Remember how I made this list of things I wanted to do during my thirties? I really have been working toward these goals, and it’s been neat to see some progress.
For example, see that first goal up there on the top left of the graphic? The one where I purposed to write a book? Get this! I wrote one! I finished the draft of my first novel over the weekend and sent it off to a writer friend for her edits. After I get her critique and make changes I plan to do two more rounds of edits and then, who knows? Maybe I’ll get an agent and try to get the thing published!
Of course, my novelist friend might tell me that my book is horrible, worse than anything she’s ever read, and only fit for toilet paper if you’re in the woods and can’t find a pinecone, but even then I’ll feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The novel is over 83,000 words long, and is longer than my thesis, which was previously my longest piece of writing. Moreover, I loved writing it. Absolutely, completely loved it. You know when you’re doing something you really love and you get into a zone of happiness and can hardly believe how quickly time flies? Writing is like that for me.
I learned a lot about writing over the course of working on this book – a lot about the craft of writing, about fiction writing, about how many odd bits of anecdotes and memories I have stored up in my head that were useful in creating characters out of nothing – but most of all I learned a lot about myself. I remembered that I am someone beyond Wife and Mom. Not that there is anything wrong with being a wife and mom – both are excellent jobs and callings, but they are not necessarily a person’s only calling. I loved getting back in touch with the writer side of myself, and I loved that I didn’t have to sacrifice being a good wife and mom to do it. It meant putting other pursuits on the backburner maybe so I could focus on one thing, but it feels great to have accomplished something I always wanted to do.
I won’t lie to you; I would love to be published. I would love to walk in a bookstore and see something I wrote on display. But the true accomplishment for me was letting myself try and letting myself reach for a goal that seemed at first a little absurd for a busy mom of several small children.
If you have a list of long term goals, what are you working on right now? What big dream are you reaching for?
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Hi, I'm Catherine Gillespie and A Spirited Mind is where I post about reading, writing, and parenting and the lessons I'm learning as a result. Thanks for stopping by!
that is great catherine!! can’t wait to read it=-)
Wow, Catherine, that is so awesome. Your post really conveys how much joy you get from writing and I praise God that you are getting to use your gifts in this way! I can’t wait to read it!
I saw Hannah yesterday! She looked liked she was having a ball with your parents!
Wow! What a wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations!!! I’m hoping to begin authoring a cookbook in the next year or so…we’ll see.
What an accomplishment! You are so wise to continue to pursue your passion for writing in the midst of raising little ones. That’s a time when so many women get lost in who they are. Next you’ll have to write a book about how you wrote a book with three small children:) That would be a best seller!
Congratulations! I hope that I get to read it someday.
Congratulations! What an accomplishment!
I would love to see your book and have a chance to read it!
I hope one day I will see your name on a book cover at a bookstore! I will say, “I know her!” (I don’t consider my bloggy friends imaginary! 
)
Thanks, everyone!
That is 100% awesome my friend! I would certainly read your book if published. If it’s even half as good as the mimes fighting over a burrito, it will be a great read!
Ha, I forgot about the mimes fighting over a burrito! I’ll slip a reference to that in my next book as a nod to you and those notebooks from 9th grade!
Oh, I am so thrilled for you and deeply impressed. Way to go!
When I did Nanowrimo, I kept the momentum for 50K words, but once I had written those, I felt a deep need for a break and haven’t been able to get myself back in the groove since. Plus, I have recently been thinking about why I’m stuck and can’t get back into the story and realized that I may have to re-write from a different narrator. That makes me feel stuck even more (despite the fact that I know there are things that can only be revealed from this other character, so it does make more sense).
My favorite part of this post?
“Of course, my novelist friend might tell me that my book is horrible, worse than anything she’s ever read, and only fit for toilet paper if you’re in the woods and can’t find a pinecone” Ha – that made me laugh out loud. We all have those secret fears, don’t we. I’m betting yours are unfounded.
Have you ever read Stephen King’s book “On Writing”? If you can overlook the frequent cursing, it is a very helpful book. Plus, your comment above reminded me of the time he tells of when he wiped with poison ivy accidentally. Hee-hee!
I love “On Writing” and have it on my permanent book shelf. And I think you should press on and rewrite your NaNo book! It’s worth it!
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I just saw this post for the first time (because you didn’t link it on Facebook!)! Anyway, your book ROCKED! Beautiful and sensitive and awesome. And now to press onward with the second leg of its journey to the bookstore!
WAY TO GO, my friend!!
Thanks.
Woohoo! Can’t wait to read it! I’m so impressed and so excited for you!
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