Recently, it struck me that it has been exactly nine months since I signed my book deal. This timeframe has been filled with stress, excitement, anxiety, and joy—mirroring the nine months of pregnancy I experienced. In many ways, this book has become like a fourth child to me. Yet, the timing is just the beginning of the comparison. Here’s how the experience of releasing a book resembles the journey of motherhood:
- Reality vs. Expectation: I always thought pregnancy and childbirth would be this celestial experience—where I’d feel like a goddess enveloped in unconditional love. Similarly, I envisioned becoming a profound intellectual upon publishing my first book. The truth? I loathed every moment of my pregnancies, and during a reading, I was reprimanded for my choice of language. So much for expectations!
- An Obsession: When my first child, Mia, was a newborn, I inundated friends and family with weekly emails filled with photos and updates, driving them to distraction. She consumed my thoughts, just as this book now occupies my mind. It’s hard to remember the last time I wrote about anything other than my writing journey!
- Unwanted Opinions: Just like unsolicited advice on parenting, I’ve been bombarded with comments about my book. For instance, I received a bizarre note from a stranger in Florida critiquing my outfit during a TV appearance. Did I ask for feedback? I didn’t solicit opinions on my baby names or my feeding choices, so why weigh in on my wardrobe?
- Using the Baby Card: There’s a unique haze that comes with having an infant, where people understand your disorientation. Now, I find myself in a similar fog, only this time my “baby” doesn’t require diaper changes or spit-up clean-up!
- The Low Points: There was a particularly disheartening book signing in Concord, New Hampshire, where only one person showed up. A good rule of thumb might be that you should never have fewer attendees at your book event than the number of people who’ve witnessed your labor. Trying to sell your book to random passersby is even more humbling than breaking down when someone innocently asks when you’re due.
- The Highs: The sleepless nights and emotional rollercoasters are exhausting, yet those fleeting moments of joy make it all worthwhile. The last few months have been intensely stressful, but after a tough reading in New Hampshire, I had an exhilarating experience at follow-up events in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Burlington, Massachusetts.
- The Pinnacle Moment: For me, that magical moment came when each of my children graced me with their first smiles. With my book, it was the exhilarating news that I made it onto next week’s New York Times Best Sellers list. What an overwhelming joy!
Thank you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. If you’re navigating similar paths, be sure to check out excellent resources like Resolve for pregnancy and home insemination. And for more information on self-insemination, here is a great authority on that topic. Lastly, if you’re considering a home insemination kit, we have a helpful post on baby makers that can guide you through the process.
Summary
The journey of writing a book can be compared to the experience of having a baby, from the unexpected challenges and obsessive thoughts to both the highs and lows of the process. Ultimately, it’s a transformative experience filled with moments of joy and celebration.