Presently...at this moment...right now...

[Lyxdeslic]

How do you feel about your writing?

Whether your id/ego is on cloud nine 'cause you've written something recently that you're certain is going to make you millions...or you think you should burn all your work and flush it down the toilet.

We all, as writers, travel through and over many peaks and valleys with how we feel about our prose.

I, myself, have started my third round of edits on my manuscript and am going through a rough-patch, if you will. What was once, to me, a masterpiece that was sure to set the world on fire, is now, to me, nothing more than purple flowery dribble that was surely composed by a simple-minded fool.

Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll think it's genius once more. Peaks and valleys, ladies and gents. But, I'm proud to be a part of this crazy club. :)

So, how 'bout it...currently, are you the greatest writer to emerge since the works of Plath, Ernest, or Salinger? Or, should your writing be put down on the carpet for the puppies?

Vent away.

Lex

[kristie911]

I hate writing. 'Nuff said.

[Kay_XX]

I'm only on the first drafts stage so I'm thinking it's allowed to be bad. And trying very hard not to think about ALL the things I need to fix in the second draft. And the third. But to get there, I need to write, ignoring the nagging voice telling me it's all crap.

[NeuroFizz]

To me, this is an intellectual challenge. It's also a business. That means each step is an accomplishment as well as a opportunity to improve. I try to stay focused on the immediacy of the work in those terms. I don't look for riches, although it would be fantastic. And if a work falls flat, I look for the whys to make it a learning experience. I'm proud of what I've done thus far with this kind of creativity, but that pride doesn't come with a huge ego load. This business is too subjective to let me take myself too seriously. Don't get me wrong, I do take the work seriously. And I get frustrated and impatient just like everyone else. But it doesn't paralyze me because this is just one part of my life. It isn't everything, or even close. Sorry if I'm the strange one in the group, or if this sounds like I'm a half-hearted writer. I love to write fiction and poetry, but that's only a part of who I am as a person, and I have much to love in the other aspects of my life.

I do understand the feeling of putting something so personal and creative in front of others for their critique and approval. Nothing is more nerve wracking than having a completed work subjected to a professional review. It's kind of like standing on a busy street corner, removing all clothes and yelling at the top of the lungs, "Look at me. What do you think?"

[scarletpeaches]

I don't think it's genius, but at the moment I think what I write is much improved in recent years and bordering on 'just might be accepted'.

So that's good, isn't it? :)

[Elektra]

I'm at the last stage of querying, and pretty much just hate everything I've ever writte right about now. Even the thought of writing more makes me lose my appetite (literally).

[maestrowork]

My writing has improved over the years, and I'm glad. Other than that, I can't really objectively judge if my writing is bad, good, or great. It's up to my readers to make that decision. But I'm just bursting with ideas now so creatively I'm doing really well. It's the motivation part that is killing me -- I don't know why.

I used to think that way, L, that what I did must prove that I was brilliant, a great writer, a genius... Oprah was going to call and someone was going to say "He's the next Hemingway -- give him a Pulitzer already." And that was the purpose of my writing, to have people admire me and say, "Wow, he's a great writer." Not that there's anything wrong with validation, and I still would love it if someone says I'm a good writer. But something has changed. I just want to write a good story. And my style and prose reflect that. And in some ways, that sets me free...

[san_remo_ave]

I'm in the first draft, so generally I'm pleased when I get the time to write but grumpy because I'm not writing every day (work and school get in the way, dagnabit). I know there's TONS to be fixed, but that's ok because I'm saving that for round two.

[Azure Skye]

I'm improving with each edit in that I'm beginning to recognize when something works or not. Good/bad is pretty subjective and I'm way too close to my own work to judge that.

[NicoleMD]

I used to think that way, L, that what I did must prove that I was brilliant, a great writer, a genius... Oprah was going to call and someone was going to say "He's the next Hemingway -- give him a Pulitzer already."

Ha! Whenever I talk to my dad about my progress of my novel, he says I need to hurry up and finish so my mother can get tickets to the Oprah show when I'm on it. Apperantly that's the easiest way to get tickets or something? Dear me.

