Join Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Angela Wooldridge, and Susan Gourley!
October 5th Question: When do you know your story is ready?
My problem is ~ I never feel my books are ready.
I recently finished my second draft of a new manuscript, and it goes to a wonderful editor November 1. I have time for a third draft and possibly a fourth, but I won't be satisfied.
Even after I send it to my publisher for the final formatting process, I have reservations.
Usually to combat my neurotic self, I begin writing a new story.
How about you? When do you feel your story is truly ready?
I love the "what idiot wrote this" gif. I could insert my own picture in their and it would be totally accurate. :D
ReplyDeleteI never know when a story is ready either!
That gif is definitely me!
DeleteI'm the same way. I'm never quite ready. It helps that my agent is an editorial agent and she has no problem telling me what needs to be fixed...so even before it gets to my editor, it's been reworked multiple times.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea.
DeleteI just close my eyes and hit send on faith...
ReplyDeleteI usually send it with faith too!
DeleteWriting a new story is the best kind of therapy for all kinds of anxiety!
ReplyDeleteAmen and seconded. I have total "send" anxiety--even for silly things. At least publishers are supposed to help us make things better, eh?
ReplyDeleteI always press send then find a mistake....UGH!
DeleteI ask Crowley if my, I mean, I trust in my CPs to let me know when to stop nitpicking at a story! They've never steered me wrong. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I had CPS!
DeleteHemingway did not mince words, did he? And he nailed that first draft quality perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHahaaaa....
DeleteI like your solution!!! I think that's what I do. Okay, nothing to see here, moving on to the next project! :)
ReplyDeleteRight!
DeleteI enjoyed the gifs, and it does help to move on to a new project.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteOh, Crowley. Do we want his approval of a plan? LOL. I do the same as you. Send it out the door and start the next. And then hope.
ReplyDeleteHope is right!
DeleteThe "What idiot wrote this..." cracked me up. Jumping into something new is the best form of distraction. Otherwise, it would be hard not to edit endlessly.
ReplyDeleteGood idea to start a new story if you're just obsessing over the old one.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so long since I finished a book, I hardly remember anymore.
ReplyDeleteTurning your mind to a new project helps me too.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely
Deleteooh - looking at a new project is all too easy... Squirrel!!
ReplyDeleteLove it....hahaaa...
DeleteIt takes me too long to write, too long to edit, and too long to send! I need a buzzer!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Hahaaa.a.....
DeleteWithout a deadline, I let things linger or fester or something. It's not good.
ReplyDeleteDeadlines get ya moving...
DeleteHi Cathrina....
ReplyDeleteWhy such insecurities about your works... GEEZ. You've accomplished so much and won so many awards... I'm sure you new book will is amazing. After the last few edits it will be brilliant.
When you start writing a new story, then you're ready... good for you. I need to learn to do that instead of lingering and going back to my ms'.
You're sweet Michael! Thank you.
DeleteI love the "What idiot...?" image. That is SO ME! I spend a lot of time outlining because once I hit the actual writing part, I see 20 different ways to write every sentence and somehow always choose the crappy ones! Thank goodness for CPs!
ReplyDelete