I'm working on the final draft of a manuscript right now, and I'm at that point in editing where I've come to hate my book. I always get to this point while I'm editing. The typos make me angry. Like "Seriously? You couldn't figure out how to spell that?" I'm tired of the grammatical errors that make me want to send myself back to school. I'm at the point where all the focus on the problems and mistakes makes the book seem like the worst novel ever written and I want to throw it away and write something else. I have to remind myself that I always feel this way when I edit, and eventually I'll get through it, and come out the other side with a book I'm happy with.
How about you? Have you ever gotten that frustrated with your rough drafts? Let me know in the comments. And be sure to check out the other members of the Insecure Writers Group!
At least you know it's coming!
ReplyDeleteMaybe stepping back for a day would help. Instead of editing that day, go do something that would drain the frustration, like a really hard workout or a long hike or something. Might clear your head enough to tackle the editing again in a better frame of mind.
Yeah, I may work on something else for a while
DeleteI spent pretty much all of December-February editing stories. Basically you just keep plugging away. And try to set realistic goals. Like "Today I'm going to get 100 pages done" or whatever you feel is a good round number.
ReplyDeleteGood idea
DeleteKeep on swimming bro. That's the way to do it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I totally hear you. It can be so discouraging to realize the holes and shortcomings of your novel. But at least you're catching them before it's in print! I find it does help to walk away for a week or so, or even a day. Maybe even pick up an abandoned hobby for a little while and clear your mind, or go on a walk. Anything to step back and look at the whole picture again. :-) Best of luck to you in getting to the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll try it
DeleteWhat doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? Letting it simmer for a bit between revisions always helps me -- it's like reading someone else's work by the time I get back to it. And I have NO problem editing other people's work!
ReplyDelete