Today I want to talk to you about a confusion that
takes place inside my mind. All started along with the editing I am currently
doing for my first book DAZED. Until the fourth draft (which I am finishing
now) everything was clear and I was confident and happy. Some time I decided to
do two more drafts, as soon as I finish this one, but while I am getting
closer, I am having second thoughts.
So, I’m thinking…what if my fourth draft is the one I
should publish? What if the changes I have in mind just doesn’t work? What if
in my attempt to make my manuscript better, I end up ruining it? I know it
is common to feel that your novel isn’t ready yet and you want to polish it as
much as you can, but…is it possible while you polish, you scratch the wood too?
I know that I want to do another draft, but honestly I am a little scared.
I feel too confused, but then I try to look it from a
different angle and find a positive sight. Through the editing process I learn
my weaknesses and I can improve my writing, which is a good thing. My question though
remains. What if the changes I am planning, do more harm than good? It’s like
when you are writing exams and you are trying to answer a multiple choice
question. They say that the first thing in your mind is the knowledge. What if
my knowledge lies between my early drafts?
Waiting for your thoughts. So, please share with me. Thanks.
'It's the classic artist's dilemma' someone said on my blog when I asked such question. And like Robyn advised, maybe you should stop editing if you feel like you're cutting the good stuff. And it's always good to have another pair of eyes look at your work before you publish. Wishing you the best with DAZED. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish you luck with your book too. It is indeed a dilemma. I just hope to make the right choice.
DeleteMake sure you keep a copy of your current draft while you work through the next one (or two). There's no rule that says you can't have two different versions of the manuscript to compare against each other before deciding which one you like better.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do that but I always prefer the last one. I am on draft 6 now and I know that I'll have more. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by. :)