Have you ever noticed that the writing process includes a ton of road metaphors?
While writing my last post for The Muffin, I literally came up with a dozen phrases I could’ve used. It was a good reminder for me, that writing is a journey. Sometimes, yes, it can be a short little trip from idea to words on a page to publication. But more often, it takes time to produce, to polish, to sell.
Lots of time. Lots of words. And in this world of hurry-up and multi-tasking, time is something of a premium. Still, if you want premium publication, I think you have to be prepared to put in the time, and to give yourself time. It can take a while, The Publication Path, First to Last Draft, as my friend and author, Heather Montgomery shared at a recent writer’s workshop.
Maybe this holiday season, you can give yourself the gift of time: time to think, time to write, and time to appreciate the journey. Because as the song goes, “the road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where?”
But when you get there, oh, boy. It’s worth it. (Just ask any writer.)
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
I keep trying to give myself the gift of time. I have some good days at doing this, but other days get absorbed by family and pets. It is a balancing act!
Yes, it’s quite the balancing act! Especially when there are so many interesting roads to get lost among!
You are so right about the time component, Cathy. I have a friend who said when her first book was published: “My overnight success only took me fifteen years.” I really do believe that writing takes a lifetime. Not only to learn the craft and polish your skills, but to find your voice and your place in the writing world. Thanks for this insightful post.
I agree, Theresa! I often tell new writers that you don’t have to be a great writer to succeed–I’m pretty average. You just need to keep on going! 🙂
Isn’t that the Holly’s that did that song? Or (gasp!) the Osmonds? Or am I totally screwing it up?
Yeah, the gift of time is a great one to give to ourselves. (And it’s easy to wrap!) It’s just hard to find sometimes… It’s scarce.
Yep, the Hollies, Sioux. (The Osmonds? Really? I’m gonna have to listen to some serious rock ‘n roll all day to get “Puppy Love” out of my brain!)
Time, the dwindling commodity. *sigh* But as you said, the journey is worth every second spent.
Reminds me of that other song: There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them. 🙂
How cool you know Heather! I’m in a critique group w/her. Yes, I wish for the gift of time!
Lucky you, Tina! Heather’s great!
Time. If only we could bottle it up and use an extra minute or two when we need it.
Thanks for the post, Cathy!
If only, Tracey! Thanks for taking the time to drop in! 🙂