A timely read for me as I'm somewhere in my fifth draft realizing, at last (and after surmounting agent interest dashed by rejection), I've got to start over.
Not just tweak words here and there, delete a few sentences, and call it a day -- but really, near to clean, start over.
It's terrifying, to me, though -- thinking of all the time it's taken to get here and the time it will take, yet.
An extraordinary, generous, deeply wise essay, soon to be printed out and schlepped around forever with me in my Extraordinary Writing Essays folder (which actually exists and also contains Outlaw Heart, Louise's The Art of Fiction conversation, Joy Williams' Uncanny the Singing, and Bonnie's 1993 postcard to me saying "Keep going."). Grateful for this, Alice -
Elissa, thank you for sharing this in your feed. It led me to Alice's posts here and the courage to begin a fresh opening for my book, further inspired by her post from last year about the wonder of a well-written prologue. I'm new to Substack and found you through Katherine May, amazed at the interweaving of words and writers happening here.
Your piece made me sit back, take a breath, and marvel at your courage and work ethic. Have you done this before? I wonder how the book put aside compares with/to the clean page draft? I am fascinated (and daunted!) by the process.
No one wants to be called the good enough writer! Or mother come to think of it. You are too polite to say that it’s really easy to delude ourselves. Great post.
This was exactly what I needed today, as I draft chapters again and again and consider setting them aside, for another project, to return to them later, with fresh energy.
This is wonderful. Somehow you always say exactly what I need to hear. This always needs to be the goal: “We have to send out final drafts that are undeniable and closed systems that other people can’t try their way into.” Thank you, Alice, as always.
Once again, I'm riveted when reading your page. It's uncanny how often your words explicate exactly what I'm going through with this book I first queried in 2020 and waited out the silence after requests for full manuscripts. Last year I made the same mistake again, believe it or not, but had one agent take the time to let me know what I sent her was clearly a DRAFT. Thank you, Alice! I'm at last understanding (and mostly enjoying) this exploration and discovery piece often referred to as revision.
Lovely thoughts on Writing as Addiction. I’ve acquired it, rather late in life, but early enough that I have Memoirs in Drawers, Flash Fictions in the pan, Prose Poetry in the tank. Five years ago, I would have said I’m a musician and a painter. I am still those things, but have added an addiction to writing. At least I don’t have to clean the house. Thanks again for your gifts.
Thank you. I have repeated some of this wisdom to myself and my students for years. What you say about books can also be said about short stories. It is tempting to think a story is done just because it looks pretty on the page. It’s absolutely necessary to wait — sometimes for months or years — for the best draft to manifest. That’s when a memorable story will be yours.
Congratulations on a bold move!
A timely read for me as I'm somewhere in my fifth draft realizing, at last (and after surmounting agent interest dashed by rejection), I've got to start over.
Not just tweak words here and there, delete a few sentences, and call it a day -- but really, near to clean, start over.
It's terrifying, to me, though -- thinking of all the time it's taken to get here and the time it will take, yet.
Really interesting perspective. Musing on this this morning.
An extraordinary, generous, deeply wise essay, soon to be printed out and schlepped around forever with me in my Extraordinary Writing Essays folder (which actually exists and also contains Outlaw Heart, Louise's The Art of Fiction conversation, Joy Williams' Uncanny the Singing, and Bonnie's 1993 postcard to me saying "Keep going."). Grateful for this, Alice -
Elissa, thank you for sharing this in your feed. It led me to Alice's posts here and the courage to begin a fresh opening for my book, further inspired by her post from last year about the wonder of a well-written prologue. I'm new to Substack and found you through Katherine May, amazed at the interweaving of words and writers happening here.
Your piece made me sit back, take a breath, and marvel at your courage and work ethic. Have you done this before? I wonder how the book put aside compares with/to the clean page draft? I am fascinated (and daunted!) by the process.
This was so insightful and true! Thank you for this
No one wants to be called the good enough writer! Or mother come to think of it. You are too polite to say that it’s really easy to delude ourselves. Great post.
Breathing easier now. Thanks.
I’ve seen my fill of “good enough” writing and do all I can not to add any dross to the heap. Thank you for your wisdom. I’ll be back.
Another string of pearls. Thank you so much.
This was exactly what I needed today, as I draft chapters again and again and consider setting them aside, for another project, to return to them later, with fresh energy.
This is wonderful. Somehow you always say exactly what I need to hear. This always needs to be the goal: “We have to send out final drafts that are undeniable and closed systems that other people can’t try their way into.” Thank you, Alice, as always.
Fascinating! What comes through so clearly is the importance of patience- and not being lured by the call of the marketplace-
Once again, I'm riveted when reading your page. It's uncanny how often your words explicate exactly what I'm going through with this book I first queried in 2020 and waited out the silence after requests for full manuscripts. Last year I made the same mistake again, believe it or not, but had one agent take the time to let me know what I sent her was clearly a DRAFT. Thank you, Alice! I'm at last understanding (and mostly enjoying) this exploration and discovery piece often referred to as revision.
Lovely thoughts on Writing as Addiction. I’ve acquired it, rather late in life, but early enough that I have Memoirs in Drawers, Flash Fictions in the pan, Prose Poetry in the tank. Five years ago, I would have said I’m a musician and a painter. I am still those things, but have added an addiction to writing. At least I don’t have to clean the house. Thanks again for your gifts.
I write about my travels through all the arts at Substack.sullyarts.com
Thank you. I have repeated some of this wisdom to myself and my students for years. What you say about books can also be said about short stories. It is tempting to think a story is done just because it looks pretty on the page. It’s absolutely necessary to wait — sometimes for months or years — for the best draft to manifest. That’s when a memorable story will be yours.