I am sitting on my sofa doing nothing. For the first time in what feels like years, I find myself with an hour in front of me that is not appointed to the care of children, housework, shopping, emailing, cooking, promoting my book, or the myriad other activities that make up the daily life of this mom, wife, friend and writer. Ten minutes ago, my husband took the kids on a bike ride and instructed me to enjoy some time to myself. I waved goodbye, went into the house, and, instead of rushing headlong into my next task as per my usual routine, I found myself just standing there not knowing which direction to go. I sat down and promptly got the hiccups. My mind raced. Should I read a book? No, the one I started a few days ago just hasn’t grabbed me. Call a friend? I’m all caught up with everyone. Update my website? Did it last week. Check my email? I just hit refresh for the third time, and obviously no one is urgently trying to reach me. And with that, the inevitability of a singular fact fills my head and causes my stomach to flop over in dread: It is time to get back to writing. Ugh.
Of course I love writing. It is my creative outlet, a main source of my fulfillment and purpose, and now I’m even lucky enough to call it my vocation. It’s been five months since North of Normal was released. I’ve had the publicity flurry, the meaningful exchanges with readers, the book club barrage, the literary festival invitations, and the thrill of seeing my book on the bestseller list for nine weeks. In short, many of the dreams I had about my first book have come true, and I’m incredibly grateful. But the party is drawing to a close, and I know it’s time to get back to work. Though I’ve begun my second book, I haven’t worked on it in nearly a year, and fear abounds. I’m afraid that I’ll reread what I’ve written and hate it; that my writing talent has deserted me; that my second book won’t live up to the first; that I won’t be able to sell another manuscript. So rather than face the music I just sit here, hiccupping away as I complete the last task I can justify before opening the dreaded Book #2 file on my laptop: writing a long-overdue blog entry. So here it is. To all the wonderful friends and family who have championed my book over the past months, to the many awesome new friends I’ve met through book clubs, social media, parties and appearances on behalf of my book, thank you to the ends of the earth for your support and encouragement. I will write a second book. It will be just as good as my first. And I’m going to get on it right this minute.
Just as soon as I get these darned hiccups under control, that is. And maybe by then the kids will be home, with their strangling hugs and boisterous yelling and requests for snacks and boo-booed knees to attend to.
Here’s hoping… 😉
Xo Cea
rachelfaithcox says
You’ve just gotta get back into the groove, Cea! Maybe book some time doing something your main protagonist would do, might get you back in their head…
or, count the hiccups. That’s valuable too! I get hiccups when I am tired… maybe you just need a big rest? You’ve been pretty busy!
ceaperson says
Thanks Rachel, I think you’re right! I just wish I was better at relaxing, but I’m always needing to move forward! I will get there… 😉
Anthony Isaac says
So pleasing to see your life has been blessed with such a loving husband and mighty fine children. Thought you had writer’s block for a moment 🙁 really looking forward to reading your next book Cea! 🙂
ceaperson says
Thank you so much Anthony, encouragement like yours means the world! 🙂
Anthony Isaac says
It is fabulous to be able to connect with the woman who was that young girl in North of Normal and to see you with your beautiful family and living a life and giving a life to your children that is far from dysfunctional!
starbbycat says
Just finished reading your book – you had so much courage as a young girl – wow, what a risk you took going to Paris – yet it was exactly the right next step for you, as such, of course everything fell into place! Really loved your book – fascinating read and to me shows the power of spirit, and listening to yourself. I really felt for your young self, going through so much alone. Wow wow you have gone so far, Congrats and thanks for a writing your book. Btw, I wanted my daughter to read your book, to help support her as she had kind of an unconventional childhood in some respects. Now that she is in school and has a long commute each day, I think she will do so. Thanks again for taking the time to write it all down.
ceaperson says
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you liked and connected with my book. It’s taken a long time to get here, but I’m in a great place now! 😉 Thank you again for taking the time to reach out, and for sharing the book with others. Xo Cea
Anne Jurgens says
Cea,
I am counting the days for my new “fix”. I am in need of another Cea journey.
Looking forward to OD with you!
😉
ceaperson says
Hello Anne!i’m working on it as fast as I can, promise! Getting there… Xo
daniel says
Just finished your book. I’m a voracious reader and most of what I have read recently has left me wanting. Your story and your writing moved me. Thank you.
ceaperson says
Thank you so much Daniel! That means a great deal to me… So happy you enjoyed. Cea
Anna says
I received your book for Christmas. I spent today in bed with the flu and read through to the end. It was an amazing, scary but yet blessed ride for you. You have done well ! I hope movie offers come in as seeing your story played out would be great.
I wanted to tell you that my cousin Joy was one of your mother’s close friends. I remember going there for supper and your mom suddenly appears at the table to join us. She spoke non-stop about her daughter Cea, went to her room and came back with a calendar/recipe book you had made, and showed it to me with so much pride. I am only a few years older than you and I was so impressed by your creativity then and now. Good luck in your next venture.
Sincerely,
Anna
Calgary
ceaperson says
Hello Anna,
Thank you so much for your message, I’m so happy you enjoyed my book! Joy was a part of our lives for years, she’s a wonderful lady. I’m glad you had the opportunity to meet my mother…she was indeed a unique individual and I know how proud she was of me 🙂 xo Cea
Christine says
I wish I could say my life was different from yours but your book reminded me of how I grew in a very similar fashion, at the exact same time period. Only i dreamed of becoming a fashion model and you actually became one. Thank you for sharing your story, I can understand how hard it must be to bare all that in the open. I don’t know if I’d ever be that brave. But we both made a life for ourselves and have somehow adjusted to our new “normal”. Cheers
ceaperson says
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your message…I am happy you enjoyed my book! It’s amazing how many of “us” there are in the world… Children of the counterculture who have paid the price. Happiness to you! Xo Cea
Sherry Hewitt says
Dear Cea,
I loved your book, the way you write is from your heart. Never worry about the next one, just enjoy the beautiful life you have created. I introduced your book as my ‘first’ book selection in my ‘first’ book club. I really truly love the way you tell a story. That is how I intend to lead my ‘first’ discussion. Real writers keep us with them. Thank you for that.
Wishing you happiness always,
Sherry
ceaperson says
Hello Sherry,
I’m so happy you enjoyed my book! And guess what… I’ve finished book #2! Look for it next year. Thank you for reaching out, all the best to you… Xo Cea