I am doing more rewrites on Breathe this week, trying to make it as shiny as possible. I find this part of the writing process exciting but difficult. I feel challenged to build on what is already there, get rid of what is unnecessary and to improve on what I’ve done so far.
Writing is so much of a love/hate endeavor for me. I love what I do but sometimes it feels like pushing a rock uphill. You almost get to the top, sweaty and red-faced, you’re almost there, putting your back into and then it rolls down to the bottom and you have to start over. Well, maybe not all the way to the bottom but even part way seems overwhelming.
Once I’m done, however, I feel so accomplished. I know my project will be all the better for it. I have a great editor this time. She really challenges me and pushes me to be better. It’s so important to always be improving. I don’t need someone to tell me how perfect my work is or how fabulous I am. I need someone to say “This needs work.” or “You need more tension here”. I want my work to be the best it can be so I appreciate being pushed.
Well, back to the grindstone. I would love to hear how the rest of you feel about your rewrites! Leave a comment.
Thank you for writing this post. Reality is in the rewriting, which is easy to forget and way too easy to short-change.
Thanks! I agree I forget how important it is and
I put it off but I’m always happier with the outcome when I’m done!