finished novel woes

KarlaErikaCal · Oct 6, 2007

For me, I tend to be very self-critical of my work. I always have something bad to say about my finished novel. Whether it be, this part sucks, or even, you're a horrible writer, just give up. But I know that I just cannot do that, because writing is definitely what I love to do.

For me, I try to change my negative outlook to a positive one. Then I tell myself, "Karla, since when do you give up on things. This is your dream isn't it? You've worked your butt off writing this novel and now that you're done, you have nothing better to say than it sucks? Puh-lease. Even your past teachers noticed that you had a talent in short fiction writing. Don't let your perfectionism get int the way of your dream...." and so on. So basically, I just push myself more and more until I make light of my situation.

I was wondering if anyone else had this problem. Many people probably do and have their ways of getting over it. So if you've been there, done that, what are your tips on helping others? If youre stuck, post your predicament here and maybe we can help you.

I hope to see lots of posts on this topic :]

scarletpeaches · Oct 6, 2007

The only reason I get the collywobbles at finishing a book is, I think, "This is where the hard work starts. You have to sell it."

And I get scared that it might not be good enough.

KTC · Oct 6, 2007

I have a pile of finished novels on the floor of my closet. Some I have deleted from my computers and only have hard copy left. I usually get to the finish line and abandon them.

I just found myself recently with 3 finished novels. I'm going to try to keep the focus and do something with these three...but it's hard to keep Mr. Negative out of the picture. He's telling me to print them off, delete them and toss the manuscripts to the bottom of the closet.

But not this time.

Robyn · Oct 6, 2007

not so much that i have woes... but i find more ideas tend to crop up hehe

Sassee · Oct 6, 2007

I got done with mine and had an insane urge to keep writing about it. Then I tried the "let it sit" thing for a week and almost died of twitchiness. Yes, that is a word. Because I said so.

Azraelsbane · Oct 6, 2007

There will always be something you can improve on, but you have to get to a point where you call it quits, otherwise it will eat you alive. I have too many ideas and too much fear of the query.

I always have some new idea to write about before I send out anything to agents, and for years I've let that happen.

I just started querying for the first time (because my husband threatened to do it for me if I didn't, and that's even scarier, since every other sentence he writes starts with the word suddenly), and it's terrifying. Unfortunately, it's also mandatory if you want to get anywhere with you're writing.

But before you jump on the query train, I'd suggest posting a bit in SYW to get opinions. We're blind to most of our own mistakes, and that board has helped me a lot.

Siddow · Oct 6, 2007

I'm another one with a pile of finished manuscripts in the closet. Well, finished in completed draft form, partially edited, printed out and marked up with red pen and sitting on a shelf in three-ring binders.

I start editing (which is, for me, a whole different beast when going from short fiction to novels), and then think, "Nah, this is NOT my debut novel. This whole new idea, now that's SOMETHING!" So I go off and write that new idea.

Sigh. I'll grow up some day.

finished novel woes

KarlaErikaCal

YA romance writer in love with love

scarletpeaches

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Robyn

Sassee

Momma Wolf

Azraelsbane

Agony is defeat

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking