Writing a book is hard.

It has officially been 10 years since I have started working on my dissertation-turned-first book. A whole decade. Time is really funny that way; a reminder of both how long and short things feel. I have given so much time, energy, words, edits, tears, and more to this project, and yet, it seems I have to gear up to give much more before my baby is finally published and out in the world.

I got my reader reports back on the first full draft of the book last week (after about 6 months) and let’s just say, the feedback is a split. While one reader said I had some work to do, the other said I had ALL the work left to do. The rage and disappointment I felt sent me running to my community of scholars and support. As my mom so aptly said, “Well, Courtney, just take your time.” Again, time is really a funny thing.

My scholarship is personal, and I am glad for that. My love for my work is what keeps me going, even when it gets hard. This book WILL eventually come out, and even if I have a few more gray hairs when it does, I’ll be able to say I finally did it. Hopefully, it’s not another decade from now, but again, time is a funny thing.