Calling myself a writer these days is a stretch since it’s been a very long while since I’ve actually written anything besides a blog post. Of course I’ve had a very good reason, with my recent cancer diagnosis and subsequent poor mental and physical health as a result, but still, I need to get back in the saddle so to speak.
Because my energy has been at an almost imperceptible level, I’ve tried to spend my time reading short chapters and articles rather then getting engrossed in a novel. Yes, I haven’t even had the energy or desire to read, that’s how bad off I’ve been.
But, treatment is going well and I’ve to the worst behind me. So, I’m trying to get back into not only reading, but writing. It’s been hard.
Writers are our own worst critics, especially those of us who strive for perfection. I once read an “inspirational” quote that I tried to apply to my life: If you reach perfection, aim higher. Well folks, that can be paralyzing. In fact, it’s counter-intuitive if you want to publish a book. At some point, that book is going to have to be good enough. I understand that the quote is encouraging us to try to improve and be better every day, but when it comes to a manuscript, throw that advice out the window.
I’ve had a hard time wrapping my brain around that concept though. Good enough. What is good enough? That means I’m settling right? I’m not trying hard enough? WRONG. I’ve been putting my best foot forward with my writing since the day I typed my first sentence. I attend workshops, read books on craft, watch videos from “experts,” all necessary things to improve my craft. By doing these things I’m trying harder, I’m aiming higher.
Recently I read an article written by Roseanne Bane entitled: “Good enough, may be the best thing for your writing.” Say what? That article started with this quote: “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good; and many a good book has remained unwritten . . . because there floated before the mind’s eye the ideal of a better or a best.” – R.C. Trench, 1861. I read that sentence a dozen times before it dawned on me. That’s me. I’m preventing my own publishing journey because I’m holding out for something better.
The article went on to say, “If you refuse to accept good enough, you can’t move on.” That’s right, I’m becoming paralyzed by my goal to reach perfection. I have to allow myself to be more vulnerable, to take more risks and just let my above-average writing speak for myself. After all, not everyone is going to like my book even if it is perfect. I need to remember that I’m not writing for everyone, I’m writing for those people who believe my work is perfection. For every person who doesn’t like what I write, there’ll be at least one person who does.
Shortly after I read the above article I read this passage in a book called “The Irresistible Novel,” by Jeff Gerke, which I highly recommend by the way: “It is inevitable that you will encounter people who will say you’ll never get published if you do (or don’t do) X, Y, and Z . . . I hope you understand that these people are merely giving their preferences, their opinions, and their own person brand of paralysis. ” That really resonated with me because I do hear so many differing opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do as a writer. Also, I hear all the things you absolutely should not do and then I read book after book where those “taboo” things occur repeatedly. Say what? It’s confusing. How did they get published if you absolutely should not do those things? Why can they do it, but I can’t?
Mr. Gerke went on to say: “If you keep letting the “experts” cause you to doubt yourself, you’ll end up in misery.” Exactly! He wrote that “. . . at some point you have to stop being so flexible and just decide how you want to write the thing.” It is my book after all. I like that Mr. Gerke.
I know my manuscripts are better than a lot of books out there on the market, and there are millions. I’ve read several books lately that really should not have been published without another good proofreading or round of edits. I’ve read books with weak plots, boring characters, confusing dialogue. I know my books are better than that.
So, bottom line. I’m going to take a look at my manuscripts with a different perspective. Sure, I have to edit out the bad grammar and typos, but as far as the story goes . . . I’m going to believe it’s “good enough.” I’ve read them umpteen times. Beta readers have read them. Critique groups have read them. I’ve even had editors read them. It’s time to let actual readers read them.
It’s time to take Mr. Gerke’s advice – I have to stop being so flexible and just decide how I want to write the thing. Bam. Done.
Look for something from me later this year. There, I’ve said it. Now, I have to do it. Right? You’ll all hold me accountable?
So, tell me readers, are you perfectionists? How do you know when your craft is “good enough?” What advice resonated with you for anything that created a change for the better?
Word of the day: uglification
Fun fact about me: I didn’t read a single Christmas novel this past year. (I barely read anything for the past 3 months of the year.)
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, January 2018. Photos courtesy Google Images.
Beautiful piece with a lot of very important truth, Patricia. Glad you’re seeing this.
Some years ago a female friend and I started a novel writers’ group, and at about that time she got a book published that made her pretty well known among indie authors. As her prominence grew, she decided she was the only one of us who knew how to write. She took over the group and began to tear down everything any of us wrote. She finally convinced me that I couldn’t write and should just give it up.
Fortunately, Jill Wagner, a member of the group who has since far outdone the other lady, took me aside one day and said a lot of the same things to me that you’ve said here. She gave me a few positive tips and told me to get back to writing and publish my own books on Create Space and Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I haven’t won any literary prizes, but I do have 10 books on the market.
Follow your own advice. Write “good enough” and finish it. Then publish it yourself. Traditional publishers no longer help promote writers except for the established bestsellers, so why give them most of your profits.
By the way, if I haven’t told you before, I truly admire your handling of your health issues. I don’t know how you have the energy to do the work involved in running your B&B even in good health. I can’t imagine doing it while fighting cancer and dealing with the side effects of the treatment.
God bless you, Patricia.
LikeLike
Thanks David. I think I’ve always known this advice I just haven’t been ready to hear it. Sometimes things hit you and bounce right off and other times they pierce the skin and penetrate deep. This time, I got the message.
