A Book Baby?

Writing a Book is Like Having a Baby  

First, you are thinking about getting pregnant (or thinking about writing a book). “I want to write a book.  I don’t know when or how or what it will be about, but I do.” 

Some people might not be trying at all and suddenly become pregnant. Some people have a book idea that surprises them because they weren’t trying at all.

Whether planned or not, it happens. Germination – you get pregnant, or the book idea comes!  Maybe you share it with a few loved ones or close friends, but not too many. You don’t want to risk disappointment or criticism. 

Pregnancies generally have a standard gestation of 40 weeks, give or take. The gestation period for writing the book can be long or short. There can be complications and revelations. Most likely it will not go according to your plan. 

Labour and delivery can be fraught with stress, fear, and exhilaration. It is usually a very painful process. This is like getting that book baby edited, formatted, and published. But it is SO worth it!   

Once your baby comes into the world, you want to shout from the rooftops, you share with everyone!  And if your book helps someone, or makes someone feel good, or inspires someone to be a hero – then you are as proud of your book as if it is your child going out in the world and doing worthy deeds.  

My Book Baby  

It was in the back of my mind that someday I would write a book. But it was a nebulous thought, with no firm direction. Then the Camino de Santiago came into my life, followed closely by the Master Key Experience. 

Once I recognized a link between the two, I thought perhaps there is a book idea. Then it came to me. I could write a novel about a woman walking the Camino while studying the Master Key System. The idea germinated and grew. 

It took about four years to gestate my book baby. I wrote, but not consistently. Then a friend advised me to focus on one thing. That one thing was the book.  

Now I am nearing the end of the process. I am in the editing stage, moving toward publishing. It is exhilarating, as well as a little painful (even though my editor is very gentle). My editor and my publishing advisor are a bit like midwives, helping my book baby come into the world. 

Triplets? 

What? Three books? At least it isn’t three babies! 

As I was writing, I decided that I would like to publish a Camino Journal as well. Actually, I just want one for my own pilgrimage, but I thought others might like it as well. 

Then my lovely editor and my publishing advisor invited me to participate in their book baby. I am now writing a chapter in a compilation about transformative travel!  

It is hard to imagine, but my triplets are due to make their debut around the same time later this year. Stay tuned!