I blogged a week or so ago about singing "The Way We Were" in a dream, which affected my mood for the whole day. Well last night I sang Copa Cabana, probably because of that Barry Manilow concert I watched on PBS the other night, but oddly the mood today doesn't match the song. Or maybe it does, because despite the samba beat, the lyrics are tragic. I'm not blue, just careful and thoughtful. Slow. I get the feeling there were other dreams before the Copa one that are bearing upon my day.
Well I am a little sad, because I resigned from my editing job over the weekend. I have to finish up this book, another week, tops, and then I will no longer hold the title Content Editor. *sniff* It was necessary. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I really wanted to do, got those priorities lined up straight, and finishing this WIP was #1, right up top. Let me tell you folks, it ain't writing itself, and editing simply takes too much of my time and focus. It almost killed me last month when I didn't even have time to open my document for three weeks solid. When I applied for the job in April, time wasn't a concern because I couldn't even type with both hands, and I didn't know if I would ever write again. I'm driving forward now.
My managing editor was sweet about it, saying she about cried when she read my email because she hated to lose such a good editor. My self-deprecating instinct says that's just what people say, but at this point there's really no reason for her to pump sunshine up my skirt, to borrow a phrase from an old friend. So maybe if this writing thing slows down I can pick up the mantle again, because I did so like calling myself an editor.
But for now, I'm just a plain wannabe again.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sherri, you ARE a good editor. I believe your work on my stuff was instrumental in helping me get agented. I wish you had more time to edit more of my stuff, because i find your insights and corrections very helpful.
ReplyDeleteWell what a darn-tootin sweet thing to say, Ian! Thanks. I'll have more time for stuff like that once I'm done with this book. Maybe when you put up my guest post you should title it "Observations of a (former) new editor." ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think you're pretty good at it too. You're sensitive enough without compromising toughness when needed. I've felt your assistance was the main catalyst for my multi-national best seller coming to print and taking the world by ...
ReplyDelete... Oh, wait. Sorry, I'm awake now. Oh well, I still feel you're very good at this. You've helped me a lot and I think your style and technique are awesome to work with. It's always been of great help to me.
If you have time, you can do it again. But you're a writer first and foremost. :)
The hardest lesson for me as a writer, has been to learn how to be ruthless in my commitment to writing. Well done.
ReplyDeleteOops, Anon is me, BTW
ReplyDeleteWell I wondered!
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling you'd get to this point eventually. Last year (or was it earlier this year?) when you thought you were going to quit writing for good - I knew. You can't stop being you, dolly. :) Go for the goal. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI've had similar experiences. Some well meaning friends have heard me play and said, 'you know, you'd be a great teacher,' or 'why don't you go into Ethnomusicology? You'd be a smash at that.' I've even caught myself slipping into the habit. But the thing is, when you figure out what you really want to do, you have to do it, and not let anybody keep you from it or talk you out of it. So go for it!
ReplyDeleteWhere did this comment come from? You're really going to think I was ignoring you now. Thank you for your words of confidence. I agree with you, I'm first a writer, at least for now. :) *hugs*
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess it was sort of obvious I wouldn't be able to quit for good, huh? lol *hugs back*
ReplyDeleteYou would be a great teacher. But you're right, you have to want to do it or you won't be happy. So thanks, I think I will! :)
ReplyDeleteMy first time here but your writing is perfect so I believe you really made a fantastic editor.. And Editor is one fine title... Good luck with your book, I hope it works out great.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's always nice to hear a stranger say she likes what I wrote. From your blog I see you are having struggles with your health. I will pray for your healing, and I hope my readers do the same. Come back anytime. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that's too bad that you had to give it up, but just doing beta reaading or crit group crits took far too much time for me to continue with it very frequently. So I definitely understand.
ReplyDelete