Whenever I receive a revision letter from an editor, I experience a moment of panic. The revisions seem so drastic, so difficult. I can't possibly see how I'll manage them or get them done on time. I think part of the problem is I'm too attached to the manuscript I submitted. I've laboured over it to the point that in my mind this is the final product, not to be tampered with.

But I've learned that the panic is only momentary. My manuscript should be dissected. And words are just words. I'll survive if I cut out a few thousand. I can write a few thousand new ones. And once I jump in and start shoving things around, I see how right my editor is, how spot on her comments are, and I begin to breathe easier. I can do this. It's only words.