Thursday, March 15, 2012

My Favorite Part of Writing - and The Most Frustrating

I have been hard at work revising and editing what I hope is the last iteration of my work in progress. I admit, after a few hours each night, exhausted and "overcaffeinated," I almost feel like I have had enough and I am just a hair from looking at writing (or, rather, revising) as a chore.

But when I read what I revised and see how much better it is in terms of structure and depth, the frustrations sort of melt away. Thus, my least favorite and most frustrating part of writing is revisions (or, most specifically, the final revision).

Starting a new work used to be my least favorite - that first sentence became an obsession and had to be perfect.  Once it was "done," as if the dam had broken and it all came flowing.

And now, that first sentence of a new work is one of my favorite parts.  I love to agonize over it, looking for the right balance of words, creating the right first impression.  It's fun, exciting, challenging.  Just writing a whole new work is like opening up a new world.  Love it.

How about you?  What is your favorite part (or least favorite part) of writing?

31 comments:

  1. I am on my final revision/edit too! And you're right, its a little frustrating, but as I'm reading through it and have very little to change (because this is the 100th time I'm going through it :)) I do sit back and think, this isn't so bad :) haha

    But I can't wait to start a new one either :)

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    1. And sometimes that 100th revision is so hard, isn't it? Am I really improving it or just ruining it with all the changes is always on my mind.

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  2. I am still on my first edit, and this one is a chore (partly because I decided to change tense/perspective, so I am having to read for THAT, too). It is a bit like childbirth, though...we forget the pain and anguish and start thinking that another book might be nice to start about now.

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    1. For me the first revision/edit was almost like writing a whole new book! I hope you are faring better :-)

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  3. I'm with you on the editing part. I would say that it's my least favorite. I love the freedom of a new story and that it's the beginning of a new relationship with my story and the characters. Editing seems way huge to me. So, this next task in my editing will be interesting for me.

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  4. Oh! I almost forgot! I also tagged you in the Lucky 7 Meme Challenge!

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    1. Thank you Nicole!

      What I am afraid of most is that I look at the same work so long and so many times that I almost get "tired" of it and must put it aside to get perspective. But when I read it again, it just feel so close to my heart.

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  5. I enjoy all of it about the same. It's all part of the process of writing, and I love writing.

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    1. I agree about loving writing - if I did not, there is no way I would "suffer" through all the revisions and edits! :-)

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  6. I love writing and revising, which probably makes me some sort of total dork. LOL The revision process does get tedious at times, however. And frustration can pop its ugly head up into any part of the process. Alas, I focus on the positive and take breaks when I feel somehow stuck. Best of luck with your next step!

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    1. I think it is that it gets tedious and may seem to either be a chore or at times become almost a "bore." I am glad you enjoy it - I don't hate it as much as I like to complain about it - but the 100th time IS a chore :-)

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  7. I love getting a new idea to be excited about. I do like revising (former English teacher here) and of course drafting is fun. But discovering a new story idea is like magic.

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    1. I am sure the former English teacher part is very useful when editing :-)

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  8. I enjoy revising. It helps me procrastinate in getting any writing done. But, when I do write, I love how soothing it feels for my fingers to tap away and for my thoughts to just flow into my computer like I'm in a special place with a whole lot of people who feel the same way I do.

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    1. I do like that special place - nicely put!

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  9. I agree that revision is both frustrating and rewarding especially when a scene has to be rewritten.

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  10. I enjoy the writing process most. I do enjoy editing and hope to one day edit for a living, but editing my own work is one of my least favorite things to do.

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    1. Good point - I am more comfortable with editing the works of others as well.

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  11. Definitely the writing process itself. I love writing the first draft --it feeds my creativity monster. Revision, I view as a necessary evil. I'll do it --I'll do it six or seven times if I have to --but I won't like it. ;)

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  12. Revising is definitely my favorite. Just like you-- reading something you have made better is so rewarding!!

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    1. That is true - reading it once you are done and seeing the results - now that is rewarding!

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  13. My treat to myself is to read over parts that I love, that I know flow well before digging into the parts that needs work. HUGE help for me.

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    1. That's great - I just did that with a few chapters and it is very helpful! Thanks!

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  14. I don't like revision but it is so necessary.

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    1. And sometimes it feels like it is never ending :-)

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  15. I write but I can't call myself a "writer" as it refers to "real writing with a big sense". But as for my writings, I like the initial moment when thoughts are just pouring out my mind, I don't usually revise for it can get frustrating as you have mentioned. Most of the time, when I try to revise, I don't have the same feeling, the same moment, so I get less interested and sometimes sometimes change my mind so I just leave it unfinished or unpublished. I know that if I'd revise, it could sound better but more important for me is to write according to my momentary feelings :)

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  16. Making myself finish the book/project i am working on when the next one is driving me crazy wanting to be written :)

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  17. My favourite part is when I have flashes of inspiration that take my plot in a slightly different way to that which I originally envisaged! I also like trying to get the first sentence right - although I'm not always successful! Well done for finally getting to THE END.

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