Conceptualize: Read. Try. Be bold. Make mistakes. Try everything and anything. Talk about writing. Read about writing. Write. Mostly, write. Germinate. Find a community.
The early months: Nurture. Follow directions. Gather instructions. Listen. Write. Don’t talk too much about it. Be superstitious. Just a little. Ideas need space to grow. Honor your process. Nurture that space. Until your ideas have formed.
The middle months: Prepare. Reach out. Begin to talk about it. Share ideas. Share words. Share stories. Gather support. Gather supplies. Write. Write. Write. Learn everything you can about what you’ll need. Talk to experts. Make new friends.
The final months: Endure. Send out manuscripts. Make phone calls. Buy stamps. Accumulate receipts. Accumulate rejections. Accumulate praise. Buy books. Make charts. Cross out names. Add names. Follow up. Remain true. Find a place. Find a person. Believe you are on the right track. Let the process carry you. Don't give up.
- Deliver: Breathe. Let it go. Watch it grow. Wring your hands. Step back. Know that your book belongs to the world. Know it will find its own place. Its own motor. Its own path. Know it will find a new home—thousands of new homes. Places you'll never go. That is the beauty of it. That has been the point all along. Enjoy watching it grow. Know it will live on beyond you, all your plans, and all your wildest dreams. Read. Listen. See what it will teach you. Watch it go. Be grateful. Write. Rejoice.
Ilie Ruby is the author of the forthcoming novel, The Salt God’s Daughter, due from Counterpoint Press, Fall of 2012. Her first novel, The Language of Trees, was published in August of 2010 by Avon Harper Collins.
lol I'm also at step 5, wringing hands and trying to let go as I prepare for Clear As Day's release on April 4th. I'm delighted and anxious and trying to focus on rejoicing for a once-dream becoming a reality.
LOVE THIS! After 25 years of work, I'm letting my first novel go to the editor. Your encouraging words are sheet manna!
I am only a few shorts months from publishing my memoir and completely agree with your thoughts. I am jazzed and very optimistic particularly after reading your "Deliver" comments.
Thanks
Atta
I laughed out loud as I read your post - because it hit home. I, after spending more time on steps 1-4 than I care to talk about, have finally reached step 5. Mixed Messages, the first novel in my Malone mystery series, is out of my hands and will be released on April 17th. It's exciting and excruciating at the same time! Will my readers love it as much as I do?