Books of Courage

I bought myself a few small treats after completing my first draft: a bottle of bubbly, two pairs of dangly earrings from artisans at the local Sunday Market, and a book, The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear.

After a busy weekend, Husband and I spent a belated Monday night imbibing bubbly in celebration. The earrings, though in no way related to writing, are swishy and sparkly and inspiring in their own way. The book was my practical post first draft purchase.

My favorite used bookstore downtown--with its own cat called Isbn--moved to a new premises. The larger, airier building leaves room for more shelves and easier browsing. I probably spent an hour browsing the shelves looking for something special. There were plenty of books I wanted, but, with a towering to-be-read pile at home, I was looking for something unique. I stopped in the writing section and found many interesting books, but this particular book appeared to be written especially for me. As I flipped through the pages, I realized it spoke to The Fear I've faced for the last two years, as well as the New Fear that's begun to creep up since I wrote my last page. I wonder if I can finish this novel to my satisfaction; and if I do meet my own level of perfection, will it be good enough that others will want to read it. I was startled to see the names of stellar writers gracing the pages of this book to put voice to their fears. Apparently The Fear is more widespread than I realized. I am not alone.

Last night I finished another excellent writing book, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, which bolstered me with ideas for how to approach my second-draft. Now I'm indulging myself with the comforting pages of this new book in hopes that it will help usher me into this new phase of my writing life.