Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Writing is like . . .

Well, I can tell you what it's not like--a box of chocolates.  Ms. Cherie, writercherie if you're nasty (sorry, couldn't resist), over at Ready. Write. Go tagged me to participate in this writing meme titled "Writing is NOT Like a Box of Chocolates."  The rules:  Come up with a metaphor for what writing is like (something other than chocolates, obviously), and then tag three people to participate via their blogs. 

If you follow my blog, you probably already know what I think writing is like.  Just look at some of my blog post titles ("The Honeymoon is Over" and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do").  Yep, writing is like a relationship.  For the sake of not repeating myself, I'm going to make a small change to the rules.  I'm going to tell you what writing THE FIRST BOOK is like (to me).  Note: the following contains some content that might make the prudish a bit squirmy.

Writing the first book is like losing your virginity.  You're anxious going into it, because you have no idea what to expect.  As things progress, you keep thinking the nerves will fade away, but they don't.  It's not anything like you thought it would be, because really, you have no idea what the hell you're doing, just a vague idea of what goes where.  Through the entire process, you're praying to make it to the end, but it feels like the end is nowhere in sight.  Afterwards, you're overwhelmed with relief.  You're done.  You made it through your first.  It wasn't fun and exciting like you imagined, but instead, intimidating and terrifying.  In spite of the negative aspects, you eventually go back for more.  Why?  Because, even though it was awkward and uncomfortable, there were moments . . . moments where you realized you kind of liked it ;o) 

Now for the fun part.  I get to hand the reigns over to three others.  I haven't notified these people to see if they want to join in the fun, so I'm kind of putting them on the spot, so to speak.  No hard feelings if they would rather not participate.  Without further adieu, the lucky three are:

1) Marian over at Marian's Blog

2) Bethany over at Rookie Riter: trying to get it write

3) Jennie over at A Book, A Girl, A Journey

11 comments:

  1. What an excellent metaphor, Angela! And it's so true. Writing is awkward, yet thrilling, wonderful yet uncomfortable, and terrifying all at once. But there's just enough of the thrilling and wonderful to make us try again. :) Well done!

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  2. LOLOLOLOL!!!

    Erm...you hit it right on the spot. (Ha! couldn't resist)

    My dear Angela, you had me snorting in my drink here, missy. Naughty you! Haha!

    (So this is what happens when a writer says goodbye to an ms and you ask her to do a meme. Heehee!)

    Thanks for the smirk, er, the fun! And for sharing your most enlightening insight. ;D

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  3. LOL! So true, people should know these things about writing!
    Thanks for tagging me. I wrote my post, and it will be up tomorrow :)

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  4. Hee *blushing*
    That's funny & brilliant!!

    I will do my best to come up with something appropriate in response on this week's blog. (Mare also tagged me with this so I better come up with the goods, eh?)

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  5. Thank you for your comments, ladies ;o)

    Anita- writing is an emotional rollercoaster, isn't it? Ironically, I'm not a fan of rollercoasters ;o)

    Jen- you're wecome--I'm looking forward to your post!

    Cherie & Bethany--I totally felt a bit naughty after writing that ;o) I'm still hoping I don't get any weirdos leaving me inappropriate comments, lol. Cherie- I always aim to have my readers snorting in their drinks, hehe! Bethany- looking forward to reading your post, and yes, it best be good! ;o)

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  6. You constantly surprise me, Angela! LOL. Loved the comparison. Especially the part about going back for more! *snickers* Not only is it hard to keep going back, you pray you don't someday get bored with it and never want to do it again! You also forgot the part about sneaking off to do it in private, anxious for some alone time. But of course that's something else entirely, isn't it? ;-)

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  7. @Ashley- It sounds like you could totally have fun with that metaphor ;o) I loved "pray you don't get bored with it and never want to do it again." LMAO! Just wait until you've been married 10 years ;o) J/K- though my husband would beg to differ, hehehe! Marian chose you to do this, right???? Looking forward to reading what you come up with :o)

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  8. check out my meme on the same...
    www.impactofthoughts.blogspot.com

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  9. LOL Simply brilliant. Awesome metaphor.

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  10. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Awesome.

    SO. Awesome.

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  11. Mary Kate & Greenwoman- Thank you! :o) Glad I could do the meme proud :o)

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