Perserverance

Wow - one of my chapter members posted on her agent's web site about perserverance and burn out and it hit really close to home. This past year I've been going around Texas doing talks on how to finish writing a book, and then yesterday a different chapter member emailed me to ask me how I did it. She said she's been working on one book for two years. So I thought I'd share some of my response to her, in case it helps anyone else

For me, I sell on synopsis (A loose, vague sort of synopsis too.) I write once a very loose, rough draft. I put xx's where I need to go back and do stuff, I make copious notes on the side of stuff I need to clean up, I keep a file folder for each book. I make lists of events that I want to have happen. I use a plotting chart with squares and write (in pencil) each chapter a few things I want to appear there. But first and foremost, I write. To get the story down. I might write mostly dialogue the first time, some description, but knowing I need to go back and add it. I start off with 15 page chapters, knowing they will be 20 pages in the final version, once I add stuff. I write, write, write, to get the basic story down, taking notes as I go. Most important though - get the story down first. EVEN IF IT's CRAP!!! I can clean it up later. Giving myself permission to write crap was the most liberating thing I ever did for my writing. Seriously. First drafts are supposed to be bad. You can polish up that rought stone until it shines later. But first, get the story out of your head and on to paper.

Let go of fear.

I know, easier said than done. Every single one of us (maybe not Nora ) suffers from fear. That our work isn't good enough, that we're not good enough writers. Fear can cripple us.
Giving yourself permission to write a crappy first draft is a way to let go of fear. So what if it's bad? No one but you (and maybe your hapless critique partner) is going to see it. You can (and will) fix it later, before you send it anywhere.

First time writers, consider trying this. Finish the book. Then go back and fix it up. Once, all the way through, polish, cut, repair, add - whatever is needed. This is where your notes will come in handy. When that's done, do another read-through for the third time, then send it out and let it go. LET IT GO. Hard to do on your first baby, but you have to. Once that book is in the mail, sit down and start on another. I have five complete historicals in my closet that will never see the light of day (deservedly so!) Look at this way - practice sharpens your skills.

Good luck with yours!