Saturday 8 September 2012

Before you hit send


No writing advice this in case the title misleads you. Just sharing what happened before I got to the stage of hitting 'send'. 

Anyone who's written a full manuscript would have faced some amount of headache. When you sit down to write, it seems like a mountain. The good thing is you discover it can be broken up in small daily portions and munched comfortably. So you plan. If you set yourself goals, the stress increases. Well, some of it is good stress because it keeps you on the track. But some... suffice to say, it can really give you hypertension with the adrenaline racing through your body in case you don't 'make' it. Take my advice, don't make realistic goals. Make verrryyyy comfortable goals. This is from one who's been there.

So here's how it has minced along.

First, the upsets in the daily routine. Not that they are meant to be there. I have it planned I won't let writing interfere with anyone's time of me - if you know what I mean. No takeaways will be needed. Food will be cooked and ready at meal times. Laundry tended. But somehow characters begin to occupy more time than  I have allotted them. I'm getting complaints of you don't listen, mom. And angry retorts like yes, I did tell you about my test tomorrow. Weren't you listening? I can neither confirm nor deny. Have I been talking in my head to my H/h? Or more correctly hearing them talk? And missed hearing kids? *groan*


Then come more moments of the Inconvenient Muse. Staring at the boiling water till you suddenly realise you're supposed to be putting noodles in there, not stand planning out the dialogue you left unfinished when you couldn't get your brain cells to work at the keyboard.

Hubby's patience wearing thin because of kids' constant grumbles and the H/h black moment nearly becoming your own. Everyone getting sick of no outings, which I'm too stuffed with my story to think of organizing. Also I'm missing shared jokes and things because although physically present, I'm sometimes catching up on FB and twitter during family time. *hangs head in shame.*

Forgetting that I'm busy for myself and flying off the handle a few times. *oops* 

Then at last, the moment of light. Dun dun n dun. The lifting of dark cloud. End is in sight.


Everyone gets to see a more cheerful me. I even make kids favorite cheese dish to relax myself and appease them.

Finally, finally the much awaited day, when I hit 'send'. *crazy dance*. I make kids banana shake to celebrate and send out for chocolate. Hubby heaves a sigh of relief.

Whew! *mops forehead*

So how was your ride before you hit send? Smooth sailing or something like I went through? What about the multi-published authors? Do you still get butterflies in tummy before you hit send or is it just another day?

Would love to hear from you! :)

20 comments:

  1. great post doll! each journey tells a story in itself. We come from many different paths yet all end at the same destination...published!! Every time you submit, no matter how many times you are published the nerves will always be there think. I think thats what keeps a writer sharp..those nerves!

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    1. Thanks for the lovely comments, Cherie. You're right, the battle with the nerves certainly makes one better prepared!

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  2. Haha! Yes yes yes.

    Can I come and share your 'guilty corner' please? I'll even bring the cake to bribe the kids with?!

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    1. A warm welcome, Aurelia and yes, come any time. Kids love cake! We can compare notes on our 'vileness' *grin*

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  3. I've certainly had similar moments and it doesn't really change with each submission. I hope you reap the fruits of your labour soon. Great post.

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    1. Thanks for the wishes, Kiru. All the best with your WIP :)

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  4. Hey, do you live in my head? lol
    That post rings so true. And nope, it never gets easier hitting that send button.

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  5. New things come up to put even the best laid plans to test throughout every manuscript.

    Good luck with your submission and get ready for it happening again!!!

    :)

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    1. So right, Xandra. "Life" gets in the way and you have to keep your head above the writing waters despite it. Thanks and so hope you're right with the "again" :)

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  6. Lovely post!

    It's hard to juggle my full time job, daughter and family responsibilities, free time (is there such thing?), with writing, and of course, housewife shifts! LOL. But somehow we all do it, and it's so worth it at the end. Especially when you get to click SEND.

    Well done, Summer! Fingers crossed for you :)

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    1. Thanks, Carmen. Yes, the going gets tough but keeping our eye on getting published is great motivation! Cheers for getting there and hope to make the leap to high-five you!

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  7. so we need to start a club, and I'm in there with you. I have philosophy in my house. WRITE it on the calendar! or ir won't happen. At least it stands a chance if I remember to check the calendar that is.

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    1. Welcome, Raven and that sounds so like me. Forgetful is my second name. Thanks for visiting! :)

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  8. Oh that is so true! Then after the huge sigh of relief that I hit send, the nerves hit in that it was rubbish, that no-one will like it... and then the inbox stalking! Good luck with your latest sub :-)

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    1. Thanks, Susie! Don't worry, nerves are the norm post the hit-send phenomenon. Wish you luck with your sub.

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  9. That sounds just like my house! And er, can I get some of that chocolate? It will be a while before I hit send...

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    1. Sure Jorja. *passes chocolate* and here's hot coffee to get you through the chaos! :)

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