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New novel – yesss, I have a fantastic idea.
Er- what happens next?
This idea sucks.
Oh God, I hate it, I shouldn’t have written this
in the first place.
This was a terrible mistake.
Oh, maybe it isn’t so bad.
I could work with that.
I need to rewrite this chapter for the
15th time.
Ugh.
It’s the worst thing I’ve ever written.
Just get to the end.
Actually, it’s not too bad.
Die, book, die. Delete it all!
No, I can rescue this.
YESSS!
OMG, I did it. I finished my book.
I’m sure we can all relate to this process. At the moment (about 2 chapters from the end of my WIP), I think I’m at the “Die, book, die” stage!
Paula, you need to paste this above your desk. I seem to recall you going through this process every time you write a book. And they all turn out wonderful. Maybe it's a sign that you have to go through this in order to produce a good book?
ReplyDeleteSometimes the process is harder than other times! The last few chapters of this one is (in the words of my friend Gilli) like carving granite with a teaspoon! But thanks for your confidence in me :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry it's so difficult, but that's a GREAT visual!
ReplyDeleteThe other good one is 'knitting with fog'(or with jelly!)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! I can soooooooooooo relate!
ReplyDeleteThere are probably a lot more stages in between these, Debra - but yes, I'm sure it's what we all go through at times - and with every book too.
ReplyDeletePaula--I'm fairly certain I have said these things many times. Very good...and we can all relate. Thanks for the entertainment for the day!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know we all go through it sometimes, isn't it, Celia? Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteThis is great!
ReplyDeletePaula, I couldn't help but relate these different stages depicted here to going through the various stages of pregnancy. LOL Then when we hold that beautiful book in our hands (or see it available online) we forget all about the months of suffering and the labor pains and can't wait to go through it all again.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Becca! I'm at the final push stage now with my latest book :-)
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate, Paula. There are time when I just want to torch the dang thing, but I never do. Somehow the answers come. Sometimes I just have to push through, take a break and then come back to make changes.
ReplyDeleteI think we all go through a similar process, Sarah. I had to abandon one novel about two thirds of the way through (after two attempts at rewriting it) because I felt it simply wasn't working right. I started another novel instead, and then a sudden flash of inspiration told me what I needed to do with the abandoned novel! So once I've finished the current WIP, I can now go back to the other one and (hopefully!) sort it out!
ReplyDeleteHello, it's the teaspoon granite carver here. The easiest way to avoid all the inevitable angst is not to embark on a new novel at all. Once I've reached 'THE END' it is only the beginning of all that lovely editing. I can edit and revise forever. I'm very good at that.
ReplyDeletePS. Good luck with the abandoned novel, Paula. Having one of those flashes of inspiration is what makes writing worthwhile, isn't it? I bet you'll enjoy the rescue project and feel very satisfied when you've completed it.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Gilli :-) We think alike - I hate doing the first draft, but once I get to the end (assuming I'm reasonably happy with the storyline itself) then, as you say, it's the beginning of the lovely editing process. With about 2 chapters still to go to the end of the draft, I can't wait until I reach that next stage!! That's when I really enjoy writing.
ReplyDeleteYour PS crossed in cyberspace with mine, Gilli. I'm hoping the flash of inspiration will breathe new life into the abandoned novel, but I'm restraining myself from looking at it again until I finish the draft of this new one!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a sensible plan, Paula. You don't want to blown off-course so close to the harbour! gx
ReplyDelete