Writing
and publishing a book has sometimes been compared to birthing a baby. There’s a
lot of truth in that, as relayed in today’s post by Gail Johnson. Boy, can I relate! ~
Dawn
Keep
Pushing!
When I became pregnant the second time, I did everything
right. No cheeseburgers with extra pickles, no sitting around waiting. I ate my
veggies and did my exercises.
The first due date was February 14. Later, the doctor changed
it to February 22. That didn’t happen either. My son refused to play along.
March rolled around and they induced labor. After hours of pangs and an
unexpected cesarean section, 9 pounds and 6 ounces of screaming flesh emerged,
and we understood why I had failed to deliver my child. Ouch!
I tell you that story because every birth isn’t the same. Some
moms do not carry a babe as long as others. Some deliver mere weeks after
conception and others after hours—sometimes days of excruciating labor. Some
women seem to blink and the baby appears, while others, like myself, need help.
It’s the same with writing. Some conceive an idea, and within
months they’ve produced a robust bouncing story. Others conceive and
labor—maybe years—before presenting their little bundle of joy to the world.
This journey is unique. Certain steps may be easy for one, while excruciatingly
difficult for another.
This year has been an I-didn’t-see-that-one-coming year.
Obstacles and detours kept popping up along the way. You know what I’m talking
about. Life happens and we must learn to roll with the punches. Easier said
than done, I know. But once labor begins, it doesn’t stop. If we keep pushing,
eventually, we will give birth to our dream.
A wise friend recently reminded me, “God’s timing is perfect.”
I agree. Just as in childbearing, our WIP has a birthday too. God knows the
perfect time to unfold it. So whatever pangs you are feeling at this moment,
let me encourage you. Today’s birthing pangs will become tomorrow’s joyous
cries of victory. Keep pushing!
With what part of the writing process do you struggle?
 |
| Gail Johnson |
Gail Johnson
enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written
word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader
and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and
loving Savior. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a wife and mother of two
adult children. She enjoys lots of family time, good music, maple pecan ice
cream, and southern living.
You can learn more and connect with Gail here:
