I love first drafts. I can write down whatever I want and worry about making it look good later. Unfortunately, I am currently in the "later" stage. I've submitted a chapter for critique on Absolute Write, and, well, let's just say the praise has not been effusive. Now, I try to have a thick skin, though it can be tough at times. Over the last week, I've felt quite disappointed in my writing, almost to the point of considering giving up.
But I'm pushing through. I know this won't be easy, but I really want it. I've worked and reworked and reworked this chapter. I'm getting to the point that I'm not sure about the story anymore, but I feel like it would be a great accomplishment if I could just get this one chapter to the point that people actually like it. However, this is where writing gets difficult.
It's draining when you see negative critique after negative critique. It's draining when you get rejection after rejection. But when you really want something, you push through the difficulties. I have now accepted that my dream of becoming published probably won't happen this year, or even in the next few years. However, I will keep writing, keep improving, keep helping others improve their craft as well. One of these days, I will make it. It might just take time.
Learning to cope with the revision process has been an interesting experience, demoralizing at times, but interesting nonetheless. After all, that is the difference between the published and everyone else. Published authors have the drive and determination to push through the disappointment, the negative critiques, and the rejections. I'd like to think I have that determination.
What do you do when the writing gets difficult?
