On Writing — Blog — Elizabeth Knox

The proverbial “they” say that writing a book is like having a baby. Since I’ve had the honor and privilege of doing both in the past year, I think that makes me eminently qualified to evaluate the comparison! Here’s my take on the similarities:

Anticipation

I knew the book when I was “carrying” it better than I knew that little human inside me. The book made sense. I knew what I wanted to happen with it. But now that it’s “happened," I’m still not sure what all will come of it.

When I was pregnant, the baby was a stranger (and honestly, that continued on for at least the first three months of his life). I knew I was supposed to be excited, but I wasn’t sure what I was excited about. Now that he’s here, and I’m getting to know him, I’m totally enamored with him. But I still don’t know what the future holds for all of us, so I feel like I’m still watching and waiting.

Lesson Learned: Many things we long for and work hard for are still kind of uncertain even after we “achieve” them.

Sleep Deprivation Many times when I was working on the book, I couldn’t shut my brain off and would stay up way too late. I also got up early to write before work, and sacrificed sleep for this goal.

When I was pregnant, people told me to stock up on sleep while I could, and I thought, “Right now? When I can’t get comfortable and as soon as I do I have to get up to pee?” But now I see how right they were. Sleep has been really challenging for our family, and I don’t think I knew what sleep deprivation was before we went from a family of two to three.

Lesson Learned: I felt accomplished when I would stay up late to write or have an “aha” moment that resulted from the discipline of early morning writing time. Midnight snuggles are fun. But from now on, I promise to go to bed as soon as I have the opportunity. Brilliant ideas, charming babies, or not! (at least for the next 5 years)

The Need for Community I could not have written the book without the help of so many people.

The support of my family and friends has been critical to having a baby. From Andy’s coaching while I was pregnant and in labor, to our family swooping in soon after bringing meals and washing clothes, to our neighbors who babysit now.

Lesson Learned: Big things are nearly impossible to do alone.

Anyone want to babysit?

Writing with a sleeping baby on my lap in January (he's in his Christmas PJs)

Pain and Distress Emotionally, this book has caused some tension, frustration, tears, and fear. Why am I even doing this? Why is it so hard? I’ve banged my head against many a table, wall, or husband’s chest through this process, but it has not really caused me any physical pain.

Thankfully, I didn’t have a very emotional pregnancy – I was generally even-keeled (and yes, I checked with Andy – he agreed). And the baby himself hasn’t caused a lot of emotional anguish yet (but he’s not a toddler or a teenager yet). But as for physical pain: nothing, nothing… n.o.t.h.i.n.g. compares to childbirth on the pain scale. Nothing.

Lesson Learned: Both have their unique points that trigger emotional and physical pain. But anything worth doing is worth committing emotional energy to. And sometimes important things are really painful, but it doesn’t make them less important.

And while we’re on the subject – no – kidney stones are not the same as childbirth. Just for the record.

Identity Am I an author? It feels funny to say that. And am I an author even if people think the book is bunk?

I know I’m a mother now, but it still doesn’t feel quite real.

And how does being an author or a mother fit in with my other identities? As a Christian, a wife, a friend, an employee, a colleague?

Both the book and the baby are each a dream, something born of you, something you tie much of your expectations, hopes, and identity into.

Lesson Learned: You aren’t supposed to tie all of your identity into either. You are supposed to raise your child to become an adult – separate from you. And when you write a book, it is the gift you are giving to the world.

In Conclusion The proverbial "they" were right - these two big life events have a lot in common. You anticipate them, you invest in them, people tell you what they're like but it's hard to understand until you go through them yourself, you endure anguish for them, you learn to rely on others to help you do them well, you give up other things in life to make time for them.

There's always the uncertainty, there's always the sacrifice, and there's never a perfect time to pursue it, but I hope that whatever your dream is - you go for it!

bookbaby

I was honored to meet Diane Paddison about 18 months ago at a book signing for Work, Love, Pray. At that time, I told her that we shared a passion for professional Christian women. She encouraged me to stay in touch, and when the time came this past spring to solicit endorsements for my book - I asked Diane if she would be willing to read it and consider endorsing it. Diane called me a few weeks later and shared that she'd always believed there would be 3 sequels to her book - one on work, one one love, and one on prayer. She said that my book was the "work-book" and not only would she endorse my book, but she would welcome me into 4word family, with Faith Powered Profession as the first sequel to Work, Love, Pray.

She introduced me and Faith Powered Profession to the 4word community via a Google Hangout!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91vSjnNA7uo&feature=share&list=UUlI3VfBuDq72BLNAmmcP1tA

4wordwomen.org is dedicated to connecting, leading, and supporting professional Christian women to achieve their God-given potential. Diane blogs weekly about a range of issues - you can see her posts on Mondays. On Wednesdays they interview professional Christian women and highlight how they are serving God and their community - they've highlighted such a range of women! They also provide a very, very comprehensive list of resources for Christians in the marketplace.

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