Hold it loosely. Take the long view.
I wrote this years ago and still need to hear it. I hope it also encourages you.
When there’s enthusiasm for your book
before it meets the world,
hold it loosely.
When there’s only silence,
take the long view.
When your book gets great reviews,
hold it loosely.
When it feels like everything said is unkind,
take the long view.
When your book makes a splash,
hold it loosely,
When it’s quickly forgotten,
take the long view.
When your book makes lists or wins awards,
hold it loosely.
When your book has nothing
attached to its name,
take the long view.
When you receive praise
and are treated as someone special,
hold it loosely.
Don’t believe you’re any more important
than others doing the same hard work.
When you feel unnoticed,
take the long view.
Don’t believe you’re any less important
than others doing the same hard work.
When you joyfully lose yourself in your writing,
when a reader connects with your story,
remember: this is the gift.
* A special thank you to Melanie Crowder, who recently reminded me of the importance of the long view in the author’s life.
Very much like teaching, I would say. Thank you for this lovely poem.
Just in the last ten minutes finished Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine. I’m looking forward to putting my thoughts into a review for you. It’s a GREAT story. Very much like your other works with fun, adventure, and heart. I know—I KNOW this story will connect with readers. Keep at it, kid. You’ve got gifts and talents that shake out into books.
Oh, Linda, thank you. xoxoxo
Very much like ministry too :) blessings to you & thanks for putting it into words
And church planting specifically!
Dear Caroline, who had been on my mind: YOU are a gift to this world! I am grateful for you and your words. I find I need to hold ALL of it loosely — the delightful, the disappointing… better yet, don’t pick it up in the first place. Just keep writing and loving the world. xo
Yes and yes and yes! Thank you, Irene. You’ve taught me so much. I appreciate you. xo
I echo what Irene says. And I love this post.
And I echo my Irene words back to you!
Thanks so much for this. Given that Kiyoshi’s Walk is making a bit of a splash, your poem is exactly what I need. And I certainly know from other books about the need to take a long view. And, of course, all of your thoughts in this poem go beyond just books.
Thanks! Your poem arrived at just the right time for me.
that should be ‘other books I’ve written’
I’m so glad to hear it, Mark. Kiyoshi’s Walk is a beautiful book and worthy of its praise. It’s a weird path we walk in this writing life with many opportunities for disappointment. As you know, I sometimes need a reminder (even from myself!) to hold it all loosely and take the long view.
Encouraging and freeing. Thank you for sharing this!
I’m glad it encouraged you, Lynne!
Thank you–encouraging and uplifting!
So happy to hear it.
Wow, this is so beautiful! I think this has become one of my top three favorite poems (the other two by Emily Dickinson!) I’m just starting out as a middle-grade/children’s writer, so this is perfect encouragement for me. Thanks so much for this!
That is very high praise. I’m glad it encouraged you. I have to pull it out every once in a while to let it encourage me.
Oh heck yeah. This is gold.
Thanks, Caroline :)