Thanks for the kind words. Keeping my spirits up has been the hardest part. I’m really getting tired of the blood draws, the IV’s, the pills, the bloody bandages (at times), the nausea, the inability to sleep, etc. I know all of this will pass, but I’ve got 12 more weeks yet, which seems like an eternity. All the support from friends really helps.
Take care. I’ll see you around.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your “good enough” may be someone else’s perfection!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so. I’m not expecting to hit a home run right off the bench, but I at least want to around the bases. I’ll never know if I don’t step up to the plate.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Patricia
LikeLike
Patricia, you’ve hit on some important thoughts here. The perfect IS the enemy of the good, and perfect books aren’t published: FINISHED ones are! I’ve published six novels, two novellas, and a short story, and I’ve found that to be absolutely true.
I always strive for a flawless book but errors do happen, despite editors, betas, proofreaders, and reading one’s own work until you’re absolutely sick of seeing it. And not just typos…there are other less-than-perfect elements, especially in those first couple of books (and maybe more, sigh). BUT we continue to grow and evolve in our writing. I would write a very different first book today than what is currently up for sale, but my readers still enjoy the first one, so yay! It’s important to own where you are, where you have been, and where you want to be.
Best of luck with your first book! So excited for you!
By the way, when you are up for reading fiction again let me know, and I’ll send you whatever Concordia novel you want. Hugs. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
“. . . perfect books aren’t published: FINISHED ones are!” Yup. The only way to get published is to publish. I’m standing on the ledge. All I have to do is jump. I’m getting ready.
Thanks for your encouragement. I’m close.
Patricia
LikeLike
Darn it, I wrote a long comment, and WordPress ate it…
Anyway, what I said was, to run a business while fighting cancer is an incredible feat in itself. That kind of fatigue is mental as well as physical, so stop beating up on yourself for not writing.
I think all writers fall into the perfectionist trap. I know I have. But all we can do is write the best story we can at this time. Hang in there and do what you can, and know that we’re all rooting for you! And I am looking forward to reading that book… whenever it comes out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jennette. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’m running toward it. Well, running as fast as my health will allow at this time, but I am getting closer. I hope perhaps by summer I can get a cover and blurbs and such. I’m mostly ready to do it.
I appreciate the kind words and support. Health issues are always hindrances that require attention. So, I’m taking care of myself first, but the book is definitely high on the list of priorities.
Thanks for visiting.
Patricia
LikeLike
The most important thing is being well and strong… mentally and physically. Writing is an art that needs a clear mind and time to create. Stay well and one day, someday, David and I will be there for cake, or maybe take you for dessert. Peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right about art, Clay. Without the right physical and mental clarity, art will not develop properly. I’ve given myself permission to take some time off, but I know it’s time to take these manuscripts to the next level. Publishing.
I look forward to having cake with you, David and anyone else who wants to join us. I think some celebratory cake is in order.
As always, thanks for your support. I appreciate knowing folks are looking out for me.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES!! All of what you said is absolute truth. I’m a perfectionist, too. But I decided that, while I continually write and learn the craft, that my goal would to make each book better than the last. At least to my own perspective. You’ll never, ever, EVER make every reader happy and readers who want to find something “wrong” with your writing will. So go for it and don’t look back!! When should we expect this book of yours to be available? After all, we need to keep you accountable, right? 🙂 And I’m so in awe of you, handling everything that has hit you and still blogging and working and getting back into writing. I’m glad the toughest stuff is over! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks Coleen. I sometimes need a brick to the head to “get” it but for some reason I’m ready to accept that I’m closer to publication than I think. I’m hoping to get something out by summer, depending on how this new round of chemo goes. I had my first treatment today and I’ve got 11 more weeks to go. If the rumors are true and I’m not plagued with awful side effects, like the last 4 rounds, I should at least be able to spend some time with my manuscripts again. I’m definitely feeling better, but that might not last. Keep fingers crossed for me.
Thanks for stopping by and offering kind words. They mean a lot.
Patricia
LikeLike
Great job!!!!! Where did the name “Jansen Schmit” come from? I like it! I also like that good is good enough! You are different from the rest. You have a passion! Persue it!! Excited to hear what happens! Good luck!
Janay
LikeLike
Hi Janay. Good to see your smiling face over here at the Edge of Eternity. I love knowing the people are supporting me.
Jansen Schmidt is a combination of names from my female ancestors. It’s sort of a tribute to the women I really never knew but admired from the stories I heard about them. I was never close to either of my grandmothers so this is a way to honor them. And, it’s part of my mother’s name as well.
Stay tuned for updates about the book release. I’m not promising anything at this time since I’m still doing chemo treatments and my health often limits my energy, but I’m definitely going to get something out there this year.
Take care. Keep smiling. Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
LikeLike
This is a lot to battle for one human. And you made some great points about banishing the perfection villain. So easy to get stalled by those thoughts. Wishing you good health and spirits–and hope you will be happily writing as soon as your ready! xo
LikeLike
Thanks Coleen. It’s been a rough few months and I’ve got at least 3 more to go, but it’s getting better. I’m really trying to focus more on my writing in the hope that it’ll get me up off the couch (or out of bed) more and on to something a little more productive. I know I have to take care of myself, but laying around gets boring and the depression monster tends to creep in.
I appreciate your kind words and positive vibes. I know the book’ll get out there at the right time.
Have a great week.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person