First Wednesday of the month is when we post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. This is a phenomenal group, created by the amazing Alex Cavanaugh, where writers hop around and encourage each other. Because, as it turns out, we all seem to feel like we can't do this from time to time.I had an "I can't do this!" moment a couple of weeks ago. I was working on revisions and I just couldn't make things sound the way they were supposed to. I got very frustrated. I asked myself, "what have you gotten yourself into?" "Why did you think you could do this?"
But you know what? After ranting to my poor husband about what an idiot I was, I got back to work and I kept on working until I was happy with it. Then I stopped hating myself, took a deep breath, and laughed at myself for panicking-like a big idiot. ;)
So keep working through those "I can't do this" moments. Because if you do, then you can. :)
To find the rest of the IWSG posts click here.
Revisions are hard. I absolutely hated revising the first time around, and I would get frustrated often. Now, I find that I actually enjoy adding in those little details that help give my novel the boost it needs.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with revisions. I'm not apart of the IWSG, but I enjoy reading everyone's posts.
Thanks! I usually enjoy doing revisions, too, but this time I was worried I wasn't quite getting it *right.*
DeleteGood for you for sticking with it! Anything is possible if we just believe it! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Kyra!
DeleteOh revisions. I used to love them, until I did so many I wanted to kill my characters, lol.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, we do all have those days when we just think, 'why the heck?' At least we have the other days to balance them out. :)
That's true! Those (perhaps equally crazy) days when we think we're kinda' awesome. ;)
DeleteI must be the weird one here because I'm liking revisions at the mo. Mainly because this first draft was so terrible I'm glad to start polishing it up a little.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on sticking to revisions! It's hard but we always have to keep believing in ourselves. It's the key to keep going. :)
Thanks! And seriously, joining the IWSG is one of the things that has helped me keep believing I can do this.
DeleteGood on you to keep going, Rachel. Revisions can be frustrating, but if you're lucky, there comes a moment when you get it right. And that makes all the effort worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteThat's true, thanks!
DeleteRevisions are hard. I had a very tough time getting through mine and I did think on more than one occasion that I just wouldn't get through them. I'm pleased to say that I can now see the end of the revising tunnel.
ReplyDeleteIf you do, then you can. Very true words!
Thanks! And that's great that you can see that light at the end of the tunnel! :)
DeleteGlad you're back on track! Did your husband offer suggestions or just wisely listen in silence?
ReplyDeleteWell, he did point out that it certainly wasn't the first time I'd freaked out for no reason. :)
DeleteSo glad it all worked out in the end. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but then you get past mid-way and you see light at the end of the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annalisa. :)
DeleteYes, this is excellent advice, but sometimes very hard. Good for you for sticking with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rena! :)
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ReplyDeleteI love the IWSG because it's so good to hear other writers voice the stuff that you've been feeling! Glad you got it sorted out and thanks for the inspiring post :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks LindaK! I agree, it's so nice to hear others go through the same craziness! :)
DeleteI know those moments! On good days I try writing something else instead. On less good days, I give up entirely and go dig the allotment or bake a cake.
ReplyDeleteI like the bake a cake idea! Thanks!
DeleteRevisions ARE hard - but I love your attitude!
ReplyDeleteThanks Daisy! :)
DeleteGreat advice. I had a few 'I can't' moments over the course of the last year. I'm glad I didn't give up though I felt like it.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I'm not alone. :) Thanks Susan!
DeleteAmen, Sister Rachel, amen :)
ReplyDeletePS... thanks for stopping by and commenting :)
Right back at ya' Mark. :)
DeleteWay to push through it girl. It's SO hard to revise. Somedays we just can't do anything right. Then the next day we read the same thing we read the day before and we're like... hmmm, why did I think this wasn't good?
ReplyDeleteThat's what we're all here for though. To remind you, you ARE good and you can do this.
And it sounds like your husband is great at doing that too :)
Thanks Kelley. :) That's so true. I guess it's always a good idea to sleep on things.
DeleteGlad you stopped hating yourself and are happy with the revision! Good reminder.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
Thanks! :)
Deleteglad i'm not the only one who rants to my husband about writing (and other stuff).
ReplyDeleteHey, that's what they're there for, right? ;)
DeleteYes, I think we should cross of the sentence from our mind and change it, like the little engine - I know I can.
ReplyDeleteSounds good! :)
DeleteAnd then there are those times you wonder if your family is thinking your should quit. My dh gave my a funny look when - after spending a year writing a 105k book & 110k sequel - I told him I was writing a third (unrelated/stand-alone) that I planned to debut with. Problem is, my writing has improved so much I want to start with the third to buy myself time to revise the first two. LOL So my family thinks I'm crazy - so what. ha! :D
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. It is amazing how much we learn as we go along.
DeleteSometimes I think people think I'm crazy, too. Oh well! :)