I've been doing a bit more reading lately and discovered something: I like reading more than I like writing. I also have realized that while it's fun writing the intial story, the editing and stuff? Not so much fun. It's then when I realize that I'm not a particularly good writer. I mean, I'm ok, but given the amount of time I've spent trying to edit the one thing I did finish ... it's really not worth it. It's not really all that much fun, and all it really does is point out something I thought was pretty good when I first wrote it isn't all that great.
So what does this all mean? I think I'm going to forget about the first book. I don't think it's worth the hassle of trying to salvage it. The storyline is ok, but it's structured all wrong. It needs to start out more exciting. I'm thinking about going back to the original first book I was working on and see what I can do with that, but ultimately, this will just be for me. My job is my job. This isn't my job and never will be and that's ok. I will do it when it's fun and go on to something else when its not fun. It's going back to what it always should have been - a fun hobby. Maybe this sounds strange to some of you, but I did harbor this feeling that I could quit work and live off of writing, but I really don't think I want to do that. Besides the statistical improbability of being able to do that, writing should be fun. I've been avoiding working on writing for fear I needed to finish what I've already started. Why? I have enough things in my life that I have to do, why make my hobbies un-fun?
About Me
- hftr
- I'd admit to going through mid-life crisis, but that would be admitting I'm not immortal. If it's a show that won't last through a season, I probably watch it. If it's horror tinged, I've probably read it.
3 comments:
i really wanna try to convince you not to give it up. i really do. but...you know yourself better than i do, so all i'll say is that i think your writing is really great, and i'd be more than willing to read anything you write should you let me. so even if you choose to not write anymore, i want you to know that much. :D
Thanks for the kind words. I'm not giving up on writing, just the pressure to edit and do something that could actually perhaps be sent somewhere to make money. I'm just going to kind of lay back a bit and try to enjoy what I'm doing. Don't know if that makes sense or not.
Hey, lady. I hear what you're saying... though, I've not ever really felt that my writing could seriously make me money. Sometimes writing - or doing anything - just for the fun and enjoyment of it is the best way to go. And you should never feel your hobbies are your BURDENS!
Now, having said that... I totally love what you write and I think it has a lot of potential. Both SSC and FF are unique stories and entertain and would be fun to have in publication. So, maybe with the pressure off, you'll find the balance you're looking for - and one day, maybe you'll even WANT to do the edits and get them published.
One thing to remember: some people we know spend their whole lives on their writing projects only to discover that their talents are being undervalued or unappreciated by those select few who have governing say over what can and cannot be - or is and is not - publish-able. I often worry that they're not striking the balance and may end up bitter due to the time spent/lost. The great thing about your attitude is that it isn't dire if you don't finish it... and if you do, it'll be the icing on the cake... with the cherry and all. =)
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