Like a Chippewa Indian

I'm nearly at the 30,000 word mark in my book manuscript. The publisher spec'ed the book at 120,000 words, so I have a ways to go. With coffee in hand, I punch out between 300 and 700 words every morning--not quite the thousand-word mark that I hope for. I'm on track, though, if I can maintain the pace. The way to get this job done by the 18-month deadline is to make regular, rhythmic progress. It's a massive job, so I try my best to be a Chippewa. That's because Chippewas "chip away" at projects that at face value are intimidating in size and scope. They know that, like the great Pyramids of Cheops, books are built piece by piece over an extended time. The worker's focus must be on the few bricks that must be moved, placed, and mortared today. Actually, I know nothing at all about Chippewa Indians. But it's a great mnemonic to get me through. My more sensitive daughters have been known to raise an eyebrow when I invoke the Chippewas. Oh well--they'll still love me. And, besides, they are likewise undaunted by grand and difficult projects. How do they go about their work? They chip away, of course. They, too, imitate the honorable Chippewas.