Last week, it struck me that it had been exactly nine months since I signed my publishing agreement. Nine months filled with stress, excitement, anxiety, joy, and everything else you can imagine. The parallel between this timeline and my pregnancies is uncanny; after all, this book has truly become my fourth child. But it’s not just about the timing—every aspect of bringing this book into the world mirrors the experience of motherhood.
1. It’s a total surprise.
I envisioned pregnancy and childbirth as miraculous events that would transform me into an earthly goddess, enveloped in a wave of maternal love and happiness. Similarly, I assumed becoming a published author would instantly make me feel intellectual and wise. The reality? Nothing like what I anticipated. I loathed every moment of my pregnancies, and I was even reprimanded at a reading for my colorful language. Some things never change.
2. I can’t stop thinking about it.
When my daughter, Mia, was a newborn, I overwhelmed everyone with ten emails a week packed with pictures and updates. She was my sole focus. Sound familiar? Remember when I used to write about life before the book?
3. People share unsolicited advice.
Take, for instance, the message I received from a stranger in Oregon: “I apologize for the intrusion, but as a guy, I feel compelled to say that your purple leather-like outfit isn’t suitable for TV, especially with that orange sweater over it.” Um, did I ask for your thoughts? Just like I didn’t request opinions on my baby names or my choice of formula. And seriously, who asked about my wardrobe?
4. The baby card is handy.
You know that dreamy haze that envelops you when you’ve just welcomed an infant, and everyone seems to understand the chaos of new parenthood? Well, I’m back in that blissful fog, except now my “baby” doesn’t require diaper changes or has any spit-up to deal with.
5. The lows can be crushing.
Like that book signing in Concord, New Hampshire, where I was met with a crowd of…one. A solid rule of thumb is that you should never have fewer attendees at your book signing than the number of people who witnessed your delivery. Sitting at a table and pleading with random passersby to buy your book can feel even more humiliating than crying when the mailman asks when you’re due while your two-month-old is in another room. Not the best experience.
6. But the highs are exhilarating.
The sleepless nights and moments of frustration can be overwhelming, but then you have those beautiful instances where you’re peacefully cradling your sweet baby, and all that stress melts away. The recent months have been some of the most challenging, yet the joy of my readings in Warwick, RI, and Burlington, MA, made it all worthwhile.
7. That “aha” moment.
For me, it was the instant each of my children graced me with their first smile—pure bliss. With this book, it was discovering that I made it onto next week’s New York Times Best Seller list late last night. Wow!!!
And thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey. I couldn’t have done it without you!
For more insights into starting your own family, check out our guide on home insemination kits, and for additional information, see Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. If you’re looking for reliable resources on pregnancy and conception, the ACOG website is invaluable.
In summary, writing a book is a lot like having a baby—full of unexpected challenges, obsessive love, unsolicited advice, and blissful highs. Each journey is unique, and yet they share an undeniable bond.
Keyphrase: Writing a Book is Like Having a Baby
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]