Creative Momentum
I’ve never kept it a secret. I like edits the least when it comes to the writing process. I’m always tempted to do them as I go or to jump into them too soon. Maybe I think that will combat the fact that I feel inadequate to the task every time I sit down to do it. Maybe it is because edits always begin about the time I think I’ve written 200 pages of pure crap.
That’s why I leave edits til the very end and try to get a few days away from the project (and try to pretend I like what I wrote). I could do the line edits and scenes as I went along, but I lose something if I do. K. L. Going put it this way:
But what happens when you’ve turned your attention from the task of creating to the task of improving? What’s at stake is creative momentum. Momentum can be a powerful force to keep you moving through the writing process. Writing is not easy, and the task of finishing an entire book can be daunting, but it’s easier to keep going when you’re working hard and your story is flowing well than it is when you’re picking something up cold. You know you’ve got momentum when each day’s work leads into the next, and you just can’t wait to finish the scene or chapter that you leave dangling the night before.
I like that description of creative momentum and know it is absolutely true for me. My husband reminds me that I’m not obligated to write every day. But I am. I need to in order to keep the creative process flowing. If I put it down, take even a day or two off, I become disconnected. It then becomes hard or uncomfortable to pick it up again.
Despite the schedule, despite issues at work, I had to write every day, even when all I did was work, sleep, and write a page. When the creative part dries up even though I’m faithful, then I begin to look at edits.
What is your experience with the transition from creative production to edits and refinement? Do you suffer from first draft letdown or do you jump right in?
Note: The last three weeks have been an ugly kind of hell, but I think I might be getting my life back. Posting should resume on schedule.
so, you’ve been editing? when do we beta for you?
have missed your posts, was beginning to wonder what was going on.:-)
I always leave things for awhile before I edit, and normally try and get something else written before I go back to a piece, really get it well and truly out of my head so that I can look at it objectively. If I’m too caught up in a story, I cannot edit effectively.
Totally agree with creative momentum! I don’t edit/rewrite something until it’s complete. Glad to hear things should be getting back to normal
That comment about creative momentum was spot on!
I usually try to get a good month at least before I look at anything with a view to editing.
@dlg I haven’t worked less than 76 hours in the last three weeks. I’m fried and healthwise I just don’t want to talk about it. I still hope to have it ready by the end of the month.
@Cassie I was ready to edit Song of the Elements in April…six months after the rough draft. This one is happening sooner but circumstances have helped to push it from my mind, so that should help.
@Merrilee I agree!