How to start over when you thought you were almost done

Trust the process.

In between sending holiday cards and seeing colorful lights, I’ve been writing my little heart out to meet a December 31 submission deadline. I worked on it when I was sleeping and when I was awake. Who knew it was bad or good, hope it’s good for goodness sake. So… after nearly two months I thought I was close to being done.

Then last week, I workshopped it with my incredible writing group. With their trusted guidance, I discovered the piece needed to be a lot MORE. More details, more voice, more focus.

Well, shit.

Cut to the movie montage of me typing furiously next to half-eaten Chinese food containers, crossing out days on the calendar with a fat red sharpie, pacing the room in a threadbare bathrobe, the clock ticking louder and louder. (Not really, except maybe the Chinese food. I’m always down for that)

I’ve been here before. I know I had to write that other draft to get to where I’m going. I know I’ll bust my ass. And I know I’ll get it done. As painful as it is, I trust the rat’s nest that is the creative process.

Here’s to an incredible new year, full of the journeys we all need to be the people we strive to be. Thank you for believing in me.