For some, this seems to happen around page fifty (I know a few writers with 4-5 projects on the go, each with approx 50 pages written) while others make it mid-way through the creation of their first draft (around 150-200 pages) before they feel that dreaded.... phfffft! Like that, gone goes your enthusiasm, your confidence, your creative spark. Recognize this up-down rollercoaster ride? Been there too? If you've ever tried to write a novel, I'm sure you have. It's nothing new. You're not the only one afflicted with this problem and that alone is good news.
Keep in mind, the work, your best work, gets done in the rewriting. Always. Structural issues, character development, dialogue that sings, setting, pacing, dramatic tension, creation of sub-plots that strengthen the main plot -- none of these gets nailed in a first draft.
If I've learned anything over the years it's that I never share the first draft with anyone. Or the second. Matter of fact, these days no one reads it but my agent (who won't see it until it's a strong 3rd draft) and possibly 1 or 2 readers I've cultivated relationships with who can see the big picture and offer advice the way an editor might.
So sit down. Write. And do not move from your chair unless your house is burning down. Even if you write garbage for two hours, that's okay. You can always rewrite it, but at least you're moving your project forward. Here's the other side of the coin: if you allow distraction or procrastination or your penchant for obsessing over that unattainable concept of perfection stop you from writing, you may never get published at all. And wouldn't that be a bummer?!
Bum glue. Don't have any? Get some!
12 comments:
I absolutely needed to read this today, Holly. I have been struggling to get any words down on my novel since I've been away from it so long. But you're right - the work is in the rewriting, when everything comes together. I think Nora Roberts said, "You can't fix nothing." How right she is.
Thanks for this post! I need to print it out and put it right next to my computer!
Good reminder. Thanks.
And this is what every writer should be asking for this Christmas, correct?
Bum glue. Love it.
Until I started reading writer blogs I had not idea how much rewriting does get done.
Great stuff!
Something I needed to hear today too. I tend to obsess over each sentence before much is even written convincing myself how awful it is. Thank you!
Love it!
I need some of that glue, because just promising myself to do-the-time-on-my-behind doesn't always work.
Does it come in industrial strength and size?
I need bum glue for my cats...
Fun post.
Makes perfect sense, too!
I need bum glue to keep me at my desk so I can get my job done.
I hate sitting still so all day long I'm up and down, up and down.
Focusing for long stretches is fleeping hard!!!!
Nah, I'd just pull out my back walking around with my computer chair glued to my arse clunking into walls.... I'm a sad case.
Nice post. I hope you get lotsa bum glue in your stocking this Christmas!
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