I recite this sentence to myself at least twice a day as I am shuffling between manuscripts, editing one while finishing up two others. I think as writer's we put these crazy, and often unnecessary, deadlines on ourselves, thinking that we HAVE to get this to the agents now or we will miss the next big trend. Publishers are buying this sub-genre now, so quick . . . finish that draft and get it out.
We don't. It's. Not. A. Race. We need to take time not only to master our craft, but to enjoy it, to savor every word we type out. So today, as I look at a completed manuscript I have hacked into an unrecognizable pile of crap, that sentence is going to become my mantra. If it takes me days, weeks, even months to re-piece the manuscript back together, then so be it, because I am going to enjoy every grueling second of it!
Oh and P.S. -- my baby girl turned 14 today!
Awww- Happy Birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that it's not a race. I'm struggling with whether to leave my MS alone (as a MG) or re-write it with a new concept as a YA.
Good luck with the piecing! I know you can do it!
This is great advice. I try to think like this but I need the reminder - thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter!
My daughter recently turned 14 and I still can't believe it.
So very true, Trisha. And happy birthday to the 'little one'. :)
ReplyDeleteSo very true. For a while, I set a deadline for myself to start the query process, but it came and went. I was trying to push myself. Get it done and get it done fast. Why? No clue. It's not like I have any real deadlines! I'm trying to remember this as I work on my rewrite. Thanks for the reminder and happy birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your baby girls b-day! I agree on the not a race attitude. I am just cruising along working on three projects and slowly editing another. I am in no rush to do anything. I think I like that part. I am just enjoying the fact that I am enjoying my writing. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is especially difficult because the first version was SO good!
ReplyDelete"It's not a race" is my new mantra. Thanks for this, Trisha.
ReplyDeleteBecky -- you are too kind. Now you have to suffer through reading and re-reading my revisions.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth-- glad I could help wit the new mantra.
Kelly- Happy revising and good luck with the query process
Your blog is gorgoues! I love it. I also loved this post, such inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteI have to remind myself constantly that it's not a race. I don't have to shuffle out words to finish before someone else. The minute I do, writer's block hits and I'm even more unhappy. When I relax and enjoy myself the words flow.
exactly what i need to remember.
ReplyDelete