Having a book is much like having a child. The early draft is messy and all over the place, like a wanton toddler wielding an ice cream cone. The next drafts go through phases where you are learning about your story and your book is learning to fall into shape, like elementary school children lining up for recess. The final drafts are sent to others for their help in shaping the story: beta readers, editors and others will read and test your prose, helping polish the final product before it graduates into the real world. And finally, when your book is about to be published, you have to let it go out into the world. You have to change modes and give up control. It’s a tough thing to do, but like a proud mother, it’s wonderful to see your child make its way in the world.