As I continue the editing process with my newest editor’s notes and comments, I have noticed a valuable shift in my thought process. Initially with each different editor’s comments, I felt anguish. A strong word but it is totally how I felt. With the advent of the new year, 2024, I am not sure how the shift occurred. I am grateful and feel hope. For me, I dreaded the Holidays beginning with Thanksgiving ending with New Year’s Eve. Even as a child, I loathed the end of the year. I have no insight into why. Nor did I notice the shift. One day I fretted and felt gloomy over getting my book finished and published. Today and over the last week to ten days, I sit down calmly and inspired to re-write what is needed, and to edit and make decisions on what to cut. I have added information my new editor felt necessary. I had more research to do which I always enjoy and often can be a rabbit hole. It was not a rabbit hole though – I got what I needed and continued rewrites. I marvel at the shift. It was what I needed in order to get clarity on what else needed to be done.
What I also realize is, I found my voice for my writing and can make changes staying true to my voice. A voice I often silenced. It is how I survived a difficult childhood and marriage. The other cool part—my book is about discovering your voice, purpose and destiny. It is synergistic that through writing this story for others to assist in finding or recovering their voice, I found myself exactly where I needed to be. Growth. It is never too late to grow, make self-discoveries and grow more. I had more growing to do.
Thanks for reading.
~ B. R. Maryse