Friday, August 1, 2008

what to do while I'm waiting

So, I told you I have the end-of-
a-book blues. I haven't been able to shake them yet and move on to the next one. I glanced at Sense and Sensibility in its display corner today, though, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Ah yes, I thought, the old favorites. That will get me through this.

"This" of course is not just the end-of-a-book blues but the pre-publication impatience. As I said in an earlier post, for all I know Jesus will return before my memoir is ever actually published. But knowing this and resolving to be patient have not actually made me so. I wish I could be in that Sesame Street documentary about how crayons are made. I loved watching that wax roll around in the big old vats and eventually get wrapped into paper and put into that wonderful smell-good box. I wish I could watch every step of my book that way. Starting now and without any other responsibilities until its finished.

Mom says the thing to do once one book is out of your hands is move on to the next. That's what she is doing while her first is being edited. I know she's right. But I haven't done it yet. I feel too uncertain of who I want to be as a writer. It's not like I've found my niche with memoir - there's only so many of those in one person.

I think there is only one thing I know for sure. I'd like to write books that give people the feeling I had when I glanced at Sense and Sensibility today. The feeling that they can trust me to make them feel better. That would be a lovely accomplishment.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well dear, If your books make me feel as good as reading your blog does, which I am quite confident that it will, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

A Cerretti

Valerie said...

I think you will be great at writing inspirational "feel good" books. You are a natural! Just dig in. It will ge great!

WIDNEY WOMAN said...

You are a great writer. I'm sure there is some material in raising - how many boys???

WIDNEY WOMAN said...

Oh, and you could try reading a book on writing, like 'Steering the Craft" by Ursula K. Le Guinn. I'm going through it right now and it is really good.

Anonymous said...

Seren, had to watch Sense And Sensibility last night just because you planted the seed. I realize thats not reading the book, but love it, I do, all the same.
When this line is uttered, I can think of several peeps at work I would like to say it to "If you cannot think of anything appropriate to say you will please restrict your remarks to the weather"

And I already trust that your writing will make me feel better, it ALWAYS does, its like an old friend.
luv
Tiffy