Monday, July 23, 2007

Presents for Myself

When I finished my first novel, it felt like a big deal. Big enough to mark the occasion somehow - and a dinner out just didn't seem to cut it.

On an impulse, I went out and bought myself a present.

This is it:




It didn't cost much - I don't remember how much exactly, but it was less than $30. It sits just perfectly inside the opening of a button-down shirt, without being too distracting, and it always looks nice. But, more than that, every time I put it on I remind myself of why I bought it. I remind myself of how proud I am of myself, that I actually finished a book. You lose sight of that after a while - that not too many people actually get that far.

Considering it was an impulse buy, it's been surprising how much enjoyment I've gotten out of this one piece of jewelery, and how much it means to me. My little heart necklace always gives me a small boost of confidence, even on a bad day.

So, now I've finished my second manuscript and I think I'm going to buy myself another present.

But what? I could get another necklace - I do like necklaces. I was thinking of a ring; I love rings but I find they bother me over the course of a day and I'm usually itching to pull them off. The day job requires a lot of talking on the phone so I have to pick my earrings carefully, though I like them too.

A bracelet maybe?

Maybe I'll wander around online and see if anything catches my fancy. And if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

3 Comments:

At 11:01 PM , Blogger Saoirse Redgrave said...

That's a great idea to keep reminding yourself of what you've accomplished. It's neat to combine a lasting tactile result with the more intellectual process of writing.

The necklace definitely sounds like it's been a winner for you--not sure what I'd suggest unless it was something that'd tie directly into your writing (like a great reference) or something to make your computing easier. It does need to be something you'd have direct contact with often.

And congrats on completing your second one!
~Saoirse

 
At 9:18 AM , Blogger Megan Frampton said...

Abby:

I do the same thing; when I sold ASL, I bought a Brooklyn sweatshirt, which I call my 'I'm published!' sweatshirt. I haven't gotten to get another one yet, but I would say to go for something with a heart also, to tie into your necklace. I love those kinds of tangible reminders.

 
At 10:01 AM , Blogger Abby said...

Thanks guys.

Hmmm, a sweatshirt... another option. I have some serious shopping to do. And a reference to the book would be great. I'll get creative.

 

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