Many of the bloggers I love write books.
And it's "poof! look! a book!"
No lead up, no conversation, no "holy crap this is hard to pull together."
Just boom. book.
But you know me better than that, don't you?
It's damn hard.
Hard to make the time. Hard to choose my path. Hard to pull it all together and still put dinner on the table before midnight.
The book is part of my reason for posting less. Write more there, post less here.
And yesterday afternoon I set aside an hour to dig through the partially written manuscripts to see where I'm at. And - are you ready? - there are four. Four partially written books.
Plus a list of other book ideas.
Oh, my.
This is not going well.
The truth is I have so much to share that it sometimes comes rushing out all in one breath. I set off down one path and then spy something inspiring over there and set off in that direction.
So much to share!
And I've also changed a great deal since I began this journey.
My writing has changed, my view of the world has changed, I have changed.
I no longer feel good about handing you a book brimming with projects that in all likelihood you don't have time to make anyway.
I want to lift you up, not illuminate where you're already spread too thin.
While visiting a friend recently she pulled a bag of pre-shredded organic cheese out of her refrigerator.
With a shrug she acknowledged, "I only have so many hours each day. If I'd rather buy grated cheese than not have time to read books to my kids."
And, well, whoa. Yes. Of course.
I would too.
So for me to put a book together with instructions for handmade playthings and children's bedroom decorations misses the point if you hardly have time to get the laundry done.
And in truth, I don't know if you're flush with time and sewing all of your kids clothes, or racing home from work with pre-grated cheese.
So I'm taking a breath. Making another cup of tea. And forging a new path.
I'm so passionate about what I share with you here that I'm eager to put it down on actual paper and expand this idea into something for even more of you to enjoy.
I just want to make sure I'm setting off in the right direction. One that empowers and inspires you and doesn't leave you feeling like your life just doesn't measure up.
Will you be a beacon for me on this journey?
I've put together a tiny survey - just six questions - as a bit of market research as I embark once more in earnest.
Would you share your thoughts? It should take you about three minutes to complete, and your thoughts there would mean so much.
I owe you a huge thanks for encouraging me along this path.
You can find my questions right here.
Your answers are anonomyous.
And yeah, there's something in it for you. (You'll find that at the end.)
Thank you kindly.
Love,
Rachel
