Saturday, October 9, 2010

Birth is Painful!

The last few weeks before a book manuscript is due is kind of like childbirth. And not the kind of childbirth where you've been given an epidural and are applying lip gloss for your video debut...more like the kind of childbirth without the pain meds- except you want the pain meds. Badly.

After months of joyous anticipation filled with title-daydreams and catchy unicorn-rainbow covers, suddenly I realize I have to complete this overwhelming task. I have this unbearable urge to scream at the top of my lungs and throw things at my husband.

Paul -I fired that hairbrush after you left the room. What? You felt it whizz by your head? You are mistaken sweetheart.

This week has been filled with tears, discouragement, and an overwhelming pressure to get this thing out of me.

I am pushing and groaning, weeping and grunting. I don't care who is in the room right now as I type this. I've lost all sense of discretion and dignity.



20 comments:

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

The best thing about childbirth is the child you birthed. It is not useless pain, and I know you'll agree that it will all be worth it. Until then, I'm lifting you before the throne :) my friend.

Anonymous said...

Darkest before the dawn... sorry for the cliche, best I can do in text. Just prayed for peace for you in words.
~ Sherry

Shannon Dittemore said...

You know what amazed me most about childbirth? The minute that beautiful baby was born the pain just stopped. Done. Finito. It was a magical moment and after baby number one, my entire laboring experience with baby number two was spent focusing on the blessed relief that I knew was coming. Here's to the moment when the pain stops. Soon, lady. Soon.

Keli Gwyn said...

Cyber hugs, Joanne. This has got to be a tough time, but I know you have what it takes to see the project through and that it will be so worth all the hard work you've put into it.

Mari said...

You'll do it - and just like childbirth, it'll be worth it in the end!

Nana's Nuggets said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nana's Nuggets said...

Good Morning Joanne will try this again, The scripture is: Hope deferred will make the Heart Sick; but a longing fulfilled is a tree of Life. Prov.12:13.
Ps in first post some of the words in scripture was cut off! Satan will not WIN!!

Chris said...

Joanne, the picture alone conveys the agony of the moment. Yikes!!! Your "baby" will shine a light to those hungry for rest--hold that thought as you labor.

mariel said...

I am in the birthing room next door as I bring forth my first bible study!! Book publishing is SUCH a picture of child birth!! you are so right...i am sure that like child birth, when you hold the finished product in your hands it will all have been worth it (at least I am hoping that is so!!) Can't wait to read your book!

Sue Tornai said...

The best thing about childbirth is that it finally happens and the world changes. Your book is life changing. It's worth the blood, sweat and tears. "I look to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from our Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth." (my paraphrase Psalm 121:1-2)

Terri Tiffany said...

I loved everyone's comments and I think they say it all--just wait until this baby is born!! Worth it all.

Donetta said...

That's the best thing about you. Your real :)

Celia said...

I'm lifting you up in prayer, dear friend. It will be over soon enough....and then you will repeat!!!

Hugs!
C

LisaShaw said...

Praying for you my friend as you transition and birth unto God's glory.

Much love.

Dawn said...

And you will be as proud of this offspring as the human ones too, most likely. The difference is this one will earn you lots of money instead of cost you lots of money.

(I hope you still have your sense of humor...) Was that a hairbrush that just flew by?

Denise said...

Praying for you sis. Much love and many hugs to you.

Unknown said...

That picture says it all - ouch! You can do this - the Lord will bring you through it!! Hugs and prayers for you my friend (I should include some chocolate too,right?)! :)

Danie Marie said...

You're scaring me Sister! Yikes, right now I can only imagine what it will feel like when under the gun of a time frame. While I had a C-section, it wasn't without pain or discomfort, but as others have said, in the end it will be SO worth it. Can't wait to rejoice with you when your book is in print! Praying for you... Lord of Hosts, lift my sister up during this stressfull time. Calm her heart and give her peace. Strenghten her when she feels weak and fill her with joy, knowing that You will bring this work to fruition and bless others. In Jesus name. Amen

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying for your delivery! I truly love this post! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels the pressure of getting the writing out.

mariel said...

this post so blessed me, joanne, that I ended up typing a similar parallel and linked back to you here! ;)

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