Morning everybody! Hey, I'm on time this week :)
I've also been more productive compared to last check in. Woo hoo :)
I'm dealing with some self-doubt on my novel, so edits are going slower than I'd like, but I'm meeting the rest of my goals, and for that I'm happy. I just wish I knew what was triggering the self-doubt.
Originally I'd given myself a deadline to be finished. I wanted it all polished and sparkly and ready to send out. But I had rewrites to do and changes to make so it can morph into the planned series. I think somewhere along the way I also decided that I needed to agonize over each and every word so that I'm no longer moving forward at the originally intended pace.
So, my goal for this next bit is to work on ways to lose my perfectionist inner editor and remind myself how much I enjoy and love this book. Because I really do love the story and characters, and had a blast writing it. Obviously I prefer the creative stage more than the editing stage, but it's part of the business.
Cheering you all on your paths to success!
Marie
Yay for being more productive and boo to self-doubt. I too this week have struggled with self-doubt. I ahev questionned my characters, ability to write, my plot, everything!
ReplyDeleteI guess it is somehting we all go through on this crazy writing journey and I hope you can put it to one side and really crack on with your editing. Good luck!
Thanks Em, and I hope you're able to do the same as well!
ReplyDeleteEver had a song stuck in your head (of course, everyone has), well, that is usually caused because we can't remember the lyrics or a bit of the tune. It is the same with our writing and self-doubt, we think we've missed something, and so the voice plays over and over in the mind, teasing us. The best way to handle it is press through to the end. Then go back and take a new look.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing AWESOME on your goals! Keep going, Marie :)
Oh gosh, self doubt just kills me sometimes. It's pretty crippling.
ReplyDeletePat your back for being productive and working through it!
Do you ever use "alpha readers?" Everyone talks about betas, but sometimes I find when I have the self-doubt bug, giving an isolated passage to a trusted friend/reader can help. It doesn't absolve the need for editing later, obviously, but usually all I need is a "no, this does not completely suck."
ReplyDeleteI have a small but reliable stable of alphas (three) that I use to bounce ideas off of. Unfortunately, it usually means I have to spoil the story for them (though I try hard not to), but it really helps me to push through. Oftentimes, I solve problems just by trying to explain it to them (without them even saying/seeing a thing).
Great job at being more productive. Keep ROWin!
It is so hard when you get stuck on the inner-editor like that. I hear you. And you are right, just remember how much you love the story and all involved. It will come together. Editing can be a total pill at times. But the final novel is worth it. Hang in there, and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, that pesky self-doubt bug. I know exactly what you're talking about. I also have a very loud inner editor that needs to be bundled off from time to time, as her voice of doom and shame ends being incredibly counter-productive. I'm confident that you'll work through it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of the week!
To celebrate your love for the book take them all out for a cup of coffee and cake. Celebrate the fun you are having writing it.
ReplyDeleteJulia Cameron gave the advice of indulging your worst stereotypical images of being an artist sometimes. Put on a beret, drink a glass of red wine and write a bad beatnik ode to your book.
Thanks so much Gene - I truly appreciate the support and motivational post you wrote :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Crystal :) Patting myself on the back right now. And thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate that Matt, and I just sent the first 3 chapters out to a few of those alphas, because I think I do need that boost :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy! Very true words...and I'm working hard this week to push on through. I've got good intentions anyway, lol :)
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Jamilia :) It is a pesky thing, and for the past week the mute button didn't work. I'm working hard today to stay focused and ignore the self-doubt voice. So glad you stopped by! :)
ReplyDeleteLol! Sounds like a plan Gerhi! Cake for everyone :)
ReplyDeleteOooh God, this sounds like me -- agonizing over every word...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm in -- here's to losing our inner editor and writingwritingwriting.