I'm sure every writer goes through this phase when they're editing a novel. The high of writing the first draft is long gone and now you're ripping it apart trying to fix every tiny little thing that's wrong with it. It's not easy, and it's definitely not as fun as actually writing. It's one thing to know when something isn't working, but it's another to know how to fix it.
I've been in such a rut lately. I don't even want to look at my book, let alone work on it. I know I've been whining about this for a while now, so bear with me. It's just really frustrating when you've worked for so long on something and been so passionate about it and then suddenly you want nothing to do with it.
I know there are a lot of reasons for why I'm feeling this way. I think I'm still a little burned from sending my book to people I know. I mean, I sent it out to fifteen different people, and only one acknowledged that she finished it. Another two made a few comments here and there, but those stopped along the way. Everyone else said absolutely nothing, not even something as simple as, hey I finished a chapter. I'm wondering what the point was. I honestly don't even know if those other people read any of it at all. So if I can't get people I actually know to read it, how can I get strangers to?
Then of course there was the whole Pitch Wars fiasco. Don't even get me started on that. I don't blame it completely, but it is what triggered this rut I'm in, this desire to do absolutely nothing at all when it comes to writing and editing.
I'm hoping that maybe doing NaNoWriMo will help me in some way, being able to work on something different for a while. Because I've been doing nothing for quite some time and it isn't helping. I really want to work on editing, but every time I try it's like I can't even look at the words I've written.
Ok, I'm done ranting/whining. For now I'm just going to worry about getting my NaNo book outlined and ready and maybe when November is over I'll be in a better head space for editing. Fingers crossed.
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I always go through this phase. Then it passes and I move onto the next one.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like, I'd be willing to read it all and offer comment. Won't take me long and you would have a full opinion at least. I won't blow sunshine at you, but I also won't be harsh or mean. I believe as writers we need to help each other, and I know how hard it is to find people willing to read and critique our work. crystalr.martin08@gmail.com :)
ReplyDeleteI've been though this phase repeatedly. I'm kind of in it now with the WIP that I'm trying desperately to finish.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've had similar trouble with beta readers. If my life wasn't a complete disaster right now, I would offer to read for you.
Just set the book aside until the phase passes. If you send it to anymore critique partners, make sure they are people who will really read it. Because the response you got is unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteI know this phase well. Usually I get into this phases when there's something I need to fix but just don't know what it is yet. Then I fix it and TADA...I love it again.
ReplyDeleteI've learned to not send my stories to people I know. When I used to ask, they would agree and sound excited but then they wouldn't even read it. It's best to ask writer friends who understand what you need and how to treat someone's manuscript with respect...like a professional.
Had that problem with my first one. Had to set it aside for roughly a couple of months because I was getting so turned off just thinking about it. Eventually it all worked in the end.
ReplyDeleteThe Inner Sibling
Yup, I've had no luck w/giving my stuff to people to read that I know. It's much better to try strangers, whether that be through writing forums or through blogging. So, not really strangers, but you know what I mean! ;)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could join a writer's group, if there's one in your area? At least that way you'd be able to meet regularly with other writers and everyone would read each other's work and provide feedback. One thing that might help stir things up in your novel is if you try writing alternate endings. That is, I was going through something similar to your situation where I felt stuck. But I thought of more than one possible ending for the story, and that perked my interest; it made me start writing each ending to see which one fit best. (I'm still deciding which one to go with.)
ReplyDeleteFocus on another book for a while. And find some reliable people to look over it when you're ready.
ReplyDeletefriends and family aren't always the best beta readers - i sent one of my first rough drafts to my parents (avid readers) and they never gave me feedback either. Nothing. No feedback translated to negative feedback to me. You have to trade with a crit partner - or find a beta reader who will volunteer to read it. not to mention the first book is always the roughest. we get better with each MS. Take heart and find a crit partner to trade with, then you both have vested interest and should get some much needed feedback (hopefully some positive and some constructive)!
ReplyDeleteSometimes people forget to respond. I've had a couple of those. Months down the road, I got a facebook message saying, "OMG! I never responded to you, did I??" Maybe it was something like that with your friends?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'll read your story! But it'll have to be after NaNo. :)