I’m not going to lie: BLUE BIRDS is by far the toughest thing I’ve ever written. But here are some things I’ve been thinking about these last few weeks:
There are many opportunities to get a book right.
I’m so relieved I’m not the one to say when my book is done. Letting a wiser, more skilled, level-headed expert be the one to push and direct this work is a hugely liberating.
As my critique partner, Kate Bassett, has reminded me, in order to experience a breakthrough, there must first be a wall. And then there’s this:
The best work comes from the deepest wells, and that’s where you’ve been resting lately– deep down in the place where words might not come easy and everything feels shaky….but just. keep. going. Because when you’re done, you’ll realize all those baby steps (even the “standing still steps”) were just what you needed to get the job done, and make your poems, stories, girls sing. You’ve got this!
My other critique partner, Valerie Geary, had this to say:
A simple answer: yes, it will come together. A longer answer: hold your panic/anxiety lightly. This is hard work. Made harder (and more terrifying) by a deadline. I think it’s nearly impossible to not feel any panic…so don’t panic about the panic, I guess is what I’m saying. Also, you’re strong enough to see this through to the end. And yes!! It will come together. Day by day. Poem by poem. Word by word. (And bird by bird, I might add…)
And then there are these words in my editorial letter that are a huge gift to me:
I could live in this book forever for the language alone. But most importantly, there is so much heart. I love these girls!
Off to hold my worries lightly and dive back in.
I’d say based on all that lovely feedback, you’re heading in the right direction. Aren’t critique partners and editors wonderful? Looking forward to reading this book full of poetic language and lots of heart!
Thank you. I sure hope so! It’s sometimes hard to tell in the midst of it all.
I love your critique partners’ and editor’s comments. They must keep you going. I would not live without my writing group friends. They keep me going when I don’t think I’m good enough. I am looking forward to getting to know these girls that your editor (and you) love.
Thank you so much, Margaret. I look forward to sharing them. And all the best with your writing!
The hardest book you’ve ever written means it’s going to be the BEST book you’ve ever written! And that’s saying a lot considering how well MAY B has been received! I predict very good things . . . I know you can do this. You’ve gotten GREAT advice from Kate and Valerie. Hold Tight, dear friend! xoxo
I don’t know about that! But I’m going to trust you, sweet Kim. xo
I both hate and love the moments I spend looking at a comment from my editor, knowing she is right and having no idea how I am going to fix it. My first adult book comes out a week from today. Time and Forever, by Susan B James. It’s being published by Soul Mate Publishing. I had a wonderful editor. I hope we did a good job.
Congratulations! You’ve described the process perfectly. This is the time I long for a magic wand.