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I think Jaunty might have a crush on me. He’s always popping in on my day. Hmmmm….
So I’m nearing the end of my current rough draft and with everyone, I’m always convinced that it’s the worst book ever. And I usually have a conversation with a friend that goes something like this:
ME- “This book sucks.”
HER- “You always say that.”
ME- “Yes, I realize that, but I’m serious. This book is terrible.”
HER- “But you always feel this way about your writing at this stage and then you fix it.”
ME- “I don’t think you believe me when I say that this book is beyond the worst.”
Lucky for me, she’s out of town right now so I don’t have to have the same conversation with her since she clearly never believes me. And it appears I’ve made an error in the past. Because while the other books might have felt like they were the worst books ever, but in fact, that honor goes to the one I’m working on right now. I had such high hopes for this book, but I think I might have forgotten how to write.
It’s embarrassing. Because then all of you, my friends, fellow writers, and readers will know what a total hack I am. I’m still holding out hope that I might be able to pull the mess together at some point. But right now, that’s looking doubtful. I can’t even tell y’all the worst of it – it’s humiliating. Suffice it to say, the book needs a lot of work. And I know this before I’m even done. I have 4 chapters left and I’m hoping to finish it this week. We’ll see how I manage that goal.
The good thing about me….no matter how much I complain, I never give up. So I’ll keep working on this piece of literary junk and hopefully shape it into something that resembles a book before it has to go to my editor.
Filed in: Writers and Writing
Oct 11th
2006
7:40 am
AndreaW Said:
Oh Robyn, don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure it’s just fine. You’re a very talented writer and I can’t wait to read it. I will keep you and Willow in my prayers.
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Oct 11th
2006
7:43 am
Margo Maguire Said:
LOL, Robyn – I was just saying the same thing to myself the other day!
Maybe we ought to start a club.
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Oct 11th
2006
9:16 am
Rainy Said:
I also get that uninvited, critical voice that pops us and tries to temm that what business do I have writing since I have no talent and I’ve used up all myu ideas anyway. Since writing is a solitary business, it’s easy to spend too much time listening to that voice.
Sounds like you have a good defense system in place–a good friend’s advice and persistance.
Besides, you are working on a “rough” draft, not a perfect one!
Good luck!
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Oct 11th
2006
9:25 am
Jenna Petersen Said:
Seriously, sweetie, you’re singing a song we alllll know. I’m sure it’s not as bad as it feels right now. I always think everything I write is pure crap. And then I give it a break and read it over later and realize it’s not that bad after all. Hang in there!!!
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Oct 11th
2006
9:48 am
Brenda Oig Said:
I laughed out loud when I read this. I could have written it! I think every one of us go through this period of what I think is panic. I can’t write! Then, like you said, we keep writing and we realize we can after all.
I completed my manuscript a month ago and completly panicked. It was crap I tell you. Then I started reading it and my CTs started reading it and they loved it and then I loved it again. What a relief. It’s such a dangerous business, this writing gig.
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Oct 11th
2006
10:10 am
Jaunty P. Quills Said:
I doooo have a crush on you, Robyn! I can’t wait to read DELICIOUSLY WICKED PORCUPINE.
Psst! Don’t send me back to the woods!
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Oct 11th
2006
10:14 am
Shana Said:
Just keep writing, Robyn. You know what Nora Roberts says about fixing anything but a blank page. FWIW, my new proposal is crap! I’ve managed to write 50 pages with no sexual tension. At least you have sexual tension!
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Oct 11th
2006
12:42 pm
Robyn DeHart Said:
Margo, yes, let’s start a club. Sucky Writers R Us?
Jaunty, I knew you were sweet on me. Beware of The Professor.
Shane, I can beat you – I have an entire rough draft with no sexual tension.
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Oct 11th
2006
1:57 pm
Shirley Karr Said:
Robyn, Robyn, Robyn… you poor thing. I have no idea what it’s like to feel that what I’m writing is total crap, or lacking sexual tension, or hear a critical voice shouting doubts about my skills, talent, and ability, or lack thereof.
Okay, I’m lying through my teeth. I’ve heard that bit about hating your book but I never really understood how writers could feel that way until it happened to me while writing Confessions of A Viscount (out in seven weeks!). What possessed me to include an intrigue element?!? But my crit partners talked me off the ledge in time for me to finish the $%#* book and make my deadline. Last week the first review came in, from romancereaderatheart.com, and they rated it a Top Pick.
So… tell the voices in your head to shut up unless they’re going to be helpful, because you *do* have talent, you *can* write, and everything is going be brilliant in the end.
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Oct 11th
2006
3:22 pm
Haven Rich Said:
You know being the owner of a growing guest author site, I must say, I hear this alot. I think very few of the authors think they’ve wrote the best book in the world.
I do think it’s because of this “Oh I wrote crap” feeling that the books often come out better than ever. So with that in mind, I’m really excited about this next book. Yayyy!!!
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Oct 11th
2006
5:34 pm
Anne Mallory Said:
Hugs, Robyn! You already know what I think. Hang in there girl. Get that draft done just like you plan!
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Oct 11th
2006
8:35 pm
Isabel Said:
The good thing about me….no matter how much I complain, I never give up. So I’ll keep working on this piece of literary junk and hopefully shape it into something that resembles a book before it has to go to my editor.
That’s right, Robyn, you’ve said the most important things: never give up and keep working on that book to whip it into shape. I’ve read all your books and I’m confident you’ll pull through and this book will be what you want it to be. Thanks for blogging about this topic because while working on my own book I feel like I’ll never see the end, but knowing I’m not alone makes me feel better.
((hugs))
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Oct 12th
2006
11:12 pm
Kathrynn Dennis Said:
I just stopped by to check out this blog, and think I’ll a regular!
I’m a new writer, and boy, I am struggling with the final edits on the first book, and the last 40 pages of the second. All I keep thinking is this is DREK!
I take comfort that talented writers like the group of you seem to struggle with this. Thanks for the post. It somehow helps.
Kathrynn Dennis
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Oct 16th
2006
4:50 pm
Kellie-McKensie DeGowske(k9luv) Said:
I read your post outloud to my husband, who is not a reader or a writer,he said that he thought I was reading something I wrote.
We all feel like we’ve lost it — that is, provided we ever felt like we had it at some point back there.
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