I am usually not one to procrastinate, even if the project is daunting. I’m more of a grind it out kind of gal. In a case where the complexity is particularly challenging, I can appreciate the importance of the task and force myself into the zone until I’ve achieved the desired results, even if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.
Such was the situation as I finally submitted my first book for publication. Once I had revised and perfected my manuscript (which took forever because I realize that I can edit indefinitely!), I had to endure the brutal experience of formatting, pagination, and headings hell. I didn’t know I needed a copyright page! I never contemplated the difference between acknowledgements and a dedication page. And then an author bio was required!? Oy! On top of that, although I used to be a desktop publishing professional, I did not use Microsoft Word as my program of choice, so I had to follow step-by-step instructions to complete the transformative process and make the document Amazon print worthy. I have to admit that I cried several times during the weeklong grind of turning my 31-year-old dream into accessible literature. I was dangerously close to throwing in the towel. Oh, the drama! I just wanted to write the book and be done with the process!
It’s the reason great chefs open restaurants– they temporarily forget that running an establishment that serves food is well beyond the scope of simply cooking fantastic fare. You have to worry about the provisions, the staff, menus, guests, insurance, theft, broken plates, uniforms… you get the point. Cooking is all but one small part of the whole concept. And once the doors are open, if you are the owner, it is all on you.
When I was buying my apartment, I had help from each of my parents to complete the transaction. Thank goodness for their generosity! When I went to my Dad and asked his opinion about the place, he said, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Pick an apartment you can comfortably afford so that you’re not financially stressed.” I thought that was good advice. Then I went I went to my Mom who said, “Go the extra mile. Stretch yourself and work for it. You’ll be glad that you did.” And of course I thought that was great advice, too! But what polar outlooks and guidance!
I’ve come to quite a few crossroads in my life where I needed to pick a path and a definitive direction. The goal of publishing was not an easy one to complete. But man, I’m so glad that I bit off way more than I could chew! Because the result is Bacon Wrapped Dates for all. (If you enjoy the blog, you’ll love the book.)
(And yes, I wrote the entire collection of short stories from the fabulous apartment I ended up buying. Soooo worth it.)
jenslittleblackbook.com 