See Through

It's been almost a week since I finished my book. With a break that short, it's crazy how clear my mind feels. I have been productive, though - mostly working on my marketing platform, my agent search, my query letter (not to mention the fact that, oh yeah, I DO have a job...)

I even got to read the novel of my fantastic writing running mate! And seriously guys, it's so good. I don't know if I've read anything that magical, something that so deeply sparked my childlike awe, in a looooong time. Read the whole thing within 24 hours. I won't tell you what it's about, but check out her updates. (Shameless cousin plug: www.awakeindreamland.blogspot.com)

Anyway. While I was reading her book, she's been reading mine. I, in the meantime, have restrained myself from even looking at my own work.

I am rarely objective about Elfblood. I revise and revise and revise in a frenzy, yet when I'm "done", I always end up missing the BIG stuff. The plot points. A character just up and disappears for five freaking chapters and I miss it. How do you miss something like that? 
 
But now when I don't have to think about it, my mind soaks in all the luminous, sweeping opportunities for detail that I can't wait to leap on when I finally get Kaeli (cousin) and Natalia's (sister) feedback.

It's like I've been at sea for a long time, fighting the punch of wind and cuts of rain, bashed against rocks and tied together with bits of rope. Blinded by the lightning. Eyes clench closed, tight as oysters. Then...hang on...am I imagining things? What is that......that...

silence?

You hear only the ragged drag of your own lungs. In and out. In and out. You fear that the only thing left between you and the sharks is a splintering of wood. Wait. Dare you look?

Slowly, you unhinge your eyelids. The rain has stopped. The fog rolls back, revealing a speck of land in the distance. And the ship under your feet isn't quite as rickety as you thought. You just need to row steadily, and you'll survive those last few miles to safety.

But you never would have seen it, never would have known if you hadn't just...

stopped...breathed...and opened your eyes just enough to see through the storm.