Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Writing Journey - Is It Ever Finished


On one my writing groups the question was asked When do you know when it is finished?

I have to admit, this was my problem for years. I didn’t know when the manuscript was finished.  I’d re-edit and re-edit.

I learned that my fear of rejection kept me from sending it out, so I never could find out if it was finished or if it was on its way to finish.

Now I’m moving forward and giving myself deadlines, which helped me a lot.  I’ve wrote other books instead of just working on one book for years.  I didn’t want to be a one book writer.

I’ve learned that the book is never finished, there is always room for improvement, however you have to let go.  Let someone else read it, take in their suggestions and then send it out.

When do you know your book is finished?

3 comments:

Unknown said...

No. It's never done, however, you just have to put your foot down, so to speak, and say this is the version that's going. You see, if you keep nitpicking, modifying, and rewriting, you will never finish. So, we have to set a goal and a deadline, then just say, no matter how much more CAN be done, I'm finished with THIS one. Jot down some notes on what you would change and put them up for another time. It also helps to have a well-developed outline of the work. Then, trust your instincts, or better yet, your spirit, and then you'll know when it's finished. This is what I do. :-)

LaShaunda said...

Chandra,

Thank you for stopping by and for offering your suggestion. What type of books do you write?

rhonda mcknight said...

None of my books are finished. My contract deadline helps me let them go. I mentally edit them every time I read them.