I’ve so often heard people compare the experience of writing and publishing a book to having a baby. I can’t, for the life of me, figure out how this comparison makes sense to anyone. First of all, a baby gestates for nine months, largely outside of your control, whereas a book has never written itself. When I was pregnant, my body miraculously kept forming my little baby’s tiny liver, the birth mark on her lower back, her long eyelashes, all while I was washing the dishes, and freaking out about the mortgage, and generally neglecting the more profound thing going on inside of my very own uterus.
Courtney, I am so looking forward to reading this book! This lovely post speaks powerfully on so many fronts and really, just makes me more excited to receive my copy! Thank you for all your thoughts, offered openly and with vulnerability. I have appreciated following your words very deeply!
Hello! How exciting to be so close to your release date! I would say, also, that the other difference between a book and a baby is that, unless you're having a planned c-section or induction, you have to submit to the mystery of when your baby will arrive. Mine were both defiantly early, which is totally unlike them as people outside my body, which I found utterly shocking both times. You'd think the second time it would have been less shocking, and it was. But only a little. Books, however, get planned releases and now you are practically to yours. Congratulations!
I can't join the conversation later, unfortunately, but just looking at the headline made me think of one of the oddest, best books I've ever read-- The Sellout, by Paul Beatty. Have you read it? It won the Mann Booker Prize a handful of years ago or so. It is a darkly satirical and deeply thought-provoking story about race and segregation and community identity. I highly recommend it if you haven't.
Such a good point! I didn't think of that, probably in part because my babies were overdue so there were no surprises (just so much anticipation!). I haven't read The Sellout. Will check it out!
Bought it! Excited!!!!!
But I do love your book AND your kids...
Thank you for writing my thoughts once again. Looking forward to reading!
Courtney, I am so looking forward to reading this book! This lovely post speaks powerfully on so many fronts and really, just makes me more excited to receive my copy! Thank you for all your thoughts, offered openly and with vulnerability. I have appreciated following your words very deeply!
Thank you Wendy! So appreciate you following along in the journey and ordering the book.
Hello! How exciting to be so close to your release date! I would say, also, that the other difference between a book and a baby is that, unless you're having a planned c-section or induction, you have to submit to the mystery of when your baby will arrive. Mine were both defiantly early, which is totally unlike them as people outside my body, which I found utterly shocking both times. You'd think the second time it would have been less shocking, and it was. But only a little. Books, however, get planned releases and now you are practically to yours. Congratulations!
I can't join the conversation later, unfortunately, but just looking at the headline made me think of one of the oddest, best books I've ever read-- The Sellout, by Paul Beatty. Have you read it? It won the Mann Booker Prize a handful of years ago or so. It is a darkly satirical and deeply thought-provoking story about race and segregation and community identity. I highly recommend it if you haven't.
Such a good point! I didn't think of that, probably in part because my babies were overdue so there were no surprises (just so much anticipation!). I haven't read The Sellout. Will check it out!