Got the new batch of feedback from Random House for the Elemental book.

So much pain.

I can only explain is through analogy:

When I was a kid, I thought I could draw pretty well.  Then, one day, I met some real artists. I mean people with talent and I realized that no, no I can’t really draw.

Similarly, I considered myself a pretty good writer. I read books all the time. But it took having to write one – professionally – to really appreciate the effort and talent involved in writing well.

Thankfully, I’m getting enough coaching, help and training that the book is turning out very well I think.  But without their intervention, I realize now that there’d been no hope.

It’s like the Friend’s “Smelly Cat” episode.