Zebu and I have a lot in common these days. After years of playing on the same rec league team, he’s now playing on two competitive basketball teams (I know, Basketball R Us). And for the first time, he’s not a starter; he’s the last or second-to-last kid rotated into games. Two nights ago I watched him matched up beneath the net with a kid about six inches taller and twenty pounds heavier, and had tears in my eyes. Zebu was working hard for position, knowing if he messed up, the coach might pull him out and make him watch the action from the bench.
And as I sat there fighting the tears, I realized I was weepy for both of us; Zebu’s been working hard to prove himself to his coaches and I’m trying to produce a book an editor will fall in love with and buy.
There have been some low moments over the past few months. We have both cried.
Last night Zebu played in a championship game. He played well. He showed his coaches what he was capable of and played an important role in the team’s victory. Zebu went to bed with a smile on his face.
So today I’m going to keep revising my novel, pushing back against the outside forces trying to knock me out of position and throw me off my game. And if need be, I won’t hesitate to throw an elbow.
Tracy Abell 
Aw, your post made me all teary-eyed too…I cheering for both of you, Tracy!!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Robin. It means so much to me having other writers who understand my ups and downs. I don’t know if Zebu could truly grasp the similarities of our journeys right now which is just as well because he might become totally demoralized thinking how long I’ve been working toward publication.
LikeLike
*chuckles*…yeah, kids don’t quite have the understanding needed…heck, I don’t most of the time either! (Why, oh why, does this take so long??? :D)
LikeLike
I definitely lack that understanding. HA.
LikeLike
Ditto to what Robin said.
I love when we learn from our kids. It’s empowering, isn’t it?
LikeLike
It is empowering because it helped me put my struggle in perspective plus remind me that we’re all working toward something.
And Joe Louis is perfect for this post, isn’t he?
LikeLike
Ditto to what Robin said.
I love when we learn from our kids. It’s empowering, isn’t it?
LikeLike
You forgot the most important part…
you both triumphed!
Congrats to Zebu and to you for working hard and staying true to what you love.
LikeLike
Re: You forgot the most important part…
Thank you, Erin. We’re both in the fight, that’s for sure.
LikeLike
You forgot the most important part…
you both triumphed!
Congrats to Zebu and to you for working hard and staying true to what you love.
LikeLike
Yeah, team! Throw an elbow for me, too.
LikeLike
Elbow thrown! And no foul!
LikeLike
Yes, throw those elbows if needed!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lizzy. I appreciate you popping up to give me some moral support. You’re a good egg.
LikeLike
Yah for both of you!
LikeLike
Thank you, Barb. Today feels full of such promise! Hope you’re having a good one, too.
LikeLike
Forgot to ask: are you revising MG #1 now? Or working on the new fast-draft story?
LikeLike
This is MG #3, the fast draft story. I packed up #1 and put it away for that day when I can get some guidance on revision.
I’m proud of you and the revision work you’re doing right now. Go, Laurie!
LikeLike
It is empowering because it helped me put my struggle in perspective plus remind me that we’re all working toward something.
And Joe Louis is perfect for this post, isn’t he?
LikeLike
Re: You forgot the most important part…
Thank you, Erin. We’re both in the fight, that’s for sure.
LikeLike
This is MG #3, the fast draft story. I packed up #1 and put it away for that day when I can get some guidance on revision.
I’m proud of you and the revision work you’re doing right now. Go, Laurie!
LikeLike