Sunday 6 February 2011

That Pesky Second Draft

Woke up dis mornin', got the second draft blues.
Woke up dis mornin', got the second draft blues.
Looked at my MS, wasn't nothin' but bemused.
It's as much fun as a bruise.
I would rather have a snooze.
Etc etc etc etc etc.

Progress is being made, but it's sooooooooo slooooooooooow and I'm very impatient which is a terrible combination. I'm pleased with my first draft; it's not bad, as first drafts go, but of course it still needs a hell of a lot of work. It takes me such a long time to really get to know a character; to fully understand their motivations; to distinguish their voice from the voices of the other characters and from the voice of the book. My lovely mentor Debi always tells me that 'marinating time' is essential. I know she's right, but it doesn't make me any more patient.

I also know about 'bite by bite eats the elephant' and all that. But there's a part of me that thinks, for goodness' sake, all I need are the right words in the right order. It's not so simple, though, is it?

Why did I want to be a writer anyway? Could someone please remind me?

12 comments:

Jenny Beattie said...

You need to go back and read the last email you wrote to me!

(Big hugs - hope the pain passes soon.)

Alice Turing said...

Hearin' ya sister!

You'll get there, you know you will.

Karen said...

It'll all be worth it when it's 'perfect' but I know that impatient feeling. I don't want to leave it marinating for a month, I want it out there NOW!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

It does seem never-ending sometimes. I hope your enthusiasm comes racing back in no time.

Sherri said...

Ah, the big question - why do we do this? I'll be happy to let you know once I've remembered myself.

In the meantime, we just do. You'll get there xx

Kath McGurl said...

Keep at it, you'll get there!

Bluestocking Mum said...

Oh Queenie. I am so with you.

Keep going. You WILL get there. And in the meantime we're all here for you!

warm wishes
x

Bluestocking Mum said...

Oh Queenie. I am so with you.

Keep going. You WILL get there. And in the meantime we're all here for you!

warm wishes
x

Pat said...

I find ironing helpful. To think creatively I mean - and I have the burns to prove it.

Talli Roland said...

I HEAR YOU!

Second drafts are THE WORST! Good luck! Thinking of you!

HelenMWalters said...

I'd have to agree with Debi about 'marinating time' - there's no getting away from it. You've already made huge progress though. Well done.

Carol said...

You will get there! I know that sometimes it doesn't feel like it.... but you will! Hang on in there :-)

C x