Monday, September 9, 2013

The Never Ending Process of Writing

I don't know about you, but for me it feels like writing is a never ending process. I'm always revising projects, thinking of ways to make the story stronger, tighter, ways to get rid of those plot holes. Even with books I shelved long ago, I can't help it. As a writer I strive to make my story the best it can be, a story that will touch many, a story others can fall in love with. And it seems like there's always something that can be better.

This got me thinking. Do you ever wonder if it's the same with published authors? Do they stay up late at nights running over all the different possibilities and directions they could have taken that story already out on shelves? Or do they FINALLY get to that point where the story is exactly how they want it to be? No one has written a perfect book, as writers we have our strengths and weaknesses and we always want to make sure we're making our weaknesses our strengths, but no book will ever be a clear picture of what we had in our heads. It'll always lack in some way. I've made peace with the fact that my story will not always match the idea in my head, but that doesn't mean I don't work hard to get it as close to it as possible. I know all writers, published and not, feel the same way. But I wonder if being published means you get it to the closest version of what you wanted versus non-pubbed. What do you guys think?

6 comments:

  1. I think, no matter if you sell a million copies, there would be some things you look back on and go, "Shoot! Why didn't I change that back then!"

    I know, personally, my standards of what I think is acceptable/good/etc changes all the time, so while yes, if/when I ever do get a book published, I know it'll go through all that extra editing, all those extra pairs of eyes, etc... yet I still believe that I will continue to improve as a writer... and there will be that inevitable day when I look back and go, "shoot!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i feel the same way. nothing's perfect, i guess. as a reader there are times when i think a book is perfect the way it is, but i often wonder how the author feels about it.

      Delete
  2. I think you've hit on the nature of art. When I used to design lighting or scenery for the stage, I would never get to all my "notes." Long after closing I'd have flashes of a different way to tweak my designs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i'd love to learn more about lighting. I once saw a video showing a woman from different angles and lighting and it was fascinating how different she appeared in each.

      Delete
  3. Huh. I never thought about that. For me, I'm always going back to the book ideas I shelved long ago and trying to make them work. I just can't let go. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i have a hard time letting go of shelved projects. they haunt me.

      Delete