Editing Encouragement
Hey y'all. I'm here with a brief note of encouragement today. As many of you know, I'm in the middle of edits for The Dawn of a Hero. I often get discouraged with the amount of work ahead of me. After a read-through, I found so many things that needed fixing, lots of scenes that I needed to write, and character motivations that needed ironing. And then I got to thinking about the subsequent edits that come after critiques. I would have to face this amount of work again. Talk about discouraging.
But then the other day I went back through a chapter I'd already edited, just so I could put a few finishing touches on it before I submitted it to the Order of the Pen for critiques. I walked away feeling encouraged because it wasn't terrible. It didn't feel like it needed a lot of work. Sure, my group will probably find things that will make it even better. But those edits are minor in comparison to what I already poured into that chapter. I felt better walking away from that editing session.
I know I'm not the only one who struggles with discouragement while writing. But we don't have to stay discouraged forever. Know that hard work always makes progress. How much progress you make is immaterial. Just know that you're getting better at your craft with every second you put into it.
Basically, I'm telling you to not give up. Pour in as much work as you can now and I promise it'll get easier over time. Your future drafts will come easier if you do your best now. It might take longer and feel harder now, but you'll thank yourself later. Be patient. Change anything that doesn't work. Learn all you can. Do your best and never give up.
What note of encouragement would you give to someone facing the same writing struggles as you? Feel free to drop them below. You never know who might need a boost today!
But then the other day I went back through a chapter I'd already edited, just so I could put a few finishing touches on it before I submitted it to the Order of the Pen for critiques. I walked away feeling encouraged because it wasn't terrible. It didn't feel like it needed a lot of work. Sure, my group will probably find things that will make it even better. But those edits are minor in comparison to what I already poured into that chapter. I felt better walking away from that editing session.
I know I'm not the only one who struggles with discouragement while writing. But we don't have to stay discouraged forever. Know that hard work always makes progress. How much progress you make is immaterial. Just know that you're getting better at your craft with every second you put into it.
Basically, I'm telling you to not give up. Pour in as much work as you can now and I promise it'll get easier over time. Your future drafts will come easier if you do your best now. It might take longer and feel harder now, but you'll thank yourself later. Be patient. Change anything that doesn't work. Learn all you can. Do your best and never give up.
What note of encouragement would you give to someone facing the same writing struggles as you? Feel free to drop them below. You never know who might need a boost today!
What note of encouragement would you give to someone facing the same writing struggles as you?
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd tell them to keep pressing onwards. Writing, like anything else, isn't always easy, but it's so worth it in the end. The feeling of accomplishment and pride when you type that very last word of the first draft, second, or even third draft is amazing. It wouldn't be so amazing if you didn't have to work for it. Press on, just keep writing. <3 <3 <3
This was such a good post, and so encouraging, Sarah! Good luck on editing, that can be so challenging. :)
Wonderful advice, Gray!
DeleteI would say the same as Gray, though not as fancy, perhaps. More like...
ReplyDelete*pats back*
"Keep going, it'll be finished eventually, but don't give up!"
Hey, it's still helpful advice! And rather adorable, I might add.
Delete