 | ...writing a novel isn't as easy as it looks. You mean you can't tell? |
You know how Fred Austure made every other dancer look like they were trying to dance with their shoes on backward? He practiced nonstop and was unrelenting in his precision. Whether he was dedicated or a jerk is up for debate, but making something look effortless does require a certain level of commitment.
My lead in thought was that writing a novel doesn't show the perfectionism that went into the text, since you're only seeing the end result. However, that perspective is not only narrow, it's wholly mistaken. Writing is a matter of mental discipline - speaking as one who is evidence of that fact. Polish comes with repeated attempts and hard work.
Always hard work.
Just when you think your goal is in sight another stumbling block spawns in and you're inclined to reassess your progress and method of travel. Maybe you need to go around it? Oh no, but that'll take longer. Oh dear.
So what? Every bit of experience is valuable, and with patience and - frankly - no fear of hard work, you can find something positive to dig out of a failure. Even if that positivity is pointing out that things could have gone much worse. Obtaining that perspective can be daunting, because you're not challenging the world, you're challenging yourself.
Everything that we see happening in American politics is a consequence of perspective and the perceptions wrought by media and third parties that are trying to co-opt our favour for their own ends. No one can tell you how to think, but as long as you're not making up your mind, someone will do it for you.
"You keep thinkin' Piro. It's only the dead who can't think anymore."
Everything is a hurdle and a disappointment, but allowing that to stop you from progressing - from obtaining knowledge, friends, experience and love - is a mistake. Things are and will be terrible for some time to come, but "As long as there's life, there's hope."
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Masters - November 17, 2018 (06:41 PM) Interesting thoughts. Congrats on having the cajones to even begin writing a novel. I think Venter actually succeeding in finishing one or even two novels. Utmost respect. |
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honestgamer - November 18, 2018 (08:48 AM) I've completed polished rough drafts of two novels in the last 15 years or so, and before that I finished quite a few less polished rough drafts of around another 15. None of that counts the novel I self-published, which is reasonably polished. So I have a lot of experience, and I know it can be done. I just don't often have the time and motivation to do it these days. That's one thing they don't tell you: one of the main ingredients is motivation. And even if you have it for years, it can disappear virtually overnight. I still get motivation for a few days at a time here and there, but I can't sustain it long enough to finish a project and that makes me leery to even start. |
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hastypixels - November 18, 2018 (05:29 PM) Thanks @masters, I appreciate it. :) @honestgamer - That's more than many accomplish, Jason. Long form writing may not be your forte. Have you ever wondered ... no, I'm sure you have. Your word count on this site must be astounding! If you were to ever tabulate that... goo gravy. I've written ... hm ... I'd guess just over a million words? Maybe a million and a half? Five books self published... but this one I'm seeing through to completion and proper publication. When I find an agent, that is. :) Don't discount what you've accomplished. This site encourages so many to step up to the writing plate! |
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