Over EditingmitchpellJanuary 22 2017, 03:22:58 UTC
I haven't truly written any fic for years. I used to write Smallville substantially. But Netflix's Daredevil and the MCU in general has made want to start up again.
I have two huge novels, one Daredevil and one Hawkeye, planned out. But I never get anywhere with them. I find my biggest problem to be over editing. It takes me an hour to write one paragraph because I can't stop tweaking each and every sentence over and over again.
How can I get past this?
I also find myself without confidence. I've read so much fantastic fic that I can't see how I could possibly measure up.
RE: Re: Over EditingmitchpellFebruary 8 2017, 00:48:37 UTC
Sorry, I took so long to respond to this. I really do appreciate your advice. I have read in other places about just writing and not allowing any edits until I'm finished. But my confidence has plummeted to the point where it can take me two hours to write one paragraph.
But as with most anything, it's just a matter of self-discipline. I have the whole story plotted out in my head and on paper, I just have to force myself to write. Not edit, not cop-out and go read, just write.
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I going to take your advice and try to find time for the Valentines Day promotathon.
You're writing your stories. I'd add that when it comes to fandom we're here because we love something so much we want to create things for it and share them, we want to talk and write meta and share picture, we want to contribute in some way, join in. You're here. You're creating. You've already measured up. To borrow words from Neil Gaiman: "The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before."
And the old adage: don't get it right, get it writtten. Just to just get a draft before the editing bug kicks in, telling yourself you'll sort it out later. Prompting events and similiar can help if having finished something else gives you a boost. Deadlines help some people (so I hear *grins*) if you wanted to set yourself goal posts. And always encouragement - we'll be sat here waiting for your story :)
RE: Over EditingmitchpellFebruary 8 2017, 00:52:12 UTC
Thanks for the encouraging wisdom. I will work on not letting fear and insecurity stop me, because ultimately that's what I'm doing
As I told alphaflyer, I'm going to take your advice and do more promotahons. Maybe stringing my story out in a series of short prompts will get my rolling.
RE: Over Editingkiss_me_cassieJanuary 23 2017, 00:42:34 UTC
Oh, comparing and confidence... the bane of my existence. You have not idea how many fic links I've posted and then deleted because who the hell wants to read my crap? But, ahem. This is not about me.
For the over editing, I've found when I do that (SO MUCH) I have to turn the text a pastel shade or highlight it out in grey or do something visually to "get rid of it" so I don't touch it and I keep on keeping on with the rest of the fic. It's the only thing that works for me.
RE: Over EditingmitchpellFebruary 8 2017, 00:54:36 UTC
Graying out the text is one I've never heard before. But I could see how it would help. Harder to see, harder to agonize over. I'll give that a try if I find myself stalling with over edits.
I have two huge novels, one Daredevil and one Hawkeye, planned out. But I never get anywhere with them. I find my biggest problem to be over editing. It takes me an hour to write one paragraph because I can't stop tweaking each and every sentence over and over again.
How can I get past this?
I also find myself without confidence. I've read so much fantastic fic that I can't see how I could possibly measure up.
Any advice on that front?
Reply
Reply
But as with most anything, it's just a matter of self-discipline. I have the whole story plotted out in my head and on paper, I just have to force myself to write. Not edit, not cop-out and go read, just write.
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I going to take your advice and try to find time for the Valentines Day promotathon.
Thank you again!
Reply
You're writing your stories. I'd add that when it comes to fandom we're here because we love something so much we want to create things for it and share them, we want to talk and write meta and share picture, we want to contribute in some way, join in. You're here. You're creating. You've already measured up. To borrow words from Neil Gaiman: "The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before."
And the old adage: don't get it right, get it writtten. Just to just get a draft before the editing bug kicks in, telling yourself you'll sort it out later. Prompting events and similiar can help if having finished something else gives you a boost. Deadlines help some people (so I hear *grins*) if you wanted to set yourself goal posts. And always encouragement - we'll be sat here waiting for your story :)
Reply
As I told alphaflyer, I'm going to take your advice and do more promotahons. Maybe stringing my story out in a series of short prompts will get my rolling.
Thanks so much again.
Reply
Reply
For the over editing, I've found when I do that (SO MUCH) I have to turn the text a pastel shade or highlight it out in grey or do something visually to "get rid of it" so I don't touch it and I keep on keeping on with the rest of the fic. It's the only thing that works for me.
Reply
Thanks so much for the advice.
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