:Shrug:

I'm constantly going between feelings of genius and drivel, so I figure I just must be somewhere in between.

Nicole

[Devil Ledbetter]

One of my characters disses Oprah, so I think it's safe to say my WIP will never make her book club list.

I vaccillate between thinking my WIP is a great love story, to thinking it's 62,000 words of self-indulgent drivel.

[Kristin Landon]

I've always done the same up and down, hating my work with special viciousness during the last stages of every draft. I've learned to expect it and to put my work aside for a week or so (if I can) so I can regain some objectivity. It's never as awful as I thought it was.

I went through that with the book that sold, and I've heard writers who've published many novels say the same thing. It's not a sign of bad writing; it's a sign of caring a lot.

[Shady Lane]

I'm feeling groovy right now...just sludging through my 3rd draft. But I like the book, though I'm doubtful if there's any hope for it. My betas have all liked it....gahhh.

[ClaudiaGray]

I'm between books one and two of my series, and taking a couple of weeks not to write a blessed thing.

[Will Lavender]

I, myself, have started my third round of edits on my manuscript and am going through a rough-patch, if you will. What was once, to me, a masterpiece that was sure to set the world on fire, is now, to me, nothing more than purple flowery dribble that was surely composed by a simple-minded fool.

Hang in there, Lyxdeslic.

How we see our writing, I'm convinced, has to do with our own mood. Sometimes I can look at my novel and see crap. Sometimes I can see a glimpse of hope.

Depends on what vantage you're staring from.

[herdon]

I never think of a work as a potential bestseller. I suppose I just realize the randomness of such a thing and concepts like cumulative advantage which drive bestsellers (i.e. books that sell are books that sell).

I tend to think of them as either publishable (i.e. the writing and story is as good as some works I've read that were published) or unpublishable (i.e. something still inherently wrong with them).

Certainly, I understand the cycle from good to bad, I suppose I just have reasonable expectations to go alongside of it. As for the cycle, I'd say I'm closer to the top of it right now. I really like the book I am editing right now.

[infinitus_kaze]

I try my hardest not to criticize my work; instead, I let others do that. I start at the beginning and write clear to the end without looking back, unless I need to check something that I may have forgotten to put down in my notes. When I'm finished with the manuscript I go back to the beginning and read it as if I'm just a normal reader and not the author. I make the spelling and grammar corrections as well as changing anything I read that didn't seem to spark my fancy as a reader or didn't make sense. Once I've edited it the first time, I get someone else to read it to critique and correct. After which, I start over editing one last time.

I never think about the future of a book or my writing career when I write. I just try to make it something that I enjoy reading and hope that others will enjoy it as well. This is the only way I can continue to write without letting stress affect me. With my weak immune system stress hits me really hard and makes me sick easily, so I do everything I can in life to keep stress to a minimum.

[sunna]

What was once, to me, a masterpiece that was sure to set the world on fire, is now, to me, nothing more than purple flowery dribble that was surely composed by a simple-minded fool.

I am right there with you. I was fine last night, and as of this morning I can't even enjoy re-reading it - it looks like it was written by a six-year-old. (I never thought it was a masterpiece, but I thought it was potentially publishable and I was having fun.)
I've been told this is a stage; I sure hope so. I'm just going to read a few books & watch a few movies this week and see if I can get back into it.
Hang in there!

[imagegod]

I, myself, have started my third round of edits on my manuscript and am going through a rough-patch, if you will. What was once, to me, a masterpiece that was sure to set the world on fire, is now, to me, nothing more than purple flowery dribble that was surely composed by a simple-minded fool.Lex
Somewhere on the internet there's a fairly readable academic paper on the inability of people to assess their ability relative to the norm.
Generally speaking, it says we all see ourselves (or assess ourselves) as Lake Woebegonians: We see everything we do as being above the norm. Mostly because we ignore our own weaknesses and fail to passionately pursue our strengths.
Accepting this failure, fully accepting this weakness is the beginning of true strength.

