Publishing, Books & Babies

When I was in labor, I distinctly remember Dearest Hubby berating me for my shallow breaths. “Breathe with me! No, with me,” he commanded. I ignored him, panted, and (after a small amount of primal screaming) popped out our son. We later discovered DH has a freakishly slow respiration rate. Like 4-6 breaths per minute. You and I (that is, normal people) would be in a coma at that rate of respiration. But I digress…

My point is, I wasn’t hyperventilating, the baby was born just fine and despite DH’s lapse in judgment for telling me I was doing the whole birthing thing wrong, he, too, is alive and well. But even as we had differing views on the right way to bring our son into the world, so there are many ways for a book to be “born.”

You see, I’ve come to realize that publishing a novel is a lot like birthing a baby. Oh sure, we can all hope for that hypno-birth of tranquility, but chances are good, if you’re an author, your book will come into this world accompanied by a long, primal sound only whales and aliens should make. And perhaps a healthy dose of medicinal chocolate. And boxed wine. (The book not the baby.)

Like childbirth, publishing is a messy, confusing business. Don’t listen to anyone who says they barely noticed it happening. They’re lying.

Regardless of how our book babies come into being, though, we’re soon launched into the unknown with our diaper bag/press kits alternately elated (Isn’t it amazing?) and paralyzed with the knowledge that we now have ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY. Which is scary in all caps like that.

The wonderful thing is we’re not alone. (In a good way, not a creepy way.) There are whole groups of people just like us to share the ups and downs and ooh and ahh over our shiny new book covers and website designs. Yes, you can still go into the woods, bite on a stick and peck out your book on your own… or, you can join a writers group, sit in on a critique session, enroll in online workshops and otherwise engage in the community that is the wonderful world of writers. And, I’m here to tell you, it makes all the difference.

Thankfully, I’ve done all those things, and I now have many friends/writers/angels in my life. Without them Luck of the Draw wouldn’t exist. These lovely people have supported me, encouraged me, told me when my baby was misbehaving and helped me realize that despite the struggles and worry… it will all work out. And they promise me it’s all worth it when your baby makes someone smile for the first time…

As for the sleepless nights? I think I’m on my own.

So, what got you through YOUR toughest life experiences?