There’s something special about firsts.
I’ll never forget my first teacher. My first piano recital. My first date. My first boyfriend. My first kiss. My first job. My first car. The first semester of college. My first apartment. My first husband (just kidding).
With kids, those memorable “firsts” more than multiply. I can still remember vividly the first time we found out I was pregnant with Nick. The first time I gave birth. The first time he slept through the night. The first steps. The first words. The first babysitter. The first day of school.
One of the reasons I’ve loved writing a book is because I’ve been able to capture – and relive -- so many firsts. Through writing, it’s like recreating certain moments for the first time. Again and again. And the moments I wish I could freeze in time – I simply put them on paper instead. Someday, when I’m long gone, my children and grandchildren can read about these moments. They too can relive each first.
The other thing I’ve loved about writing is this: it’s opened the door to more firsts. I remember when I first decided to write a book. I confided in a few friends and colleagues. I remember sitting in an airport and writing the first chapter. I’ll never forget the first time I heard back from my agent. The first time we sent my book proposal to publishers. The first time I heard that a publisher was interested. And the first time I heard the good news – that Chasing Superwoman would be published.
I’m preparing myself for yet another first. On June 1, my first book will hit the market. The great thing about firsts? You never know what to expect – you prepare as best you can, pray like mad, and (last but not least) ride the wave and have fun.
Has it been a long time since you’ve had a first? If so, it may be time to take action. Sure, it takes some guts to take that first step, but I’ll take fear over regret any day!
This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
3 comments:
Susan, this has been a year of firsts. Our one and only headed off to college last September, and Gwynly and I became Empty Nesters. She's only an hour and a half away, so we've been able to see her ever few weeks. However, her schedule didn't permit her to be here on Easter weekend, so that was our first holiday without her. She wasn't allowed to have a car on campus as a freshman living in the dorm this year, but we're in the process of buying her first one this week. She's got her first apartment lined up and will move in as soon as her last final is over. And she just got a job in her college town, so she's not coming home this summer, her first after leaving the nest.
Although I was ready for her to embark on this chapter of her life and am sooo proud of how well she's doing, some of the firsts have brought tears to my eyes. Life is full of firsts, some exciting and some bittersweet.
My most exciting first this year was getting my first offer of representation from my Dream Agent. Rachelle called me on December 23. Talk about the best Christmas present ever. That first was AWESOME!
Wow, I can't imagine being an empty nester -- not ready for that first. Your daughter must be so proud of her mama author!
Congrats Susan! Looking forward to doing some sweet promo.
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