I told people I was going to get Benk and the Ugly Princess out in the summer and it is now the end of September. I have worked and worked and am still working on the manuscript. Errors, words used too often, things to leave out, things to say better—the process of editing just goes on and on. I could spend 3 more years editing my story, but there’s a time to stop and let it go.
I don’t know whether I have been a perfectionist or simply a coward. I write my stories to share—there’s no doubt in my mind about that, but on the other hand, once a beloved story goes out, it’s exposed and I’m vulnerable. What I have to remind myself is that I am also blessed. It’s so much fun to imagine a story and put it into words. The creativity is deeply satisfying and I feel a partnership with God, the ultimate creator, who makes light sparkle on wet leaves until they look like little stars in a green sky. Me, a partner with Him? Ridiculous. And yet it’s happened and has been the joy of my life.
So I’m going to wrap up my editing and put this new story out.