Creatives have answered the title
question differently but, not surprisingly, some patterns that seem near
universal emerge.
I have friends who say the hardest part
is—
*Just getting started (as in staring at
an empty canvas)
*Muddling
through the sagging middle (this one is close to universal)
*Finding
how and where to end (A
talented friend struggles with this)
*Revising
beyond a superficial dusting (This requires input from others, IMO)
*Putting
your work “out there” (Many
creatives never do because it is. too. blasting. hard.)
But worthwhile
things are often hard. So this is not a complaint, but a list of blessings.
©Grant Snider
I would like to add "coming up with a title for the book" the list. I always struggle with that one.
ReplyDeleteThe middle! That's my hardest part always.
ReplyDeleteGetting started for me.
ReplyDeleteMiddles are hard for me--shiny new ideas are always tempting me. But as you say, we are so blessed to have this writing life, this life of the imagination. It is hard but how sweet it is too.
ReplyDeleteActually, all the parts can be difficult. Sometimes it's hard to start, sometimes I'm raring to go. Sometimes it's hard getting through the middle because of some blockage. And sometimes the end can be hard because I don't want the wonderful experience to end. Take your pick. It changes all the time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's all hard for you, MirkaK. Surprising, as you write eloquently with an easy flow to your posts.
ReplyDeleteI never struggle with beginnings and endings. I have the middle slow-haul syndrome, and most of all-- the "putting it out there" morbid fear. The key is to cope with the challenging parts, whichever they are for you.
Another vote for the middle. I usually love submitting because, despite the risk of rejection, it makes me feel like a real writer.
ReplyDelete