[Jamesaritchie]

I try my best not to judge my work at all. Experience has taught me that I'll likely be wrong, whatever I think.

The only thing I can say for sure is that it's never purple.

[maestrowork]

Even purple... one person's purple is another's gold. Michael Chabon has been accused of being purple for ages. Many find his writing simply lush and lyrical. Some people said my writing was purple, but I just don't see it. Sorry. :)

[Button]

But I like purple.

The other day I was at a point that I thought everything I ever wrote should be burned and buried.

So I knuckled down and started editing. Now I've got better prose and uber headaches.

I've had moments where I wanted to commit career suicide and find another job. Bounty hunters don't get depressed about their work, do they?

If only I could resist a blank page.

Anyway, right now I feel better, and comfortable with my editing. I'm hoping to keep this pace to have something to sell.

[Zoombie]

I'm too happy to get depressed about my work. Hehehe...I'm high on life. Right now I'm working through a second draft, and it just seems to keep getting better every time, making me feel all warm and bubbly. Yay.

[blacbird]

Doesn't much matter what I think about it, which tends to vacillate wildly, depending on time of day, phase of moon, etc.

What matters is what other people, such as editors and agents, think of it, but I can't post that on a family-oriented forum like this one.

caw

[Alana Mortensen]

Lyx,

Currently, this paranormal novel can goeither way. I am kind of between stages of love and hate. At this time it's pretty balanced.

My musician inspired erotic romance, I love but am discouraged by the descriptions. I will take care of that on editing.

And my third novel, inspired by two actors I have crushes on, is right now, in the love category but it stalled b/c I lack linear progression for that storyline. It is still circulating and getting clear but still a jumbled mess. I am not quite sure if I will ever hate it.

My writing, in general, falls in both categories. If I love the work I always will but if I hate it, that may only be a swinging door to better my writing and can go either way.

Someone here said something about pursueing strengths. BALONEY! For me anyway. I see, accept and pursue my weaknesses. That has been my only accomplishment so far that I am proud of. It has helped me in every aspect of life too.

Alana

[gp101]

When I was younger, I wanted my writing to garner awards and praise. Now, I simply want my writing to entertain, and my writing has changed significantly as I have changed my outlook.

So.... currently, I say my writing is entertaining. Is it any good? Who knows... I'm too close to it to be any good at judging. But I am happy with the way I write. Not completely satisfied, but will any of us ever be?

[Countess Olenska]

I just finished my fourth novel. I do believe that each novel has been better than the one before it, so I guess I'm feeling pretty good about it at the moment.

[kdnxdr]

I love AW. You're all so wonderful. This is such a great place to come and hang out.

Thanks guys for just being "you".

This thread helped alot!

[rubarbb]

I am happy with what I have written. At one point you have to say, enough is enough and finish the job. Don't over-edit, know when to quit. I did 3 edits and felt that was it.

[Lyxdeslic]

I love AW. You're all so wonderful. This is such a great place to come and hang out.

Thanks guys for just being "you".

This thread helped alot!
I, too, love this board. There is much to be learned and this is a great place for doing just that.

It's good to see that many others go through stages of like/dislike toward their work. I suspect, those who said flat-out that they can't relate...could, once upon a time. Which is also encouraging, in and of itself. Perhaps, the longer you're in the game, the more professional stance you'll take toward your work (Yoda-esque, that syntax was). :)

I just wanna' say...I love you all, too.

Lyx-and I'm not even drunk. :)

[Lyxdeslic]

Update: Today, I'm feeling less frustrated with my manuscript. Still can't seem to fully recognize, however, that it might be better than I think. Nevertheless, thousands of words with "ly" and "ing" are being cut away. Perhaps it's the aforementioned that caused my less than satisfactory mood. On the first draft, I didn't even notice. On the second and now third pass-through, I'm wonderin' what the hell I was thinking when I wrote that damned first draft. :)

Oh well, at least I'm catchin' all of my blunders. That should be a good sign, I suppose.

[swvaughn]

I am freaking amazing.

Ha. Ha. Ha.

