So I didn’t post last night, because I was doing something kind of nerve-wracking.
I sat down and read Hurricane Baby again, all the way through, from start to finish.
It was so gratifying. because the stories held up to scrutiny.
I had wondered if when I read it again, I would discover lots of problems. Continuity problems, poor story construction, tone-deaf dialogue–I was prepared for the worst: that I would see that it really wasn’t in my best interest to publish it.
That’s not what I saw reading it.
Are there places that could be better? Probably. One place in particular I thought I might need to add a scene that is referenced early on but not played out.
Typos? Yep. But not nearly as many as I was afraid of.
But the stories still felt true. I’m sure if someone picks it up, it will need to undergo some revisions. But the stories are there: meaningful, impactful, and oh so human.
That was a good feeling. I wish i could bottle it for when I find myself doubting my skills and talent. Hurricane Baby might not be Great Literature, with capital G and capital L.
But it’s good. And right know, that knowledge is enough.
Julie Liddell Whitehead 