We interrupt this unscheduled break for an actual post

[fandoria]

So I did not plan to go a week and a half without posting (aside from my shameless plug/contest entry for Linger.  Oh man, do I hope I win!!!) but trust me when I say that you really did not want to be privy to my thoughts for the past week.  Really, my silence was a show of mercy.  Let's just say that I've been struggling with some self-esteem

Comments

[tracy_d74]

I'm glad you have come out of the dark and into the light. I've been in that place of self-exile. I loathe it.

Great link. Who knew? It does make me nervous about my first book, that I have shelved for a little while. I had just started draft 5 when my frustrations and insecurities got the better of me. My betas are all in an uproar. But it was either take a break or delete 80,000 words because I was convinced the story now sucked and all my betas were awful liars.

[fandoria]

I went through so many drafts of Wayworn, my first, that I lost count about two years ago. I was always embarrassed that it took me 5 1/2 years to write it. But now, I think about how it was my first book. I needed to learn how to write and then I needed to learn my story and characters. That of course, took several drafts. And then once I did that, all I had to do was start from scratch, write it again, then revise a couple of times and I was happy with it. That part only took me 2 years. Not bad, considering the length of the book.

But then, I started thinking that if I couldn't write my next book in fewer drafts then it meant I hadn't become a better writer after all. What a silly thought. Everyone goes through at least a couple of drafts on their books. There's nothing wrong with that. And reading that link definitely helped me feel better about my process and gave me added courage to just let go and write for my first draft.

[tracy_d74]

Yes, it seems most people go through at least 3-4 drafts.

[fandoria]

Oh that book had at least 20 drafts. At least.

[tracy_d74]

did you submit it?

[fandoria]

Nope. No plans to at this time. I've never felt it'd be my debut. The one I'm working on now though... that's a different story entirely. (no pun intended)

[tracy_d74]

ha! so it will be your debut. maybe that's why you're feeling stressed about it. you know it is different.

i find that the minute i start thinking about publishing my writing goes to pot. so i tell myself I'm just writing and having fun, no pressure. when i'm done i consider the possibilities. but that's me. i have big insecurities about a lot of things, so i have to trick myself. it works well for me.