Okay, not super worried or anxious or anything like that. Just a little worried, you know. Because I'm working on Cordamant's Heir, and I'm about 21k in and inching closer to being done draft #1 in a Little Engine That Could sort of way, and I already know it's not good. I mean, there are a lot of things I really like about it, and I still love the plot and the setting and the characters.
But, it's got problems. I can see them already. There's slow pacing in parts, and I'm sure some of these scenes are superfluous, and I'm starting to think I don't know my characters as much as I thought I did.
I don't want to stop. I want to keep going, to keep seeing where this story takes me. But I've been really studying up on craft lately, and it's getting me thinking about the problems this book has and how much revision it might need, and sometimes that just makes me a little sad.
But, then again, this could just be the midnight talking. I'll probably feel better in the morning.
So, how are you guys doing? Have any fabulous weekend plans? Get any good news lately?
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Just keep writing. Don't worry about craft or revisions. That will come later. Just keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready for the trip back home next week. 5 days in RI! I know, big whoop, but hey it's home.
I'd make notes of your thoughts, but keep them in a separate place from the rest of your doc, and keep on chugging along. Once you're done with the draft, you can start in on revisions, you'll already have notes and know exactly where to start!
ReplyDeleteFirst drafts are supposed to be bad, but you have to give yourself permission to let them really stink. It's not the first draft that makes you a writer, it's the revisions.
ReplyDeleteJust keep going- there's always times to fix it later.
Keep going, keep going! Every first draft has problems--that's why it's called the rough draft! You'll work them all out in good time.
ReplyDeleteNo plans this weekend...which is the way I like it!
You can do it!
ReplyDelete(I'm off on holiday on sunday, three weeks in the sun, YAY)
I understand how you feel. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between the up at midnight writers cold sweat we all endure, and a concrete recognition of problems with our WIP. Best suggestion, its a first draft...you can hammer out the dents later! :)
ReplyDeleteThis has happens to me on every project, and it's frustrating! I'd suggest keeping a list of what you want to change and just keep writing. That way you won't forget things when it's time revise. Revising is where the real magic happens, I think. :)
ReplyDeletePiedmont -- Thanks. I hope you have a blast in RI! :)
ReplyDeleteWindy -- Thanks for the tip. It sounds like a useful idea.
Stephanie -- You're right. First drafts aren't perfect, and I need to give it a chance to go where it's going.
LnL -- That's very true. Hope you're weekend went well.
Tessa -- Thanks. Have a ton of fun. :)
DL -- I think you're right, there's a difference between midnight worries and actual issues. The first draft is definitely a hard time to try to tell the difference.
Michelle -- Thanks. I'll bear this in mind. It should help.