How Hard Do You Have To Work?

THE AWFUL REWRITE

So you've finished chapter twelve after rewriting it several times over the past several days. You feel good about it. You leave your computer for a break and to do some other things around the house. Then, later, you stop, shake your head, go back to the computer and delete the last three pages.

And you do it all over again.

And again.

What does this mean? Insecurity? A drive for perfection? Not enough pre-planning so you know where you're going?

Many best selling writers tell how they rewrite their books several times over until they are satisfied. By rewriting they don't mean that they merely change a word or a phrase or two on a page here and there. They actually rewrite the entire book, some of them nine times or more. They make hundreds of changes with each rewrite. They grind through the entire manuscript again and again until it is as good as they can get it.

Can you say the same thing?

When you are finished with your novel, can you say it is done to very best of your ability, even if it took an extra nine months of hard work? Or did you settle for mediocrity?

With so many would be writers throwing their manuscripts into the ring (so to speak) you can't afford to not do your very best.

Now -- a shout out to my newest follower, Trep. Catch him on [The Write Stuff].

Since this is a new feature on my blog, earlier followers--look for your own shout out in future posts.