Growing up, I was jealous of the kids who were the great writers and thinkers because I felt I didn’t measure up. Once I entered the classroom, the compliment that I often received was that I was a great storyteller- whether regaling history or telling friends, coworkers and family about my adventures in the classroom. I was always encouraged to write a book, and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.
I had my ego crushed a few times! Recently, a former student wrote my first Amazon review and he gave me a 9/10 because he wasn’t in the book (all in humor, of course). I decided to send him what I did write about him in the first draft and he saw for himself the progression from the first draft to the final book that he stayed up and read in one night! I am grateful for the women in my life who gave me some REAL feedback. When I looked back at the first draft that I was almost conned into publishing in August of 2024 to what is for sale today, I’m glad I didn’t take the nibble to publish that first draft. I’m glad I went through the internal struggle and quit quietly a few times because it built the stamina I needed to put out the product I have today.
On the flip side, perfection was my enemy. I think if I didn’t have a moment of sanity to say “enough” and told the publishing team to publish my book, I promise you, I’d still be modifying and expanding the book.
My writing process wasn’t orthodox. I wrote when I felt inspired. I wrote everywhere and anywhere. Sorry Pastor Travis, but I sometimes wrote in church because inspiration would hit or a memory had to be written down. Writing while inspired helped me because there were times when I would flow and then there were days or sometimes weeks that I didn’t do any writing at all. If you’re a writer or wish to write a book, find your niche and don’t let perfection become your neurosis. You’ll know when to put the pen down (or step away from the keyboard).