I love hearing all the ALA Awards news! It’s exciting to hear what books stood out, which ones are the shiniest and brightest for the moment. I’ve actually read quite a few of the 2013 winners – well, more than any other year – but I still have lots of new ones added to my to-read list.
…
And then there’s the thing staring at me from my desk.
I’d forgotten how hard it is to get through a first draft. What a mess it is.
And, how much writing is like dating.
Starting a new WIP is like meeting someone new and interesting. There’s the spark, the allure. The thrill of what might happen.
This new relationship started well. Our banter and flirting has been fun. I’ve been daydreaming about handsome, mysterious, oh-so-intriguing Mr. WIP.
But now we’re kind of getting past that everything-is-perfect stage. We have to actually hang out together. To ask the hard questions. To spend lots of time together. I’m starting to suspect those nagging doubts are there for good reason. I’ll have to dig deeper, see if I like what I find behind the shiny facade. See if I’m willing to put the time and effort in to actually making this work.
I think we’ve had our first fight.
All of a sudden those old WIPs – the ones I’d said goodbye too are looking pretty good again. Maybe I should give one another go. For old time’s sake.
But there’s a reason we broke up. I have to remember that. Take the lessons learned as I move on.
I guess I’ll go on another date with the new one. Fingers crossed it’s not like *****.
Sarah Wones Tomp
WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK
Writing on the sidewalk 
Cheering you on! Everything else always looks so tempting and shiny when you’re in the muck of working on one WIP. I keep thinking about the new idea, knowing it’s just a method of avoiding the hard work. Go you!
Exactly!
A times like this, we have to think about what attracted us to the big hunk in the first place. Just remember–everyone’s got stinky feet. And that you can remodel this guy to be your dreamboat…a little foot powder, a new sweater, a dollop of mousse and maybe a book of etiquette. There’s always couples counseling!
Hahahaha! Hmmm maybe counseling is what we need!
Oh, Sarah, this is a great conceit for this crazy process! Thank you! I left a steady relationship about five years ago. Now it’s heated up again after we went our separate ways. We met again over tea and scones. It’s heating up and looks like we’re in for the long haul.
Oh! I love a happy ending to a love story! Cheering you on, Anne!
What a great metaphor, Sarah! Thanks for sharing.