This week is a bit of a stressful one for me. My kids are home from school until Thursday for Fall Break (even though they literally just went back to school like three weeks ago). I have a huge meeting with my son’s school to discuss his 504 plan on Thursday, which is something I am eagerly anticipating with the slightest bit of anxiety. And, finally, I am under a deadline for submitting my manuscript to my publisher this Friday.
You may be thinking, but Amber, you said the manuscript was finished months ago. What could be stressful about getting it submitted by Friday?
And yes, that would be my thought as well.
The thing is, there is a certain amount of unforeseen stress I’m feeling about the finality of submitting this manuscript to my publisher. Although I’ve read each chapter dozens of times at this point, I can’t help feeling anxious. Have I really said everything I need to say? Have I communicated all the things that are on my heart? Will I look back on what I’ve written in a year or two and cringe?
It’s an unsettling feeling.
The cool thing about publishing through a traditional publisher is that there is an entire editorial process that takes place. A copyeditor will set the formatting, take care of line edits, and get it in proper shape for the printer. My editor will work with me to make developmental changes that will make the book sparkle. So, it’s not like I’m doing this all alone. I’m excited to work with an experienced editor from the publishing industry and see what magic she can perform on the words I’ve written. But still, I am the only person who knows that is in my head and heart. I’m the only one who can pull that out and get it onto paper.
So, my devoted friends and readers, I want to let you know that I’m going to take a short break from blogging this week. I would like to focus my significantly limited time on my book. I think I’ll be canceling this week’s Wednesday newsletter as well. As much as I hate to do it (writing these daily blogs is just as much for my own mental health as it is for anything else), I need to make space for getting this one significant hurdle off my plate.
It’s all good news — all exciting stuff! I’ll be back next week to fill you in on everything. As always, thank you for your support. For those of you who have been around a while:
Love ya. Mean it! Always. (Muah!)
And I’ll see ya in the next one.
Amber Wardell is a doctor of psychology and author who speaks on women’s issues related to marriage, motherhood, and mental health. Subscribe to the free newsletter to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox and to never miss an upload.
