An interesting point you make about imposter syndrome is the idea that “someone else deserves this more.” This assumes some achievement or award. So I have to say I have yet to attain imposter status. The exercise was (like the previous ones) valuable! My writing goals, my one resolution, and the exercise are all pointing back at me! It’s all about real time doing the work. This revision is a total rewrite. I like it. It’s more fun than the previous draft. But because it is a major revision, I’ve gotten snagged by anxiety a few times. Am I doing this right? The funniest/most pathetic thing I learned from a developmental edit was that my character--intended to be so unlike me--kept passively waiting to be told what to do next. Just like me. Waiting for an editor to tell me what to do. Did I mention how hard it is to look in a mirror?
It's so hard to look in a mirror! Wow, I can relate to everything you said so much. Total rewrites are also a lot of fun for me because it feels like there are so many possibilities, but when there's a lot of options, it's hard to know if the draft is going in the right direction. I'm excited for you and your work! Also happy to hear the writing exercise was useful. Keep me posted on how your rewrite is going!
Well, I did the exercise, and it turns out I have work to do. lol. Actually, breaking it down into chunks, I believe I can achieve my writing goals this year. But it really does come down to me prioritizing writing. Not sitting and staring at the screen, or reading other ideas on writing, but actually writing. I'm doing a total rewrite of a book I've already written (for various reasons, but as far as I'm concerned, it needed to be done in order for me to move forward in my series. So I have taken the plunge and am doing it.). I think it'll be a better story and I think my characters will be more engaging. Regardless, I intend to self publish, and --if I do the work-- I believe I can have it up by the end of the year. I have a really good start on it, but there is a lot of maneuvering pieces I already have and that is proving to be an exercise in itself.
I really like compartmentalizing, so going through this exercise has helped me see I can manage my goal, if I choose to. So, I am resolving to choose writing. I mean, I have a hectic life away from my desk, but while I'm here, I'll write.
I can't wait to see your book out in the world! You are so right about priorities. It's hard to keep writing at the top of our priority lists. Lately, I've been trying to practice a lot of self-forgiveness when life gets in the way or I just choose to watch TV instead of write. But of course, it's good for us to take breaks and spend our time reading about writing, too. This exercise is helpful for me because it reminds me to carve out time, even if it's just fifteen minutes, to prioritize my writing. So glad to hear the exercise was also useful to your process. I'm rooting for you! Keep me updated along the way as you work on this draft.
An interesting point you make about imposter syndrome is the idea that “someone else deserves this more.” This assumes some achievement or award. So I have to say I have yet to attain imposter status. The exercise was (like the previous ones) valuable! My writing goals, my one resolution, and the exercise are all pointing back at me! It’s all about real time doing the work. This revision is a total rewrite. I like it. It’s more fun than the previous draft. But because it is a major revision, I’ve gotten snagged by anxiety a few times. Am I doing this right? The funniest/most pathetic thing I learned from a developmental edit was that my character--intended to be so unlike me--kept passively waiting to be told what to do next. Just like me. Waiting for an editor to tell me what to do. Did I mention how hard it is to look in a mirror?
Thanks for the craft lessons--
Chris
It's so hard to look in a mirror! Wow, I can relate to everything you said so much. Total rewrites are also a lot of fun for me because it feels like there are so many possibilities, but when there's a lot of options, it's hard to know if the draft is going in the right direction. I'm excited for you and your work! Also happy to hear the writing exercise was useful. Keep me posted on how your rewrite is going!
Well, I did the exercise, and it turns out I have work to do. lol. Actually, breaking it down into chunks, I believe I can achieve my writing goals this year. But it really does come down to me prioritizing writing. Not sitting and staring at the screen, or reading other ideas on writing, but actually writing. I'm doing a total rewrite of a book I've already written (for various reasons, but as far as I'm concerned, it needed to be done in order for me to move forward in my series. So I have taken the plunge and am doing it.). I think it'll be a better story and I think my characters will be more engaging. Regardless, I intend to self publish, and --if I do the work-- I believe I can have it up by the end of the year. I have a really good start on it, but there is a lot of maneuvering pieces I already have and that is proving to be an exercise in itself.
I really like compartmentalizing, so going through this exercise has helped me see I can manage my goal, if I choose to. So, I am resolving to choose writing. I mean, I have a hectic life away from my desk, but while I'm here, I'll write.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
I can't wait to see your book out in the world! You are so right about priorities. It's hard to keep writing at the top of our priority lists. Lately, I've been trying to practice a lot of self-forgiveness when life gets in the way or I just choose to watch TV instead of write. But of course, it's good for us to take breaks and spend our time reading about writing, too. This exercise is helpful for me because it reminds me to carve out time, even if it's just fifteen minutes, to prioritize my writing. So glad to hear the exercise was also useful to your process. I'm rooting for you! Keep me updated along the way as you work on this draft.