I’m currently writing the 8th draft of my manuscript and my 2nd book proposal. I have spent countless hours over the past six years rewriting.
Some days, I’ve thought, “I’m a terrible writer! Look at how long I’ve been working on this manuscript. I’m never going to finish this!” Rewriting felt like a slog.
On more hopeful days, I’ve held close the words of a trusted friend, “Your thoughtfulness isn’t slowness, but stewarding this well.” Rewriting was necessary but not something I looked forward to.
Most recently, I’ve been encouraged while reading How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner. Not only do world-class projects take a tremendous amount of time, but most books do, too.
With the turn of the year, I often reflect on the previous year: what went well, what didn’t, did anything surprise me, and would I like anything to continue, start or stop? Even this type of reflection is a rewrite. As I look back over the many years of this project, I’m noticing changes in myself.
I’ve come to not spurn the rewriting times, but liken them to how a sculptor chips away at the stone. The sculptor can visualize the finished sculpture and know they must chip off the excess stone to get to what’s hidden inside. To be very honest, I can’t imagine the finished book, but I recognize that each rewrite brings me closer. There’s a new feeling with rewriting: anticipation.
I’m beginning to experience excitement for what this will ultimately be and a settling inside me with the “writer” identity. With each rewrite, the advice and encouragement of many in my life have been illuminated. I may be the writer, but this hasn’t been a solo journey.
I find myself starting 2024 with a tremendous sense of gratitude. I'm thankful for the rewrites, changes in myself over the years of this journey, and each person who has listened to me talk about this project, read the manuscript, and encouraged me.
Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey!
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