Overheard in... the neighborhood

“It’s like giving birth only people aren’t as nice about it.”

I’ve made the comparison before between giving birth and writing a book, (most recently in my guest blog post for Susan Heim), but this was a new take on it. And, I could relate, because, while UNTANGLING THE KNOT has so far
been getting awesome reviews, I am sure that at some point someone won’t like it. 

With BETTING JESSICA, my first book, this was incredibly hard to hear, particularly as I was responsible for the entire project. Even given that it was my first book, I was disappointed when people found errors or found part of it lacking. Now, with my second book, I am more prepared. I know that not everyone will get my style of writing or my philosophies. They may want a book with more heat… or one with more poetic language. Hopefully they will be kind
with their feedback (not everyone is… I was shocked by one of the reviews BETTING JESSICA received). But I also hope they will be honest.

This, though, is not true of babies. No one ever says:

 “Wow, I really wanted to like this baby, but I found myself distracted by his big nose.” Or
 “This baby has a lot of problems and should have been worked on more before being put out.”

I suppose it is because one project (writing) seems to be under the full control of the author while the other, a baby, does not. This, though, is not entirely fair or true. For one thing, just like a baby, writing is the result of the author’s own, personal characteristics. My books are not overly sexy because that is simply not me. They contain a deeper
message because that is me. And, like a baby, writing is the coming together of many influences, not the least of
which includes inspiration from a higher power.

Creation, in any form, is a miracle as far as I am concerned. So, while I may not love every book I pick up and read (or write), it is always worth looking closely to see the unique beauty within.