simonalkenmayer:

For keeping me on task today. The manuscript for the second volume is due on the 18th, and I have approximately half of it to read through, examine the many sets of notes, make “improvements” fight cuts, insist that I cannot “reorder” the events of my life, and otherwise defend my existence. @kristinalmeister has threatened my very soul, and I fear I shall be at this for the foreseeable future. Please continue to aid me in this stressful process by forgiving me when I am cranky, hungry, or rude; pushing me do as I am told; insisting that I return to my work during the day instead of endlessly diverting my attention via you gentle spirits; and by inspiring me to stay motivated in reliving the past that I have outgrown. Please do shun me during the day. Let not fear of me stay your hand. Be vigilant and adamant!

It takes a village to raise a monster. It will certainly take one to feed me when this is finished.

And if you wonder to yourself “Well, now, this seems an exceptionally common thing, and surely you must have engaged in this process for the Cookbook’s first volume!” The answer is, yes, I did, but, it took four years.

“Four years!” you say.

Yes, because monsters are bloody stubborn, and I was resistant to editing. And also, I had misgivings about the process, the medium, and most especially, about added exposure. I did not believe it was something I should do, and so, I dragged my feet. And now, see what happens?

The book does well, they want the next piece, and despite my protestations, I am asked to produce it.

I realize now that you are the wrong audience to which I should complain. You are after all, the ones who pay for the rights to witness my stupid mistakes and tiny triumphs. And so you have a vested interest in telling me to hold my tongue and carry on.

You taskmasters. But I appreciate your help regardless.

Don’t blame me. You pay me to harass you. Imagine if I was a big six acquisitions editor. Then you’d be in real trouble. I know you can do it. I have faith. I know it’s stressful being under such a tight deadline, since you looooove to PONDER, but there are only a few really serious fixes, and you know what? Given how MUCH YOU WRITE, it’s not surprising. I know that you’re like…chronicling and stuff, but you don’t need to tell every story right now. You can go back and reinsert the stuff we cut into the blog if you want, though let’s wait on that until after we make this deadline????