I definitely feel this. It’s hard to tell when an experience is at the right middle distance where it’s still vivid but also processed enough to distill some larger meaning. I’m also learning to trust my gut on that. These days, I keep a file on my computer titled “drafts that need more therapy.” 😂
"I pulled the plug, despite all the time and energy I ended up investing." This is brave and inspiring. For me the TIME spent is what I languish over. When I suffer for something for ages and STILL can't get it to where I know it can go. It's TOUGH. I find it's easier to abandon shorter works than novels, but it still bites. 🙂 The fact that everything moves so fast in publishing (and everything else) naturally makes us feel rushed. Being in my 40s does that, too. 🤦🏼♀️
Every one of your reading recommendations piqued my interest. Bookmarking them now! Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading, and sharing, Meg. I certainly share with you the feeling of being "rushed" and the experience of fighting against that to make something you're proud of.
Trying to work way my way up to that point, when I know better without having to get anyone involved. Or more so, when I'm confident enough to just trust the gut feeling in the first place.
I definitely feel this. It’s hard to tell when an experience is at the right middle distance where it’s still vivid but also processed enough to distill some larger meaning. I’m also learning to trust my gut on that. These days, I keep a file on my computer titled “drafts that need more therapy.” 😂
I love that!! Might have to steal it lol.
"I pulled the plug, despite all the time and energy I ended up investing." This is brave and inspiring. For me the TIME spent is what I languish over. When I suffer for something for ages and STILL can't get it to where I know it can go. It's TOUGH. I find it's easier to abandon shorter works than novels, but it still bites. 🙂 The fact that everything moves so fast in publishing (and everything else) naturally makes us feel rushed. Being in my 40s does that, too. 🤦🏼♀️
Every one of your reading recommendations piqued my interest. Bookmarking them now! Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading, and sharing, Meg. I certainly share with you the feeling of being "rushed" and the experience of fighting against that to make something you're proud of.
That Ross Barkan piece is great!
He's worth the subscription---consistently sharp commentary.
I've abandoned two novels that I thought were failures. I didn't even show them to anybody, not my family, friends, agent, or editor.
Trying to work way my way up to that point, when I know better without having to get anyone involved. Or more so, when I'm confident enough to just trust the gut feeling in the first place.
It's a tough decision. Brutal. Years of work filed away. I'm working on a novel now and am having my doubts.
I hear that man. Best of luck to you on that journey. Sure that once it passes your internal test it will be something readers love.