[Judg]

I never think I'm brilliant at writing. I occasionally believe I'm pretty good. Sometimes I suffer from Total Dreck Syndrome. Most of the time I believe that I will be able to whip my first draft (once it's finished) into something readable and maybe even publishable. That will have to do for the present.

[Layla Nahar]

I'm ok with my prose style, I'm ok with my Big Ideas. Its the stuff in between that kills me.

[Just Me 2021]

I vacillate from loving my work and hating it. I've learned to walk away when I'm in a "Hating it" mood.

[Sean D. Schaffer]

Today I feel mighty good about my writing.

Tomorrow, I probably will feel not quite as good about it.

The next day, I will probably feel like I could make it as another Stephen King.

The point is, my feelings change too much when it comes to writing. Anymore, I try not to base my writing decisions on my feelings, for the very reason they change too much and too often.

[Chasing the Horizon]

I'm pretty frustrated right now. I don't hate my writing, I'm just annoyed because each of my four WIPs has one element that isn't working.
WIP#1 -- Almost completed, but I've put it on hold because the beginning is weak and the plot is kind of boring. The characters are awesome, though.
WIP#2 -- Everything works for this one, great plot, great characters, writing and beginning are solid. Unfortunately, it's the SEQUEL to WIP#1, so I can't submit it even if I finish it first.
WIP#3 -- Fantastic plot, great first chapter. The characters just are not working at all, so I've had to put it on hold.
WIP#4 -- Great characters, fantastic opening. But I can't think of a plot to carry it beyond chapter three. Needless to say, I've had to stop writing until I can think of what should happen next.

Yeah, I'm a little annoyed. Obviously I can do all the elements well, but apparently not all at the same time.

[Zoombie]

I've never hated anything I've done. I've either been amused, apathetic or addicted. Amused at how bad it is, apathetic as in "I don't wanna write right now". and Addicted as in, "Ooooh boy, they're these little people and they're doing what I'm telling them to do...hehehehehe! I...AM...GOOOOOOOD! AHAHAhAhAHA! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA"

And then I disolve into an hour and half of manicial laughter.

[lfraser]

Hm. I recently went through an episode of It's a Festering Heap of Elephant Dung, followed by It's Only a First Draft, Stoopid. Now I'm just moving along at a slow but steady pace, and enjoying it a heck of a lot more now that I've taken the pressure off myself to be a genius. Or even to be any good at all.

[Lyxdeslic]

Hm. I recently went through an episode of It's a Festering Heap of Elephant Dung, followed by It's Only a First Draft, Stoopid. Now I'm just moving along at a slow but steady pace, and enjoying it a heck of a lot more now that I've taken the pressure off myself to be a genius. Or even to be any good at all.
Well put. You've described exactly what I'm going through/learning at this very moment. I'm so f'ing glad to know that these "stages" we go through are, in fact, normal.

Lyx

[ccarver30]

I feel pretty good but am afraid my novel is too cliche...

[Snitchcat]

I like my writing and the ideas I have. That is all. (^_^)

[southern_cross3]

I'm kind of in the slow lane, but on Saturday I got started on a short-story that I think is going to be kick ass, and did some more work on my WIP that I had been avoiding for over a month...

[Niapri]

Hmm...yesterday I was deleting almost every word I wrote, and wondering whether my muse traded places with a two year old.

Today I'm just a maybe-one-day-publishable writer who's stubborn as heck.

In the big picture - I've been writing for a while now, and I think I'm getting better with each thing I write, so I know I can do better. Still, that doesn't mean I can't be proud of the progress I've made - so I am.

The vast changes in my attitude towards my writing on a day-to-day basis don't bother me as much as they did a year or two ago - I've pretty much accepted that some days I'm going to think I'm an upublishable hack. I've managed to convince myself that doesn't necessarily mean I am one. :)

[Just Me]

At the moment, I'm kind of in limbo. Or maybe Purgatory. After having done pretty well in getting requests from my first round of queries, the second, so far, has been awful. Just form rejections interspersed with periods of nothing. Needless to say, that sort of thing can play with a person's confidence. :cry:

~JM.