The time has finally come to send off my first chapter to my editor. I’m filled with so many emotions. 
Anticipation mingled with nervousness, but mostly excitement.
But wait, you say: “how are you sending off that first chapter so soon?”
Couple of things:
1. Even though I only just started blogging about the book, I’ve been working on it for a bit. I wasn’t sure though if I wanted to be so “public” about my experience. So much comes with opening up. Everything from encouragement to criticism and judgement. In the end I decided I wanted to chronicle my journey for me. I have so many exciting things planned (which you’ll see as we progress) that I felt like blogging would be my “scrapbook.” Plus, I believe in the premise behind social media. You gotta take the good with the bad. You know the song – sing it with me…
“You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have…”
2. Also, when you put together a book proposal you need to have at least the first couple of chapters written. I went back through and fine-tuned some things.
As I prepared to send the first chapter off I recall my first job, my first piece of writing and my 20-something ego. I was a PR Specialist for a nonprofit in a rural part of New York. I was tasked with writing the annual report. From conducting interviews to designing the piece, taking the photos, working with the printer – you name it. I was proud of that annual report! I thought I did a great job. The best in fact! I was fresh out of college and I was a PROFESSIONAL! I was a writer, a PR practitioner, a go-getter…
When I got that annual report back from my boss the report was RED all over. My ego took such a blow.
First I was mad. I thought “how could she do this? I’m the EXPERT. I have a degree to prove it!!!” I knew everything. I was 23 after all! (sarcasm intended)
After sulking for a bit I read through the edits. I realized the edits made sense. I got beyond my ego and understood I had so much to learn. Once I came to this realization my love of writing grew even more and my passion for my profession started and never ended.
I wanted to hone my skills, but even more I started to think like the “boss.” Each time I wrote something, created anything, I took it as an opportunity to think about how management would make the connection between the piece I was creating and the goals of the company. This was a pinnacle point in my career. It’s the exact moment in time when I realized I would never let failure, or my own self-perceived definition of failure, get in my way of succeeding.
It was also the moment I knew I couldn’t fail. (Oh boy, doesn’t that last line sound arrogant!) It sure does, but in life when you learn you always succeed. Even now any time I stop to think, rather than reacting impulsively or succumb to emotions, I understand the deeper meaning.
In any event, from that one experience, oh so many years ago, the feelings of wanting to be the best never ceased. I have always pushed myself further and challenged my own personal goals on a regular basis. With each accomplishment my drive increased.
This time, when I sent my work off to my editor I had a feeling of completion and pride. Writing this book has long been a goal of mine so I’m looking forward to the edits and the feedback.
Gina Luttrell 