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Liz McCrocklin's avatar

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.” 😂

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Andrew Boryga's avatar

I love that!! Might have to steal it lol.

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Meg Oolders's avatar

"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!

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Andrew Boryga's avatar

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.

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Leigh Stein's avatar

That Ross Barkan piece is great!

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Andrew Boryga's avatar

He's worth the subscription---consistently sharp commentary.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

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.

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Andrew Boryga's avatar

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.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

It's a tough decision. Brutal. Years of work filed away. I'm working on a novel now and am having my doubts.

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Andrew Boryga's avatar

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.

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