The Little Book that Couldn't Shut Up
Nearly 15 months ago, when I first started working on this story, I was quite charmed with its determination to be the best it could be. All day, all night, I could hear its cheery chug:
Edits began in early spring, and I was pleased to hear the continual motto:
I started to get burned out in the end of summer. I even contemplated shelving the book forever. But always ringing in my ear was the call:
I recently decided that I was honestly done. That I'd reached my limit of what I was willing to do for this particular novel. I was desperate to move on. I've begged, pleaded, cried, but again and again it's been pounded into my brain, keeping me up at night, chained to the laptop all day. The cruel words:
*Author's Note: You may have noticed that this particular Photoshop Friday was annoyingly repetitive and lacking variety. Welcome to my life. :)
12 comments:
great analogy - don't give up!
Get her done! Sometimes finishing is the hardest part--except when starting is the hardest part.
Candi and I were just talking about you this morning wondering what stage you were in. It sounds like the annoying repetitive editing phase. LOL Good luck. You can get through it! :)
I'm never going to be able to read, The Little Engine That Could again without thinking of you (not that that's a bad thing). I have a feeling as I'm sitting on the plane today, editing my own book that couldn't shut up, I will be hearing that mantra in my head. "I'm not done yet. I'm not done yet..." I hear it in a sort of childlike creepy voice. Is that weird?
Awww, Ren. Hugs. I kinda hate that dang train too, if I'm being honest.
I think my train broke down. At least yours is still chugging. Fifteen months? That's a long relationship with a book. I would be burnt out, too. Maybe it's more ready than you realize.
Oh Ren! :) ...if your life inspires your "photo-shop" Fridays, then I want you to do one using "mad guys"...I know its sorta unrelated, but I just can't get over your little "mad guy"...couldn't you somehow fit that little face into a good "writer's lament" photo-shop ;)
Mary-Yes, even when you really, really want to. :)
Natalie-I can definitely see that these last edits are the hardest. They're the smallest and most nit-picky, and that's what makes them such drugery.
Kasie-Alas, yes I am still in the editing phase. You guys are probably like, "Still?"
Candice-hehe, I hear it in this really annoying train voice . . if that makes sense. :)
Natalie-The longer you're on it, the more tired you get. That's for sure.
Jessie-You know, that's what my husband says all the time. I think I might have over corrected from my last novel. *sigh*
Becca-That "mad guy" is giving me plenty of grief. I've got stories to tell. Do I ever. :) P.S. Can't wait to see y'all soon!!!
I liked the repetition. It showed exactly how I feel about Monarch. Now that I've reached month 12...I think I'll have to get 24 before I really feel like it's ready. Sigh. Hang in there, sweetie.
Remember, no rush.
I liked this photoshop friday. It's very goof and the repetitiveness (sp?) makes perfect sense. Good luck continuing on with the little book thats not done yet.
I love the Little Engine That Could! The Little Book That Could...not as much. Darn annoying, persistent stories.
Michelle-*sigh* Yes, you're right. No rush. :)
Hayley-Thanks!
Sara-No kidding. Darn things.
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