TOP TEN WAYS Writing a Manuscript is Like Raising a Child

I don't know if it's the New Year or the two weeks off writing or what, but I'm full of new ideas this week. There just aren't enough hours in the day! But what I really need to be doing is revising, but I've got to catch that idea by the tail first, and get it down. I've been thinking a lot lately about the parallels between parenting and writing a manuscript. Now I've spoken before about the parallels of BIRTHING a child and a book, but now I'm thinking the whole nurturing process is even more critical in this analogy.

 So here are the TOP TEN ways writing a manuscript is like raising a child:

 10. It's hard to know when your manuscript and/or child is ready to go out into the world. Some days, the answer seems obvious, and other days, not so much.

 9. FEEDBACK is critical in the raising of a child and the growing of a manuscript. Sometimes you need perspective that you can only get from an outsider of sorts.

 8. There are TONS of good books on writing manuscripts AND raising your child, but everyone has to find their own way to do it.

 7. Everyone thinks they know how to fix their friend's manuscript (or child), and it always seems easier than fixing your own.

 6. Criticism is HARD to take. Your manuscript is personal, and when you put it out there, well, it's much like when someone criticizes your child. It hurts, it stings, and no matter how ridiculous, you secretly carry that comment around and wonder....

 5. You are SO proud of your manuscript and your child, that sometimes people think you can talk of nothing else. (and sometimes your spouse has to say, "Let's go out and NOT talk about your book/our kids."

 4. Nutrition is critical in both of these endeavors. It's tempting to reward a child with treats all the time, but that's just not healthy. It's also tempting to use chocolate to fuel your creative process, but that's not healthy either (and it really just makes you want to nap).

 3. Your moods and level of optimism are directly related to the status of your manuscript and your child. If you are stuck in a rut with either one of these things, you can't focus on anything else until you work it out.

 2. You daydream about the difference your book and your child will make out in the world one day.

 1. With your child and with your manuscript, you have to love it the best you can and then let go. The rest is OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. So you MUST enjoy the process!


 Have a terrific day, dear writer friends! I hope your manuscripts and your children are doing well today!