3 Ways Writing a Book is Like Parenting

Being a parent is an emotional experience. From the mountain peaks of watching a child take his first steps to the valleys of the terrible twos. One day you're feeling like the luckiest person alive to get to hold a beautiful, sweet creation, and other days you wonder what you were thinking to ever have spawned a devil-chid. And let's not even mention the excruciating pain of Lego-walking in the pitch black of night when said child is screaming his fool head off because he needs a drink of water.

Yeah. That's what writing a book is like. And here are 3 specific ways . . .

1. What’s engrained early on will stick with it until the end.

Just like kids, early impressions or experiences remain with them for life. Unfortunately, it's the same for your story. If you don't take the time to set things up properly plot wise in the beginning, you're in for a world of hurt by the end when all the pieces don't fall nicely together.

2. You’re going to want to kill it at some point in time.

Face it. Those little rug-rats, while cute, oftentimes push you into the danger zone—and beyond. Writing a manuscript is like that. You will want to trash the whole thing at some point. Persevere. This too shall pass.

3. You gotta let 'em feel the growing pains.

As hard as it is, sometimes you have to let your kids face natural consequences in order for them to grow into a responsible adult. It’s heart wrenching to watch that happen. And yet you must do the same to your characters. Let them feel hurts and go through awful circumstances so that they can grow too. That’s called character arc.

Parenting is nearly an impossible task. So is writing a book.

But both are totally worth it.

Michelle GriepMarch 31, 2017Writerly Advice2 Comments