Birthing Books

I get asked a lot if I have kids. The answer is, no. Instead, I tell people my books are my babies. Sometimes they look at me like I’m a little loony when I say it. I’m sorry. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s true. So far, I’m the mother of three babies that I’m very proud of.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not in any way trying to say I understand what it’s like to really give birth. But giving birth to books has it’s own unique set of labor pains. The birth of my first book involved a very long drawn out labor. Four years to be exact. I was in no hurry to get that book out. I guess I could have pushed harder but why? I wasn’t under a contract for the book. I wasn’t on a deadline.

So, I took my sweet time and patiently waited for its arrival. It took its own time to develop and in the end, I was very happy with my bouncing baby book. I couldn’t wait to show it to the world, though some people thought it had a face only a mother could love. But I didn’t care, what anybody said. That first child is always special if for that reason alone.

The birth of my second baby only took six months of labor. Unlike the first book, it was planned because this time I was under contract and did have a deadline. I was also anxious to prove that I could do it again, and wanted to do everything right. I had to write a detailed chapter outline to show my editor before I got started. As a result, the birth of this book went much smoother. It was more disciplined. I wanted to avoid another long labor. So I was very regimented in my writing. I didn’t think I’d like working in such an orderly way. I thought it would stunt the growth and creativity of the book. But it didn’t. Once again I had another book I was proud of.

The birth of my third book was the most fun I’ve had of the three. This book’s labor lasted eight months. The labor took two months longer than the second book but it was a painless birth. I wasn’t as paranoid about meeting my deadline. I relaxed and let the creativity flow. I had fun and didn’t worry so much over forcing the plot to go in directions that it didn’t want to go. I let it develop on its own.

That book will be released in June and the jury is out as to how well it will be received. But, I’m satisfied that I did the best I could and will once again be proud to hold it in my hands for the first time. Currently, I’m working on my fourth book. I’m about two thirds of the way finished and it’s been a very painful labor. I’ve been doing all the things I normally do, the detailed chapter outline, and the rigid writing schedule. But I can tell that I’m going to have to go back and flesh out some of the earlier chapters, and add some more plots twists. It’s just not developing the way I want. I’m not having fun at all because I’m constantly worried if this baby is going to be okay. Please wish me luck. I need all the help I can get!

Angela Henry http://www.angelahenry.com