Musings From the Coffeehouse #2
More like Angst from the Coffeehouse. This week I hit a wall. The words wouldn’t come. No matter how much head-banging I did. No matter how much wailing and gnashing of teeth. And the worst part? I was certain this was it. That I was done, I’d written my last novel.
But how could this be it, when I have a story? One I’m totally jazzed about writing? I can see said story. Not clearly, but the big picture, what it could be. If only I could write my way out of a paper bag.
But the words won’t come. I rage and fret. I listen to the world’s smallest violin. I eat chocolate. My neck and shoulders ache. My head and back. It’s over. My career, finished. Kaput.
My sweet husband reminds me that I get like this with every new book. That he’s heard each of these wails before. It will be okay, he assures me. He should know, my 30th novel, JUSTICE FOR SARA, will be on the stands in August and he’s survived the birth of each one. But he’s my husband, so naturally I don’t listen.
Then low and behold--like every time before--the clouds part and the wall crumbles. And the words come. I know what I’m doing and what to write next. I have a story to tell. I am a writer.
And as write blissfully into the night, I promise myself that from now on I will trust the process. That for me, part of the process involves a wall and a lot of head banging. That doesn't mean I can’t write or that my career is over. It just means, angst happens.
Even in the coffeehouse.
But how could this be it, when I have a story? One I’m totally jazzed about writing? I can see said story. Not clearly, but the big picture, what it could be. If only I could write my way out of a paper bag.
But the words won’t come. I rage and fret. I listen to the world’s smallest violin. I eat chocolate. My neck and shoulders ache. My head and back. It’s over. My career, finished. Kaput.
My sweet husband reminds me that I get like this with every new book. That he’s heard each of these wails before. It will be okay, he assures me. He should know, my 30th novel, JUSTICE FOR SARA, will be on the stands in August and he’s survived the birth of each one. But he’s my husband, so naturally I don’t listen.
Then low and behold--like every time before--the clouds part and the wall crumbles. And the words come. I know what I’m doing and what to write next. I have a story to tell. I am a writer.
And as write blissfully into the night, I promise myself that from now on I will trust the process. That for me, part of the process involves a wall and a lot of head banging. That doesn't mean I can’t write or that my career is over. It just means, angst happens.
Even in the coffeehouse.
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Ginger wrote: "See?? I knew you could do it! I think this is what makes you who YOU are as an author. You struggle, but you overcome these struggles and it shows in every book you write. I don't know how you do i..."Bless you, Ginger. Sending a BIG cyber hug.
I didn't realize you had this meltdown at the beginning of each book, but it seems to make you into an amazing writer... maybe it's part of the process - your suffering gives you emotional depth that you might not have if it ran like water from the font of your imagination. (I know - melodramatic and corny, but I couldn't help it!) Keep fighting that fight - I enjoy your books immensely! There are a few writers that I hope live a lot longer than me, cause I don't want to miss a word. You are on that short list. Thank you!!!
Erica wrote: "Bless you, Ginger. Sending a BIG cyber hug. "No, Bless YOU for enabling me as well as others to lose ourselves and escape in your books!
Cyber hugs right back to ya! :)
Donna wrote: "I didn't realize you had this meltdown at the beginning of each book, but it seems to make you into an amazing writer... maybe it's part of the process - your suffering gives you emotional depth th..."I like the "runs like water from the font of my imagination." That would work for me. Thanks!
You have my permission to use it anytime! I was afraid it was too melodramatic... I'll be looking for it in your upcoming books. I wasn't being insincere in my words about how important books like yours are to me - they let me escape this not-so-great world. And that's priceless! Thank you!!
Donna wrote: "You have my permission to use it anytime! I was afraid it was too melodramatic... I'll be looking for it in your upcoming books. I wasn't being insincere in my words about how important books like ..."XOXO!
Nothing in this life that truly matters to us every comes easy. You put your heart and soul into every book you write and it shows. And that is what makes you the wonderful writer that you are!
You could try a story about a writer that goes to a coffee shop to get inspiration from the customers that come in there, and how people of all different types share a common thread, or muffin, or something.
Robin wrote: "Nothing in this life that truly matters to us every comes easy. You put your heart and soul into every book you write and it shows. And that is what makes you the wonderful writer that you are!"Thanks, Robin!
Anthony wrote: "You could try a story about a writer that goes to a coffee shop to get inspiration from the customers that come in there, and how people of all different types share a common thread, or muffin, or ...":)
Erica, thank you for sharing this. That someone who can write such great stories has those moments too is reassuring. Once upon a time you were an author I always searched for at the book store. Does Erica Spindler have a new book??? Through Facebook you have become not only a favorite author, but also a very genuine and delightful human being.
Keep those awesome books coming, Erica!