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The Journey of Writing

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Every writer knows the feeling of elation when he or she finishes a book. “I did it. It’s done!” Then comes the moment of truth. I realize that although I am pleased and happy to have arrived, the book I wrote is not the book I intended to write. It falls short of my initial expectations.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to be negative. I don’t mean to belittle what I have achieved. It is more than I ever dreamed of. But I am not there yet.

What keeps me going is the process of writing, the insights I gain, the joy and (sometimes) the despair I experience. It’s a journey and I may never get to the ultimate destination. But I will reach milestones and enjoy the vista from a mountain top, from where I can see the next, higher mountain. I rest and then go on …

Posted in craft, learning, The process of writing permalink

About Christa Polkinhorn

Born and raised in Switzerland, Christa Polkinhorn grew up surrounded by mountains, lakes, and a deep curiosity about the world beyond her country’s borders. Her passion for travel has taken her across Europe, China, Japan, and South America, experiences that now infuse her fiction with authentic settings and rich cultural detail. After settling in Southern California, Christa built a dual career as a writer and translator. She began her literary journey with The Path of Fire, a collection of poetry that explores themes of passion, identity, and transformation. She then turned to fiction with the Family Portrait trilogy, weaving intimate family dramas and love stories across continents. Her Wine Lover’s Daughter mystery series combines love and suspense, strong characters, and the evocative backdrop of European and Californian wine country. Her most recent novel, Letter from a Cave, is a historical mystery and romance that connects the past to the present. Christa’s writing is fueled by her fascination with other cultures, her love of language, and her belief that stories connect us across borders. When she’s not writing or translating, she can be found reading, traveling, or enjoying art, music, dark chocolate, and red wine.

Comments

The Journey of Writing — 2 Comments

  1. Christa, DAH-ling! You touched on it, but I still don't think you realize your full accomplishments. Each book you start is a mountain, Mt. Everest! You have scaled it and reached its top 3 times so far—a major, major accomplishment not to be belittled. Sure, it's been a different journey each time. You've tackled it from a different angle on each ascent. Those distant mountain tops you see are other Everests waiting to be conquered–each as impossibly high to reach the peak of, but also obtainable if you really work at it. You've reached it three times, as I've said, which is three more times than MOST people ever do. Be proud of yourself. Yoddle your heart out! You've done it!!

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