A writing love affair

Came across this post and thought it did an excellent job of describing the writing process from a different perspective.

Is writing a novel like falling in love? This author seems to think so and makes a good illustration of how it could be seen as such. Here’s a few of the stages:

THE BEGINNING
Look at all my pretty ideas. Aren’t they pretty? That one’s a good dancer but that one has gorgeous eyes and a car. And that one, the intellect of Spock and he gets all my jokes. I like that one. So intriguing. Yes, I’ll pick that one.

THE EARLY STAGES
OMG, y’all. My book and I went out again yesterday, and you know what? My book is so, so clever! Seriously. It was only our third date and it brought me fresh metaphor. I know, right? I wasn’t expecting that at all. Plus, my book is so easy to talk to–it never feels like work. We just relate sooo well. I think this could be something special. I’m seeing my book again tomorrow. I can’t wait.

THE FIRST DRAFT
I love this book. And it loves me. I never want to be without this book. Never, ever. What? Were you saying something? I’m sorry I can’t hear you because my book just said the best thing ever. Wait–just listen to this sentence. I know! Isn’t my book so dreamy? I love you, book. Do you love me? Of course you do. OMG–we said that at the SAME TIME! WE ARE SO IN TUNE! This is going to be the best book ever written. Oh, whisper that again. I Pulitzer you too, honey. Sigh.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s not just the single novel or story that we fall in and out of love with, but the whole writing process itself. How many times have you gone to the edge of giving it all up for some reason–whether depression, bad critiques, your 500th rejection letter–only to find that inspirational spark just won’t stop burning, and once you let yourself be exposed to it again, it takes over everything like it did that first time?

What is writing to you? A friendship? Love affair? Wrestling match?

I see that smile.

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