WRITE THE DAMN BOOK!
That's it. Plain and simple.
Many complain that they can't get the first chapter perfect. Then, they finally get to chapter two and can't get it perfect either. So, instead of going on to chapter three, they decide to re-edit chapter one and wonder why they can't get it right.
WHY?
Because you're not writing. You only get good at writing by... that's right, writing!
David Edding said: A writer's apprenticeship usually involves writing a million words (which are then discarded) before he's almost ready to begin.Not by editing. After I finish writing my first draft, I usually end up changing my first few chapters anyways because as the story progresses, I find a stronger opening. Don't be so caught up with the first chapter because you may scrap it in the end.
So...
Finish the first draft already.
That's my two cents...take it or leave it.
I agree! I always get down the first draft. I'm also a plotter, so writing that first draft goes pretty smooth. It's a lot easier to revise when it's all there!
ReplyDeleteI'll take it! Because it is so true!! Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteSome of the best advice I've ever heard on writing!
ReplyDeleteI am an overeditor when I write the draft. That's why my drafts are torture. I get frustrate but at the same time, when I wrote without editing as I went, I hated the product so much I threw it out (all 50,000 words).
ReplyDeleteI dunno. I think I'm broken.
LOL.
Tirz
I'll take your two cents; make a copy of it and put it under my clear blotter so I can see it all the time!
ReplyDeleteMaribeth
Giggles and Guns
Damn. I'd better get back to finishing my book then...
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa, excellent and timely advice for me and I just bought a new notebook (the old fashioned paper variety) today so off I go with my million words, great advice.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing, I'm writing!
ReplyDeleteLaura Marcella -You're lucky then. I know many who suffer from edititus-continuous.
ReplyDeleteKarenG - Glad you liked it.
J.L. Stratton - I think that most writers will agree with it.
Tirz, you're not broken. I've read your work and I think your best muse is poetry and sometime poetry comes when it comes.
Maribeth -That's a great idea. I should do that. It'll keep me motivated.
karensomethingorother- yes. Don't leave your room til you're done! :)
Brigid - glad you liked it.
you forget to add "Write the damn book- and stop whining!!"
ReplyDeleteSpot on. Best two cents I've read in a while:)
ReplyDeleteEeleen, yes. Exactly.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra, thank you.
CD
Oh yeah - totally agree with you. I used to edit and re-edit. It will never be good enough. Now I'm quietly writing in private and worrying not a whit (wit?) if it's good or not. Worrying comes later, when you're trying to sell. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
- Corra
the victorian heroine
So true! I have this affliction! By the way, I moved. New blog is www.bisiadjapon.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteCorra, I had to fight every urge in my body as well. But, I think I've finally done it.
ReplyDeleteBisi, I will check out your blog.
CD