I’m just realizing that no matter which writing phase I’m in, I mumble to myself that I wish I was at another stage. Seriously, this is the pattern that is revealing itself:
- I begin writing my first draft (I wish I was editing, that is sooo much easier!)
- I start to revise (I wish I was already sending it the editor since my delete-hitting finger goes numb)
- I get all my corrections back from the editor (I wish I was blurb writing since I pop Motrin endlessly to keep the headache from seeing so much red at bay)
- I have to take a whole novel and sum it up in a few attention-getting sentences (I wish I was promoting already, can I just pay someone to do this?)
- Release, promotion, and attempting to get reviews (I wish I was writing again, that is sooo much easier!)
The sad thing is that this took me three books to figure out. Honestly, I kept thinking the next step was going to be so much better. Only now, I realize that every step has its challenges. I even keep hearing this in the back of my head, “Take a break from the series, this next idea is going to practically write itself!” I’m learning not to trust that voice, it’s an immature, impulsive voice with no long-term memory, bent on distracting me. If I listened to this voice nothing would get done.
So, I know now that every step of self-publishing is tedious. Even a passion can be tedious since any worthwhile art is not created without sweat and tears. I think this is why writers have to fight that rush to get the book out and off their minds.There is such freedom once you move on to the next release.
Do you agree? Is there a step that is pure enjoyment for you or do you find yourself praying to move on to the next phase only to
find you struggle with that one as well?
laurenwaters 
Totally!!! Even when brainstorming I wish I was writing! No satisfying phase. Think about it…when your sister or mom is reading your work chapter by chapter…you wish you had more for them to read rather than having to write it first…maybe that’s just me though.
Maybe it should be…the grass is always brown no matter what side?
That’s so funny! I almost chose a different pic of a sheep with its head through a fence with brown grass on either side! That is a much better title.
Haha! You guys are too funny. But I agree wholeheartedly! I’m drafting and I want to be editing. I’m sure when I am editing, I’ll want to be writing or publishing.
By the way, it’s great to hear from you 🙂 Hope the third book is coming along.
Hi Yesenia! The third is shaping together, but I see many revisions down the road. Now starts the fun— seeing how many times I can reread it without losing my mind 🙂
You so sound like you are writing my life’s history. The memoir’s of a writer are obviously one we can all relate to. You nailed it. Thanks for your thoughts. It helps me when I get down on myself and feel I’m hopeless at times. You’re so refreshing and easy to relate to. Thanks Lauren.
Thank you, Kathy! It’s so good to know that we all share the same struggles. This is why I love the support this blog brings to me. i would feel very isolated without it.
I truly enjoy writing the opening scene. It is always first and it’s my first look at the characters in action. It is always a surprise.
Oh, you’re so right, Dennis! I do love writing that first scene because it’s usually the one that inspired the idea to begin with, and the fantastic moment where the usual changes into the extraordinary.
I’ll also add that I do love designing covers as well 🙂
I’m afraid that I am not artistic enough to do my own cover. That is sad because I can see what I want it to look like.
Oh, I wish I could do my own covers! I also have an idea of what I want and I love working with a designer. I usually find all the images I want to use through Istock and Dreamtime and my cover artist finesses it all. Everything feels complete once you see that cover.
I find that during the first couple of times I go over my draft, it’s exciting to delve into the story again and deepen the plot and characters, but once it’s getting to the fifth time, it does get tedious. By the tenth time, it’s like… I don’t want to have to read through this story every again! haha. But it’s all worth it once you see it all published, isn’t it?
I get that voice that says to hurry up and get the book out, too. You’re right that it’s an immature voice that should be ignored.
Ugh, I haven’t reached that point with my draft yet but I know it’s coming…not. another. read.
The cool thing is, once it’s in print, you fall in love with the story all over again.
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I can’t wait to get my first novel out so I can move on and write my other stories.
I do like all stages of writing a story. So far my favorite is writing the first draft because it’s when I get to jot down my ideas quickly. Editing is challenging but still a lot of fun. It pushes you to become a better writer.
Great post!
Sadly, I think it’s just human nature. We’re never satisfied. 🙂
I think it’s important to find joy in the journey. Sometimes, when in the editing stage, I’ll work on another project to reignite that sort of interest. Then, I find I’m ready to come back and dig back into my main project.
You’re right. It’s always a good idea not to get bogged down by one phase and change up the phases a bit. I’ve heard many successful writers speak about having four different projects going at once to do that very thing. Hmmm…maybe I’ve been focusing too much and need a little break.