimes reflection requires rewriting every page.
Sometimes reflection requires rewriting every page.
Yes, it is a time for reflection. It is also a time for hard work, and it is hard work calling to me now. These books don't write themselves.
Warmest wishes for a beautiful spring!
Reflection can, sometimes, be painful!
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