There is a truth universally proclaimed, that artists are
never happy with their own work.
For writers, this means feelings of loathsomeness when
reading their own writing.
So, what is one supposed to think if when revising draft
number (take your pick: three, thirteen, thirty-three) you find yourself liking
your own writing?
There is no place to put such a feeling. You feel like a
freak. But there it is.
Wishes of joy to all who make things. It’s allowed. Even the
greatest creator of all gave themselves this permission:
“God saw all that he had made, and it
was very good.” Genesis 1:31
*For more on how not to buy into the myth of the self-immolating
creative and how to enjoy the writing journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Jane Yolen’s TAKE
JOY
6 comments:
Yes! Take JOY!!! I find that I rarely like my exploratory drafts--there's good stuff that I'll keep it's in revision that I begin to see it coming closer to my original vision. Happy writing!
Such good encouragement! I remember a quote by Leonardo da Vinci that made me stop and realize that even the greatest creative individuals need that kind of encouragement. He wrote in his notebook: “Tell me, tell me, did I ever accomplish anything? Tell me, tell me, did I ever get anything done?"
Ha! Yes, Leonardo. You sure did.
Yes, sometimes I like what I write, but often it's not at the time I'm writing it. Sometimes it's even years later.
I hope all writers have times when they can find pleasure in their own words.
Love,
Janie
Whoa! Love that Leonardo da Vinci quote!
I hope we at least at times like our writing!
Sue
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