I have an analogy that I use in life called “The Edge.” It’s the barometer that I use to gauge how I’m handling things.
When I’m far from The Edge, things are going great. My writing sessions rock and the revision catches fire and I make progress. Love it.
When I hit a snag and get stuck or write a scene that doesn’t make sense or even worse when I’m trying to figure out something that eludes me, I’m close to The Edge.
When doubt starts to creep in and I get that sinking feeling in my stomach that this writing thing is just a waste of time, the freak out begins and I have tumbled over The Edge.
I went over The Edge Friday night.
I was working on my novel project and getting a submission ready for a conference. There was pressure to make this submission the *best* it can be. That’s when the doubt started to creep in. Those little voices.
You know how it goes:
Why is it taking you *so* long to finish this novel? What’s your problem?
Maybe this is the *wrong* novel? Maybe you’ve been wasting time and you should write something else.
By the time you finish this novel, no one is going to want it. You need to write faster already!
Blah, blah, blah.
Times like this you have to just blank out the voices and yes even shut down the laptop or put away the pen and paper. It’s no use trying to fight it.
But you always come back the next day.
On Saturday, I faced what I needed to do. Worked through the submission, brainstormed solutions to my problems, and clawed my way out of the dark ravine.
Today, I’m still close to The Edge but instead of looking over into the darkness, I’m looking over my shoulder at a bright horizon. I know that this is the place where my success lives.
Far from The Edge.
Congrats on pulling yourself away from the edge!
I think with time, you shouldn’t worry. No matter how long it takes you to finish, if it was a good book then, it’s a good book now and you’ll still be able to find a market for it. Keep plugging away!
Congrats on pulling yourself back from The Edge. I find that’s the hardest thing to do–and it’s so easy to slip over. Good luck on the submission and happy writing!
Teetering on the Edge is what I do too. I find that just thinking about the very next thing helps keep me on my feet :)
Well, Book Twin, I guess it’s no surprise that I’ve heard those same little doubts in my head more than once. The Edge never feels that far away, does it? But I’m glad you found your way back. :-)
Megan: Thanks for stopping by and the support. :)
Tiana and Anne: Thanks for the words of encouragement. I was really feeling down on Friday.
Jemi: That’s a good thing. I’m so itching to start on my next project. I think it will go better with all the things I’m learning on this one.
Anna: I hate falling over The Edge, but it does happen. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way sometimes.
I’m currently hanging on the edge with a pinky nail. I have all these ideas–but It’s bad. I can’t plot out an entire novel. The first two I wrote came to me, with some good brainstorming time put in of course.
I feel like the cavemen after they invited fire, and then tried to invent an automobile.
theBrad (verla tag)
http://www.facebook.com/bradmouth
And it’s so easy to reach the Edge. I do know what you’re talking about. I think every writer could relate.
I’ve been there. Grab the hands that are reaching out to you, we’ll keep you away from the edge! You’re right, that bright horizon is just a few steps away.
Brad: You can’t go over the edge and you need your pinky nail! I’m sure your ideas can pull you through — every writer works different. Your blog is hilarious, BTW.
Laura and Heather: It’s so weird, tonight, I’m actually looking forward to working on the novel. Sometimes you just have to get back on The Edge and start walking away. Having writer friends help a lot too! :)
Thanks for following me! I totally know about the Edge…I spend a lot of time teetering on it!! I’m glad you were able to bring yourself back!
Re your comment – I’m glad I’m not alone in the furniture-running-into category! Specials was my favourite so far too! Have you read Extras? And yeah, Dr. Cable was my favourite in the first book…I tend to like villains! ;)
Hey Amanda: I knew you were a kindred spirit when I read on your blog that you run into furniture. Ha.
I’ve read EXTRAS and I liked it as well. It has really good action scenes. I actually did a blog post on Scott Westerfeld and how he does action scenes really well. You can learn a lot from him. He’s one of my favorite YA writers.
The Edge and I know each other very well. The only thing we can do is exactly what you did, just keep writing. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog. I will follow you right back.
Catherine: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m going to try your synopsis tips for sure.
Also so glad that I’m not the only writer who has been over The Edge. Glad to be back up solid ground again.
I’m right there on the edge with you. Those voices seem to get louder with each rejection. Ah well, where is the prozac when you need it!!!
Oh, the fine line of writing on the edge! You describe it so well. It always gets worse before submitting something. And you’re right, the only way out is to keep writing.
I’m so impressed you kept a diary in third grade! I kept one for a while in fourth grade, I wish I could find it again!
Jeannine: Say no to drugs! Ha. Rejection can be hard but it’s part of the process. But it can take you over The Edge at times. Keep at it though. You’ll have a breakthrough.
Margo: I think the submission process is what really took me over The Edge. But I’ve learned you just come right back and face the doubts.
I’ve been keeping a diary since I was 5, and I still write in a journal. Being an only child and melodramatic, I needed to find a way to “express” my feelings. Ha.
I have a manuscript that I started years ago. I just didn’t know what to do with it. Now, I know and my plan is to finish it before the first day of fall.
Gwen: That’s a great goal to have for your novel.
I think every writer has a novel in their drawer that they want to revisit. I know that I do. The beauty is that when you do return, you’ve grown as a writer and you can (hopefully) tackle the things that stopped you the first time.