Give It to Me Now!
Apologies if this post comes off a little disjointed. I need to rant and ramble for a bit. As many of you know, I’m writing my first book. I’ve written articles, blogged for pay and contributed chapters to others’ anthologies. Now, finally, I’m working on my own baby. The timing isn’t coincidental, and I’ll tell you more about that eventually.
For now, the book is coming along nicely. And, at the moment, only have a one frustration. I lack patience. By way of an example — and as I’ve mentioned before — on more than one occasion I’ve sat in taxis cussin’ and swearin’. “Damn it,” I sigh as I notice cars in traffic are moving slower than people footing it on the sidewalk. “This is taking too long. Just let me out here and I’ll walk the rest of the way!!!” I pay my fare and get out. After speedwalking one or two blocks, I hail another cab because I feel like the traffic is moving faster than I am. Yes. I’m impatient, neurotic and insensible. I know. I’m working on it.
Anyway, so, it’s hard for me to forgo additional article-writing opportunities (and immediate cash!) for the next SIX MONTHS while I spend time finishing up the book. I want it … everything, actually … now. I try to rush through finishing my chapters. I give pages to friends to gather their opinions on stuff before I’ve even proof read it myself. I start working on a new pieces before I’ve finished the previous ones. And, so on and so on. “Slow down,” I tell myself. I start up again — this time working at a reduced pace. It’s coming along. Slowly. That drives me batshit crazy, but I hope the end product will be better because of it. Whatever. I feel guilty and petty when I complain. I love writing, and I’m just incredibly grateful that I get to do it & people appreciate my work. So, enough about that.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I envy you that writing. Really. If I had more time and a bit of motivation I would write a book as well. Not everyone has a gift (and you definitely have) and a chance to do it.
Believe that getting to the end is a half of fun and I think after finishing all the chapters you will miss the process a lot. Even if the slowness makes you crazy.
Twanna, appreciate every moment of the creation, keep it slow and Pulitzer will be yours ;).
July 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
This too will pass…just keep it moving and it’ll work out for you..i’m a little impatient too..but u gotta learn to take it slow..cause u know it wins the race..
July 16th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I agree with Rafal and Mrs. Brigg… you must be on the right track Funky Brown! I believe impatience breds success via, our gift(s) when they are not dormant, but alive and kicking! And in your case, your gift is screaming to get out in book form!
Write on!
July 16th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
So what’s it about? Little hint? Pleeeeease?
July 16th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Can’t wait to get the book, FBC! Wish I had the guts to put my writing out there!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
On the other hand, you have a book deal. That’s something.
July 16th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
you can do it, just put your ass into it.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
can’t wait to have a copy of your book ;)
July 17th, 2008 at 1:14 am
you keep this up and you will be going nowhere fast….. My Grandma would
always tell me…..” you crawl before you walk,you walk before you run, you run
before you ride and you ride before you die….. then, you crawl for forgiveness ”
take the time, to take care of the business at hand…. and you will be fine….
or…. pretend that the book you are writing is that cupcake you were eating…..
you found a way to approach the cupcake… now, grasshopper, find a new
approach towards completion of your tome….. ’cause, girlfriend, am so waiting
for this puppy to pop
lamesabassman…….. ” kick it….. “
July 17th, 2008 at 1:17 am
P.S. okay….. you can tell us….. it’s about Baba,right….. before he became Mr.D…
lamesabassman…….. score
July 17th, 2008 at 7:40 am
You know what happens when a cupcake is being baked at too high a temp for too long?
You know what happens when something is always rushed and rushed?
They burn and never make out right out at all. Pace not haste. That’s the thing about writing, the words want to hit the page before they are properly channeled. All you would have are words on a page that don’t make sense…
Like these of mine. :) You get the picture. The book is your baby, don’t let it grow before it supposed to. Nuff cliché?
July 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Congrats, and best wishes w/ the book. I promise you a review on my site when it drops.
July 18th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Y’all rock!! :)
@ Rafał: THANKS for the kind words!! :) Now, about that Pulitzer … glad you’ve got that much confidence in my work. ;)
@ mrsbigg: That’s soooo right. The slower it goes, the better it gets. Hey, that’s actually true for a lot of things. Like, for example, sex.
@ Val: Your observation that impatience breeds success is an interesting one. I told one of my exes that “impatience” was of my character flaws. He was like, “That’s an asset.” (He’s impatient, too.) And, he swears that impatience is a great motivator.
@ Baba Doodlius: I’m still playing with the title, but for now I’m calling it: “The is Baba Doodlius’ Life.” Guess what it’s about? :)
@ Wonderlove: THANK YOU. I swear I’m gonna throw a special, “Funky Brown Chick Reader Appreciation Party” once the book is finished and (hopefully) published.
@ Brenz: I don’t have the book deal yet; I’ve gotta finish writing it first. THEN, I can show it to the folks who have expressed interest.
@ wynsters the tigress: Believe me, my ass is quite mighty. ;)
@ Carolina Pereira: I can’t wait to sign a copy of it for you.
@ lamesabassman: I really like that ‘keep the impatience up and you’ll go nowhere fast.’ Good quote.
@ Roddykat: LOVE the cupcake analogy!!!! :) I’m a former pom pon cheerleader chick from Small Town USA / the Midwest, so I really love the PMA stuff.
@ Lee Coles: You rock. I’d LOVE to hear your impressions of it once it’s all done.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Have you ever thought of meditating? Life is WAY too short for you to be this wound up. Plus, it’s counter productive. The cab example you give, you end up wasting a lot of money that way because there’s a minimum fee. I used to be very impatient and needed everything to move at the speed of light, which is why i started meditating a couple of years. The truth is I will always move through life at a much faster pace than most, but I am no longer emotionally destructive with my impatience and need for speed. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck with the book! Can’t wait for it to come out.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
pink_thursday: Funny that you would mention meditation, I used to do it get down with the mediation, prayer and connecting to my spiritual self at least once a week. But, I haven’t done it in AT LEAST a month. Not good. I soooo need to get back in the habit. Thanks for the reminder / suggestion. And, yes, life IS too short. :)