I'm pretty pleased with myself and happy with the way the book is shaping up. However (sounds better that 'but') However, I'm starting to get those doubts again. I'm waiting until I finish this edit before letting anyone read it. I don't want to get ahead of myself.
On another note, there was a meet-up this week. A new writers club is starting in my vicinity. I wanted to go and be a part of it's inception. I didn't go. Why? you ask, and rightfully so. I didn't want to get distracted. I want to stay focused on finishing this up before I receive new input, you know?
My first book, which I finished and which I thought was pretty good. It needed a ton of editing and revising, but I was done with it. Then I joined a critique group. It was a great group and I became a better writer, but I got detracted and confused. That was five years ago. That book doesn't even look like the original book. I would love to get back to it and maybe dig out the original version and finish it.
Anyway, that's why I didn't go to the meeting. I know, some of you are saying I have no backbone. You are right. I know my limitations. I crumble under pressure. Just let me finish, then take a deep breath and brace myself, then I'll join the group.
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Sounds like you know yourself as a writer. That's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI popped over from W.M. Morrell's to say hello - and I see quite a few familiar faces over here. I love making new blog buddies! :-)
ReplyDeleteYup, sometimes it is too early for critique. Of course, sometimes it isn't early enough. :) Glad you are at a place where you can decide. And 8,000 words gone. Wooohoooo. What a job.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this one. It's always tough for me to remove things I write - as though there is something about words I get down on paper that demands than all output be read.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a long time to get past that, and I still save all my drafts in case something re-usable gets cut.
It's just nice to know I'm not the only one who experiences that...
I really believe as a creative person the first person to please is you. However, it's good to get outside your little world others opinions but that's what it is. You will see this group different and view the advice different. Never loose yourself in others opinions.
ReplyDeleteHi! Just found your site - nice blog! I hear you in regards to meeting up with a critique group. They're hit or miss for me, and, frankly, it takes a lot of TIME to read every one of your critique partners' work! And you just don't know if the advice you get back is "real" or not. So, I applaud you for following your gut; it's always my first guide. Good luck with revisions! There's a great post at http://www.missyfrye.net/Blog/?p=2978 about a solid, three-step approach to self-editing - you're probably miles ahead of this advice, but it stood out as really savvy to me.
ReplyDeleteHey, yeah, just take your time and do what you need to do. That is respectful to say "I need to finish and focus".
ReplyDeleteI think I have the same problem. I can't take critique while I'm still working on something, or else I'll get discouraged and frustrated and confused and I'll just abandon it. If I could collect feedback while I was still working on a novel, however, maybe I could cut out and prevent the extra fat and avoid epic monstrosities like the one I'm editing now.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the positive work!
ReplyDeleteYou've really been busy. If I eliminated 8000 words on my current manuscript, a third of it would be gone. I'm currently editing to try and add words.
ReplyDelete