Okay, so the holidays are over. (A friend pointed out that I was running around my house last week muttering "Okay, okay, okay.." as I clicked off things on my To Do list.) And today - as no doubt most of you are - I'm back to work. Or trying to work. Trying to read one more time the final copy-edited version of my new book. Words cannot describe how boring it is, what a disappointment from my original idea. I really loved the book until I had to read it about five hundred times. The sound of my own voice on the page makes my head hurt as I attempt one more reading of the damn thing. The little tracking balloons from the copy editor show how little I really know about grammar.
I do have some good news though that I'll post soon - but right now I don't want to spoil my self-indulgent fit of writer's angst by telling you about it.
Oh, my goodness. I love the sign! I want it! I might lift it from your blog to my blog -- and give you credit, of course.
By the way, I don't care how boring you think your new book is -- I'm going to love it.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 04, 2012 at 06:35 PM
Happy 2012. I'm looking forward to reading your book!
Posted by: Jenny R | January 04, 2012 at 09:18 PM
Ah the joy of being a writer. You'll make t through the angst and both and your book will shine.
Happy New Year
Posted by: Cheryl Wright | January 05, 2012 at 12:32 AM
Its comforting to know that even the pros suffer from writer's angst. It gives us amateurs hope. Now as i recall you telling me in the past, send that nasty little voice to hell and proceed with the umpteenth reading. Can't wait to read it! Happy new year!
Posted by: Rossana | January 05, 2012 at 07:12 AM
your honesty is refreshing -- and as one other comment said --- it is comforting to know that the pros go through such angst as well. But as you would tell us, stick to it and get it done. And I am sure it will be good....
all best,
Harriet
Posted by: Harriet | January 05, 2012 at 07:21 AM
I was just listening to an interview with Joan Didion (in conversation with Vendela Vida)and loved how candid she was about her insecurities as a writer. If Joan can question herself - so can we!
Posted by: Melissa C. | January 05, 2012 at 10:27 AM
I really, really, know what you mean.
Posted by: Denise Emanuel Clemen | January 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM
I can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear an experienced published writer admit the one question that always crosses me mind when I edit my own work - that you too, can become bored with your own voice and rereads! I notice, however, when I reread it a month later how brillant it sounds! So I have no doubt that your book will too. Thanks Barbara. By the way, I took your advice and took an essay class with Victoria Zackham. Thanks so much for suggesting it - she was wonderful.
Posted by: Nancy Grillo | January 05, 2012 at 08:59 PM
Elizabeth - Found it at UCLA - Yes, it's yours if you want to use it.
Jenny - Pub date is June 12th.
Cheryl - Thanks -
Rossana - The book is all about shutting up that nasty voice!
Harriet - We write what we need to read -
Melissa - How can I find that interview?
Denise - :))
Nancy - Thank you - and so glad the class with the wonderful Victoria worked out.
Thank all of you for these comments!
Posted by: Barbara | January 06, 2012 at 09:49 AM
Even a writer like yourself has that monkey mind chatting in your ear? I think your honesty is the reason why we take your classes and read your blog.
Happy New Year Barbara.
Posted by: dearrosie | January 07, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Hi Barbara,
As my parents used to say to each other, looking at my latest strange enthusiasm, "it's just a phase." I agree that it's encouraging to see you, a person I admire enormously, and whose writing I find inspiring, concluding that it's all drek. But it's not. The tidbits you've shown us just make us want more. I've been waiting for this book for two years, and I KNOW it's going to be great.
XXOO Laura Hoopes
Posted by: Laura Hoopes | January 07, 2012 at 03:06 PM
Your voice is NEVER boring!
Posted by: Bob G. | January 09, 2012 at 07:43 PM