I can promise one thing to anyone who becomes a published author, whether by hook, by crook or by Nook. (Heh heh.)
There are going to be surprises along the way, and the first year is going to be an emotionally-turbulent period.
I've been through some real highs and lows surrounding the publication of my first series, The Saddler's Legacy. This is normal--I don't think I know a single writer who would tell you that her experience as a debut author was predictable and boring.
Today, I realized how important horses have been to my writing journey over the last year.
I don't own horses, but my daughter is an equestrian vaulter, which means she does gymnastics on horseback. She belongs to a team, and so twice a week we go to the stables and I lunge the horses while she and her team mates vault. My lunging (driving the horses in a circle around me at the end of a long line) allows the coach to watch the vaulters' form and spot them in case of any slips. Lunging the horses requires my full concentration. The horse must not "break" from one gait to another unless I tell it to do so. If a vaulter is standing on a horse's back, the vaulter balances according to the horse's gait. A horse that drops from a trot to a walk can throw off the vaulter. Literally.
When I go to the stables with my daughter, I get out in the open air, away from my computer, away from deadlines, away from the worries and pressures of the introverted writer's life. I concentrate on simple but important tasks: picking out a horse's feet, putting on tack, warming up the horse on the lunge line. I don't have time to think about me. I'm too busy watching the horses, assessing their moods, making sure they're feeling OK before the children get on. When I feed a horse his carrot after a job well done, I'm not distracted by anything. I'm watching the pure pleasure on the horse's face and feeling the joy of caring for that horse.
I'm not sure why someone ever called a book "The Horse Whisperer." Those of us who spend time with horses know that the most important whispering isn't done by the humans.
It's done by the human-whisperers, with their big eyes, fuzzy muzzles, and long manes.
My life over the past year would have been poorer and less balanced without my human-whisperers.
Have any animals helped you through the stresses of life? I want to know their names!
:-)
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11 comments:
Archie-- a German shepherd.
Loved this post.
This makes me want to hang out with some horses. They truly are amazing creatures. The animal that whispers to me is my black lab, Bubba. He's such a part of our family.
Wow, an equestrian vaulter? That's amazing! I love to watch equestrian athletes - mainly I get to watch thoroughbreds racing, but they're amazing to watch. I especially love to watch from the back stretch of the track as horses work out early in the mornings. Haven't done that in a while. I'm thinking I should...
As far as animals that whisper to me... Haley and Jenny, two lovely Golden Retrievers that sit at my feet as I write.
Okay, how cool that your daughter is pursuing this passion!
KORAH! We just got back from over a week away. We couldn't bring her and I was in major dog withdrawal. I love her so much! Good to be home with her. She is such a dear companion!
I so get the outdoors & the horses...clearing away the cobwebs.
~ Wendy
Ace dog (he's gone now) He helped me through a difficult period in my life.
Great post.
I married my husband because he had horses, and I thought we'd have them forever. I loved my Wendy.
We've had dogs and we have cats (now just two--Kobe and Geisha), but (don't laugh) I miss our chickens--the hens clucking, the rooster crowing, going out to gather fresh eggs.
And then there were the 4H rabbits and the goats, and I feel a blog post coming on . . .
I took riding lessons as a teenager but have ridden very seldom since then. My life has been filled with dogs instead... singletons growing up and multiples as an adult because I began breeding, training and exhibiting Shetland Sheepdogs in 1973 and went on to own my own dog show business. Now I can't imagine my days without a Sheltie or Lab! There's a certain therapy to life with animals. They always know just how we're feeling.
"Sonnet" was the call name of our last Sheltie; "Tynan" is our current black Lab.
Suze, I love German shepherds.
Katie - I bet your son adores that dog. It's great to have kids and dogs together--they're a perfect match in energy.
Heather, it must be impressive to watch the horses train. In person, I've only seen quarter horses race--thoroughbreds are so much faster!
Wendy, I share the dog withdrawal anytime we go away from home. Fortunately, our older dog Snow handles it better now that she has Frosty to keep her company.
Loree - Our pets can really be there for us in hard times. When I lost my cat of 12 years, one of the hardest parts was feeling that a whole period of my life had come to an end. I'm glad Ace was a good friend to you.
Sandra - I can understand why you would miss having chickens. And I need to come check out that blog post!
Carol - How cool that you are so involved with dogs! Shelties are beautiful...I wanted one when I was a child.
You are right on! That first year is full of ups and downs.
Horses are amazing creatures. I have great respect for the critters.
What whispers to me? How about a river. ;) (I couldn't help it. My new release is titled River Whispers.)
Kathi
Rosslyn, just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on your book! I'm so excited for you :-) Amy
Awesome post. Your words are a great reminder that we need to get outdoors and "out-of-self" regularly. It's so easy to become consumed with writing and introspection.
Thanks.
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