on writing a book (part 2)

I've been in this book writing process for 1 1/2 years now.

There is still so, so much work to do. In some ways, it feels like I'm at the very beginning of the process. 

But then I remind myself that I'm not at the very beginning and that I have, in reality, done tons and tons of work on this project. 

And I really have. 

Like I mentioned in this post, I've recently decided to take the book a new direction and to include the perspective and insights of others who have also gone through a divorce. 

It's been a huge change of direction for me and this book. It feels exciting but also overwhelming. 

But mostly exciting. 

Over the last 10 days, I've been sending out questions to my divorced kindred spirits and receiving their responses. 

And can I just say something? 

There are so many amazing, stalwart, smart divorced women out there!

In reading these women's responses and getting a small glimpse into their experiences with divorce, I am continually blown away by how brave they are and have been in their life. 

I'm also blown away by how similar many of their stories are to me and my experience with divorce.

I keep finding myself thinking, "Where were these women's insights 7 years ago!?" 

I wish I could go back in time and show my 21 year-old self some of what these women have written and see if it would have made a difference in the decisions I was making at the time. 

Regardless, at the core of it all, reading about others' experiences and the knowledge they've gained through their divorce, has made me feel so much more...

validated?

hopeful?

normal?

Yes. 

To all of the above. 

(on writing a book part 1)