My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate. That's my philosophy. ~Thornton Wilder
From a distance, the writing life looks sweet and beckons us--similar to tempting and sometimes forbidden scoops of ice cream. We drool in anticipation of having a book or series published. One tiny bite and we’re hooked. But can we eat our ice cream cake and have it too?
Sometimes the path is sweet and smooth like French Chocolate Silk. We’re dripping with good ideas and life is Peachy. Like kids we gobble it up straight from the carton not breathing while we stuff another spoonful into our eager mouths.
Other times it's a difficult Rocky Road. We may waffle, churn or become lactose intolerant at blocked ideas. Then--brain freeze. I scream, you scream, we all scream. We keep going even though we have many interruptions from Ben, Jerry and Chubby Hubby®. We sit so long in front of the computer we get Cinnamon Buns.
Like an anticipated scoop of ice cream that suddenly falls and splats on the ground, a promising book deal is axed and our creation criticized and rejected. We feel like we're going bananas. We throw our hands up and yell, "Nuts." Disappointment sets in as our enthusiasm slowly melts away.
What do we do? We take our licks and start over beginning with scoops of hard work and determination then liberally pour on acceptance of ourselves and the situation. We finish with sprinkles of hope and add a loud cheer on top. Good Humor is restored and writing is fun again. Just remember that when the chocolate chips are down and you falter, don't feel whipped. Yell, “Yes Pecan®!”
May you publish so often that you are rolling in Cookie Dough and find a pot of gold at the end of your Rainbow Sherbet.
Happy National Ice Cream Month!
Is your writing on a Rocky Road this week or are you on the path to a Gold Medal Ribbon®?
