Thursday, July 21, 2011

Love-Hate Relationship.

I’ve been at this manuscript, Waiting for April, for a while now.  As in - over two years.  Of course, in that time I’ve written other things (the sequel), and taken breaks when it has been off with betas or I’ve done beta-reading myself, and when I’ve been off having babies (well, I had a break during the 14 hours of labour, anyway). 

This concept has no intention of letting me go.  I think about it when I’m supposed to be socializing (sorry, guys and gals, but when I’m staring off into space, I’m writing), when I’m watching TV, and well, pretty much every minute of every day.  Right now, though, it feels like I’m clinging to a hot guy who’s been trying to break up with me for a while now.  Not that I really know what that feels like (I married my high school sweetheart), but you know what I’m saying.

Don’t get me wrong – I will finish it.  I will query it.  I will not stop until I’m represented and this book hits the shelves/e-shelves, and it will be the biggest achievement of my life (aside from pushing out two gorgeous kiddies).  Maybe I’m speaking out of lack of sleep.  Maybe I’ve just hit a rough patch in revisions.  AgainMaybe I’ve just read one too many great manuscripts lately *shakes fist at Sarah Fine and Tracy Buscemi*. 

But I wonder: how many people get this far in, only to trash their novel?  Have you ever been completely in love with a premise, but broken up with it without following through?  How do you overcome these nagging, negative thoughts whilst revising?

2 comments:

  1. Usually, once I start writing, I finish it, but it takes a LOT of work before I start so I know what I'm getting into.

    The nagging, negative thoughts are par for the course. They come, they go--you just have to make sure your love of the story is still strong enough!

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  2. Hi Lydia, I'm so glad Sarah Fine recommended you and your blog! I'm always excited to find writers who work in the medical field. :D

    As for getting through these rough patches ... I guess, like most writers, I'll always be thinking of ways to improve the story - even after sending it off to agents (and maybe, one day, editors)!

    But I completely agree - you really have to love your story if you're determined to finish it. I couldn't imagine only having luke-warm feelings for a ms that's going to steal sleep from me! :)

    Which reminds me ... if you find that 25th hour in the day, let me know, okay?! :)

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