For the Love of the Story
There are countless times that I have asked myself why I write. Sometimes everything seems so frustrating and overwhelming that I feel like I'm torturing myself.
About a month ago an old friend announced that he had finished the first draft of his novel. Yesterday he announced that he was querying agents.
I kind of had a moment were I banged my head against the wall. The thing is, my friend is very talented in many things. He's an artist who is getting his first graphic novel published in a couple of months. He also found a way to raise money and publish his own coloring book.
The reason I banged my head against the wall was because I've been working so hard throughout this entire year and I'm no were near the querying process. I muddled up my first draft so much, I'm re-writing the ENTIRE thing. So I'm way behind in my goals.
I just had to ask myself why I couldn't seem to get my act together when my friend is sliding in to stardom with ease. (Really he is, everyone loves him and he might even get on the Conan 'O Brian show with his current project)
Then I remembered something I said, something others have said as well. That you can't compare yourself to anyone else.
Yes, some people can write 10,000 words a day, others seem to have all the lucky breaks, but I am me.
I have two kids who I want to nurture. And though I'm not perfect, I don't ever want them to think they are second best to my writing.
I can't just sit down and write like the wind, I really like to think things through and it takes me some time to get into a groove.
The fact is, I'm not perfect and I'm not fast. Sometimes things take longer than you want, but that's okay becasue you want to have the best possible results. Not everything is a fairy-tale especially when you are trying to write one.
What do you do when you find yourself comparing?
About a month ago an old friend announced that he had finished the first draft of his novel. Yesterday he announced that he was querying agents.
I kind of had a moment were I banged my head against the wall. The thing is, my friend is very talented in many things. He's an artist who is getting his first graphic novel published in a couple of months. He also found a way to raise money and publish his own coloring book.
The reason I banged my head against the wall was because I've been working so hard throughout this entire year and I'm no were near the querying process. I muddled up my first draft so much, I'm re-writing the ENTIRE thing. So I'm way behind in my goals.
I just had to ask myself why I couldn't seem to get my act together when my friend is sliding in to stardom with ease. (Really he is, everyone loves him and he might even get on the Conan 'O Brian show with his current project)
Then I remembered something I said, something others have said as well. That you can't compare yourself to anyone else.
Yes, some people can write 10,000 words a day, others seem to have all the lucky breaks, but I am me.
I have two kids who I want to nurture. And though I'm not perfect, I don't ever want them to think they are second best to my writing.
I can't just sit down and write like the wind, I really like to think things through and it takes me some time to get into a groove.
The fact is, I'm not perfect and I'm not fast. Sometimes things take longer than you want, but that's okay becasue you want to have the best possible results. Not everything is a fairy-tale especially when you are trying to write one.
What do you do when you find yourself comparing?
Comments
I don't write like the wind either -I'm a slow writer, and I have to try and ignore when people post WAY higher word counts for their daily writing, etc, etc.
It's great for me to remember that I'm me and how I write is awesome for me.
I'm so happy to find someone who sounds so much like me in my writing! It's wonderful and refreshing after being bombarded by everyone's accomplishments that go way beyond mine at the moment. (Notice I said, "at the moment" - I"m being positive!)
It's so fantastic to meet you! Thanks for following my blog!
Remember the old saying? Do you want it fast or do you want it right? For you, right takes a little longer than some others - and there are others who will take longer than you.
The great thing is, you'll never look at your kids and think 'I missed you growing up'. You'll have it all, eventually, I know it.
Quickly think of some brilliant thing that I can do that no one else can (even if it is something I have to make up) and eat a piece of chocolate :)
When I find myself comparing, I remember everything I have accomplished so far and remind myself that everyone has a different journey. If that doesn't work, I just find a distraction until I'm not thinking about it anymore.
That usually works pretty well, too. :)
Best of luck to you! Don't worry about taking a long time--take however long you need for it to be right. The last thing you want to do is rush it.
I've finally decided that it's ok being me. I maybe slow, and I can't write 1000 words in 15 minutes (because I almost always edit while writing, and I take too many pauses to think of the best word choice) but look at the tortoise--he beat the hare in the end. Maybe I'm neurotic and I need to make sure my writing is not crap before moving on to the next page or next chapter. The way I see it, when I finish the first draft it will be a lot cleaner and therefore will need less editing.
Goodluck!
I think you all are brilliant writers as well, and if you every need a little boost I will be happy to share the love!
You're absolutely right about having other important things in your life. And I'm sure you're book is coming along fine!
You need to make yourself happy, to center yourself properly, and I think that once you do that and do yourself a favor, that the words will flow.
You will reach your goals in your own time and I'm sure that they will be amazing.
Oh, and I'm totaly with you on the kids thing. It's summer and I can't stay inside doing revisions all day. So, I go out to the park instead.
We'll get there though. I'm postive we will. ;0)
When I feel the doubt start to creep in, I create a few blogs in the queue and turn back to my WIP. But the nagging, "What's the point?" questions are tricky to move beyond!
You won an award on my blog today. Stop on by when you get a chance. http://bit.ly/neH5u0
Othertimes (most times) I have to just be okay with where I am--pretty much like you said. It's not always easy, though. Heck, it's NEVER easy.
I totally admire that your priorities are with your little ones. They are so sweet-looking and I am so glad they have such a wonderful and talented Mom.
I read a blog that said the person wrote an entire book in 2 months. I've been working on mine for 1.5 years. I was discouraged. What's wrong with me? Then I thought, "Hey, wait a minute! I work full-time and I have a family." I realized then that we can't compare. I write for the joy of it and steady is the race. I'll get there and so will you! Each at our own pace.