Comparisons between creativity and procreativity are legion. Here are my Top 10:

1. The gestation period is perfect for preparation. It’s a long time from conception until delivery. Use that time to prepare.
2. Last-minute freak-outs are normal. It’s okay to entertain panicky thoughts like “I can’t do this!” or “What have I gotten myself into?”



3. You can’t wait to hold it in your hands. Pictures and digital renderings cannot replace physically holding your baby in your hands. Suddenly, it’s real.
4. At the end, you just want it out. That gestation period? The closer you get to the end, the more you’re ready to move on to the next phase of life.



5. Bringing it to birth is only the beginning. Now that you can hold it in your hands, the fun has just begun. You’ll have many years to  love and nurture your baby as you send it out into the world.
6. The more you learn, the less you know. The more babies you conceive and raise, the more you realize how little you truly know. Each one has unique strengths, weaknesses, and needs, but they are all your babies.
7. You secretly relish everyone fussing over your beautiful baby. You try to appear humble, but your heart swells inside your chest each time someone compliments your progeny.
8. Sometimes you’re too close to have a healthy perspective. You know and love that baby inside and out. Sometimes you need to seek third party advice or step away for a little bit to gain a fresh perspective.
9. You’re simultaneously eager to send it out into the world and desirous of keeping it close to your heart. You’re eager to share the fruits of your long labor with everyone, but you also long to keep your baby close where it is treasured and loved, even with its imperfections.
10. The best advice you receive is to “Kill your darlings.” Uh, no. But everyone is eager to share advice. Look to the experts, but rely on your gut.

What did I miss? In what other ways are writing a book and having a baby similar?

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