I was working on my query letter this morning, tinkering with the wording because I have it almost where I want it when I was struck by a thought: this query letter is better than my book! I’d better make my book just as good!
So, I began tinkering on my novel again….my finished novel–at least what I had previously thought was finished.
I have had this problem with all of my work. It’s never finished. I’m constantly tinkering and it drives me up the wall!
I’m wondering if anyone else has this problem. Just now, I was tinkering some more (well, since I had already started, why stop now?).
I can’t stop myself. I tell myself I’m done. Then I’m at it again.
So, I’m wondering: Is a novel ever finished? And when? When it’s in print and you can’t make any more changes? This I see as my scenario.
Any comments would be most welcome (especially ones saying I’m not crazy!).
It is the same with a painting. Very frustrating!!
I am sure the publishers will comment.
Yes! I have this problem with even just my blog posts! I’ve come to realize that it’s not until I think I’m “finished”…that I can truly evaluate what I write. I actually have to BELIEVE I’m finished, then I go back and change things. Then I’m finished. Hopefully. You’re not alone.
LOL! I don’t think you are crazy at all. I have found myself repeatedly rereading emails I’m writing or posts to my blog (which I haven’t posted in quite a while due to time constraints) and rewording EVEN AFTER I’VE SENT THEM. So, If you are crazy, I am, too! I would tell you to send your letter and consider your book done until you get a book deal. Then I think there will be an editor who will ask you to change things (or at least that’s what I’ve heard). Good Luck!
You can write a sequel! Stop changing the finished novel, instead write the sequel where changes can take place. I’m not a writer, but I do love to read.
I have rewritten short stories, poetry, and proto novels many times. Personally, I don’t know if a work is ever finished; you just decided enough is enough. Part of this comes from every day we learn new things and our concept of writing changes with each thing we read.
Then again, I have re-read poetry I wrote 40 years ago and could not find a single thing to change.
Tightening up prose, using more active language, searching for ‘le mot juste’ can always be done. The best thing is to have a fellow writer or editor to review your work and make suggestions. I find spouses are too emotionally close to do this properly.
Gary
You are not crazy. We all do it.
Not crazy…. I tinker with stuff so much because can’t seem to get it right…… So I don’t even start anymore! I Do want to write about my accident (I had an AVM and God used it to prove that he still works miracles) but I can’t get myself to start writing!!!
I have the exact same problem. But I decided that that’s where the next book comes into play. So utilize what you have, get it out there, and add the other information to your next book.
You aren’t crazy. At least, you aren’t if I’m not! I have heard it said more than once that the book isn’t finished until it’s in print. If you find a way to change that, please let me know.