The Gap Between Good and Excellent

Here are a few things that come easily for me (that I really wish didn't):

1. Comparing my road to publication with other authors.
2. Deciding that this particular place in my manuscript doesn't really NEED a metaphor.
3. Taking a week off of dance classes to stay home and eat chocolate.

Here are a few things that don't come as easily, but I'm kind of glad they don't. They leave me with a true sense of accomplishment:

1. Giving everything I've got through a grueling four-hour drill of all the most...