Doing something a little different today.
For about the last month I have been getting feedback and critiques on ‘Maiden’ from people I respect . As much as I look forward to their insight – honestly, I do – it gets hard to keep going. I am not a great writer. But I want to grow and hone the craft, because I feel like I have a great story.
Having a great story is not the same as being a great writer.
I want people to see what I see and feel what I feel when they read ‘Maiden.’ I want them to love the characters and the places as much as I do. I want them to laugh, cry, cheer and overall enjoy the experience.
Which is why I have to be patient and keep fighting the good fight,
One keystroke at a time…
 |
| Focus!!! |
One edit at a time…
One revision at a time.
Don’t hide from the critiques of others. Maybe all of the feedback you get does not necessitate a change. But when your gut tells you something can be improved, don’t think about all the extra time that will be spent changing things you thought were already fixed. Embrace it and how it will help your story be great. In the process, your writing is becoming great as well.
So in honor of the great encouragement I have received, the characters and plot points that will have to be sacrificed, and the many, many more hours still left to go, I present a haiku on editing and revising:
Potential
A Haiku by Chris Sorensen
How much good is best?
Things need to be fixed.
Away pride and false deadlines.
csorensenwrite 
Love this post! I have felt (and still feel) this way many times. When I visit schools, I show them my 13-page, single-spaced editorial letter. This came after working on my novel for 3 years on my own, then working on it 6 more months with my agent. I should show it to you sometime!
Um…my first comment was meant to be encouraging, but now that I read it, I see it could have the opposite effect.
My point is this: It's all part of the process!
LOL – it is VERY MUCH encouraging Lana! To me, it's what step at a time. I can't WAIT for the day an agent/editor says, “we like where your book is going, but we want you to change this.” That will be an exciting day, one step closer:-)
I would LOVE to see it (honestly)! Thanks for the encouragement.
As your mom I haven't posted but today I will. Dad and I are truly proud of you and while we know this process has been long, we know that you will prevail as you always do. We love you and can't wait to read 'Maiden'!