by Judy Ann Davis
There are only two options:
Make progress or make excuses.
—Anonymous
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the projects you’ve planned for yourself?
The
process has turned out to be more hours and days—and more intensive work—than anticipated.
Covers have to be created with the help of an artist. The stories need to be lightly
edited again for grammar, and then proofread with back information and links
updated. Headings, margins, page numbers, and chapters, all have to be replicated
in the same font and format. Lastly,
everything will need to be uploaded.
The funny thing about a labor intensive project is the yearning to step away and find some calmness and rest. But then, I sit in the sunshine and ponder about parts of the inside text that need more tweaking—and have the urge to get up and make the changes before I forget.
There’s a phrase by Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880), French author of Madame Bovary: "I am irritated by my own writing. I am like a violinist whose ear is true, but whose fingers refuse to reproduce precisely the sound he hears within."
I’ve come to the conclusion, if a prolific writer over 160 years ago felt he was stumbling through the writing process, I have to just hang in, taking the process one step at a time.
But honestly, I feel like I’m climbing stairs instead of taking the journey on flat ground.
Have you confronted a project which seemed overwhelming? Hints and suggestions are welcome.
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Any time I'm writing a series, I find it stressful. I'm much happier with a one-off. It took me a few series to understand that, but there you go. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many people think that to write a book you just have to sit down and whip it right out. Nice blog post.
ReplyDeleteI love writing series, and recently updated covers for two series and a couple of singles. I don't know that sales were increased that much, but I feel much better about the books. As Bea said, too many people think writers simply sit down and whip out a book with little effort. I've even had several people tell me they had a great idea they'd give me and I could write the book and we'd split the royalties. Un, no. The idea is the easiest part.
ReplyDeleteI know this doesn't help, but glad I am not the only one. I have over 20 covers with books on the brain, and then this sewing/ embroidery business- with a very expensive machine that fills half my garage just sitting there and hasn't been turned on since Christmas- and then there is the hectic day job. I honestly think I am not happy unless I am overwhelmed.
ReplyDelete