Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Letting go

A few years ago, while researching for an epic fantasy novel, I took archery lessons. I thought if my characters were archers, I'd better learn something about the art of bow and arrow in order to write with some authenticity.

I learned enough to know I would never be a great archer, but I enjoy the practice and the thrill of hitting the targets.

More importantly, I learned that archery is a great metaphor for life.

Once the arrow is loosed, you have no influence over it anymore. What you do have control over is how you hold the bow, how you position the arrow, and the strength and alignment of your body in the draw and the release.

I have a novel out with several agents. I've loosed that arrow. Nothing I do now can influence its trajectory.

There is something strangely comforting and freeing about this.

3 comments:

  1. you know i have my fingers crossed for you... you are so persistent... i wish they could see that!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, paisley. It's comforting, too, to know that I'm not just shouting into the abyss--that other writers and fellow bloggers are here with me.

    :)

    best,
    lisa

    ReplyDelete
  3. apt analogy. thwaaaannng. words, singly or as manuscript are arrows you can no longer direct.

    ReplyDelete