Since we’re talking swimsuits, it made sense to include this photo I took at quite possibly one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been–the Costa del Sol in Spain. We waded into the Mediterranean and didn’t even make it knee-deep before the ocean knocked us over. As soon as I stood up, it knocked me over again. So much laughter. So many bruises.
It’s really true: Writing a book and shopping for a swimsuit are the SAME thing.
That is, unless you’re a guy. In which case you have it way too easy when it comes to swimsuits. If you’re a male writer, you’ll just have to find a different metaphor for your writing woes. Sorry.
But anyway, here’s how writing a book and shopping for a swimsuit are the same:
1. They’re both super hard. Obviously.
2. They’ll both make you want to cry. Possibly multiple times.
3. Both will, at some point, make you feel horrible about yourself.
Any girl who has ever stood in front of a mirror under the harsh, fluorescent lights of dressing room in a swimsuit knows exactly what I’m talking about. Forget New Years, these tiny spaces of agony are where gym membership and healthy eating resolutions really begin.
As for writing, a friend put a graphic on my Facebook wall recently with this Dorothy Parker quote: “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.” Dorothy kinda nailed it.
Basically, both swimsuit shopping and writing make a person feel ridiculously on-display.
4. But then…
Then you’ll go swimming on a crazy hot summer day…
You’ll write the perfect scene that surprises and refreshes you and convinces you this is what you were born to do…
And all of it—the hard work, the moodiness, those oh-so-vulnerable moments—they’ll all be totally worth it.
Comments 11
Thanks, girl. Needed this fresh reminder. I’m pretty sure I’m on my 300th “second” wind that I’ve asked from the Lord to help me keep trekking along this journey. 😉
Author
Oh yeah, those many, many second winds we need to keep going. 🙂 Hope you keep trekking!
What an apt comparison, Melissa. The search for a flattering swimsuit and the search for the right words in a story have much in common. However, as you pointed out, when things click, it feels mighty good.
Author
Yeah, there’s always that moment when our writing hits its sweet spot and everything feels right. It’s the same refreshing feeling I have when I go swimming…realized I went through ALL of last summer without swimming once, though! How sad is that?!
Love this!!! Oh, the agony of trying to find the perfect swimsuit…
And oh the agony of comparison. Because that’s really what both of these are rooted in, isn’t it?
“I won’t look as good on the beach as so-and-so…”
“My book stinks compared with so-and-so…”
Striving to end that comparison garbage and embrace who I am and who God made me to be!
Author
You nailed it, Linz…it’s about comparison. I hadn’t even thought of that aspect! One of many things I love about our friendship…you make me think. 🙂
I must agree! And oh, summer… I love you.
Author
It’s getting closer…yay!
Oh, Melissa, you’ve been in my dressing room when I shopped for a swim suit and in my office when I agonized over a word. This.is.the.perfect.comparison.
Author
Haha, glad you can empathize.
Thinking about your lots this week, Pat…and I’m SUPER excited to celebrate with you from afar as your book launches.
Author
*you not your 🙂