This is where I am right now. I’m trying to get through a first draft without letting perfectionism and doubt stop me. I have a sense of the story, but everything I put down (especially dialogue) seems so lame and it discourages me. I keep telling myself there’s revision, just get something, anything down because it’s hard for me to believe I can make it better. I’m trying a super short skeleton draft.
The best advice I got when writing is to not sweat the opening. Finish the book first then go back. It will never be perfect so don’t hold yourself to that standard. Just keep writing.
The best thing I ever did was unfollow all of the writing blogs, editors, represented authors I'd followed looking for the 'how to do this' easy route. All I really got was wildly different advice based on what worked for THEM. I had to figure out what worked for me.
Ooh, I needed to read this today. I recently shelved an epic fantasy series I've been working on for over a decade. So many worldbuilding notes, character profiles, and setting descriptions. But every time I sat down to write a single word, I got overwhelmed, frustrated and anything I wrote crumbled under the weight of my perfect vision and expectations. Working on my short stories and other projects has given me so much joy. I might revisit that fantasy series one day or recycle ideas; we'll see. But this post has given me comfort - Thanks, Michelle :)
This weeks newsletter sounds like you're writing my story lol. I am easily lured into watching one more video, reading one more blog, book etc. to learn everthing I can about what to do and what not to do as an author. I wrote my first draft farily fast. But, I've gotten bogged down in the editing process. Everything seems clunky and awkward. I can't quite get the feel I want. This morning at 1 am - I grabbed my computer and re-wrote chapter 1 in a different POV. I think I may be out of the bog :)
Excellent advice! Another reason I like to write a first draft fast is because it helps me stay immersed in the story until I get to the end. It's easier to get into and out of writing sessions when the story is right there within reach. Once I'm finished with the draft, I step away and come back to it with fresh eyes and my editor brain.
There’s a long learning cycle to write well and it takes time. The errors you mentioned are ones all authors cycle through. I spent years reading craft books and have written three novels, though nothing published yet. I believe my current novel is publishable, though still requires a lot of work. Your idea of moving fast for me means working through the learning curve quickly. With each new stage of writing and getting a book published and finding an audience there’s another group of lessons. At each stage I find another wall to walk into until I figure out how to climb over it or move around it. Tenacity is my one true friend in this endeavor along with stubbornness. These two qualities will get me through as long as I’m willing to do the work, learn the many hard lessons, and keep moving. The faster the better.
This is where I am right now. I’m trying to get through a first draft without letting perfectionism and doubt stop me. I have a sense of the story, but everything I put down (especially dialogue) seems so lame and it discourages me. I keep telling myself there’s revision, just get something, anything down because it’s hard for me to believe I can make it better. I’m trying a super short skeleton draft.
The best advice I got when writing is to not sweat the opening. Finish the book first then go back. It will never be perfect so don’t hold yourself to that standard. Just keep writing.
The best thing I ever did was unfollow all of the writing blogs, editors, represented authors I'd followed looking for the 'how to do this' easy route. All I really got was wildly different advice based on what worked for THEM. I had to figure out what worked for me.
Ooh, I needed to read this today. I recently shelved an epic fantasy series I've been working on for over a decade. So many worldbuilding notes, character profiles, and setting descriptions. But every time I sat down to write a single word, I got overwhelmed, frustrated and anything I wrote crumbled under the weight of my perfect vision and expectations. Working on my short stories and other projects has given me so much joy. I might revisit that fantasy series one day or recycle ideas; we'll see. But this post has given me comfort - Thanks, Michelle :)
This weeks newsletter sounds like you're writing my story lol. I am easily lured into watching one more video, reading one more blog, book etc. to learn everthing I can about what to do and what not to do as an author. I wrote my first draft farily fast. But, I've gotten bogged down in the editing process. Everything seems clunky and awkward. I can't quite get the feel I want. This morning at 1 am - I grabbed my computer and re-wrote chapter 1 in a different POV. I think I may be out of the bog :)
Great inspiration for me as I start my first fictional novel.....
I had so many fun ideas fizzle out because I simply didn't start them.
Excellent advice! Another reason I like to write a first draft fast is because it helps me stay immersed in the story until I get to the end. It's easier to get into and out of writing sessions when the story is right there within reach. Once I'm finished with the draft, I step away and come back to it with fresh eyes and my editor brain.
There’s a long learning cycle to write well and it takes time. The errors you mentioned are ones all authors cycle through. I spent years reading craft books and have written three novels, though nothing published yet. I believe my current novel is publishable, though still requires a lot of work. Your idea of moving fast for me means working through the learning curve quickly. With each new stage of writing and getting a book published and finding an audience there’s another group of lessons. At each stage I find another wall to walk into until I figure out how to climb over it or move around it. Tenacity is my one true friend in this endeavor along with stubbornness. These two qualities will get me through as long as I’m willing to do the work, learn the many hard lessons, and keep moving. The faster the better.
Thanks for inspiration and the nudge forward.