Why writing is like shoveling snow...

I can't remember having this much snow all at one time. After all the shoveling, the snowbanks are taller than I am! That makes cleaning the driveway even more difficult. I'm going to have the hubby to take a picture of me beside the huge, enormous pile at the side of the house. Because really, it's something else. On the other hand, my biceps are getting stronger.

It occurred to me that writing a book is something like having to shovel a long driveway. At the beginning, the snow is so pretty -- pristine and white. It's kinda fun to get out there in the fresh air, too. But then you start shoveling. Soon it seems like you'll never get to the end. As you shovel, some of the snow falls back down off the banks on the side and you have to do it again.

Now it's really starting to seem like you'll never finish. And whose idea was it to have such a long driveway in the first place? Maybe you should move. Unfortunately, you've got to get it done; you've got company coming. For encouragement, you promise yourself a treat when you finish -- hot chocolate, say.

And then, lo and behold, you're finally finished. You have a lovely clean driveway. You look back and see how far you've come and all the hard work you've done. You're happy and satisfied, and excited at what you've accomplished. It's a great feeling.

Of course, you may also have an aching back and dread the snowplow shoving a whole ton of filthy snow back onto your nice, clean driveway (in the form of reviews), but in the meantime, you get to enjoy the hot chocolate and sense of accomplishment.

And you should!