The joy is in the writing. That's the whole game in a nutshell, and you've nailed it beautifully in this piece, Deborah. I'm glad you received that glowing acceptance letter and hope things worked out well when your story was published. But you're not alone when it comes to second-guessing a story's merits upon rereading. Even Samuel Beckett was surprised when Paul Auster praised a particular story of his. Beckett himself was unsure of its value and welcomed Auster's reassurance. And him with a Nobel prize and all!
I'm not sure how we know for sure when a story is perfect. Others have answered this question by asking: How do you know when it's time to stop eating a good meal?
BTW: I recently reread a book I wrote in 2017 and wondered how on earth I had the gall to send it out. It was terrible. One reason for this may be that we get better with each sentence and every story. Armed with improved skills, some of us realize that we could do a better job with that earlier material today because we've become better writers.
In any case, I love the way you told this one. Thanks for writing it!
This is true. Every time I read something I wrote, I see stuff that could be improved or changed. But so often too, I do the same to novels, editing them as I read. And so many that are highly acclaimed I abandon before finishing because I don't find them interesting. It's all so objective. I'm not surprised to hear that about Beckett. we like to think the great writers are gods, but they are only human too with the same insecurities as us. Thank you for sharing that story.
Ahhh... I hear you, Deborah. The pain of rejection is all too familiar. I have felt it as have most/all artists. Sharing one's work is extremely vulnerable and makes you feel naked and exposed. The fear of seeing its blemishes in full view is terrifying. The sense of losing control of your art, the self-doubt, and constant questioning: "Is it good enough?" The urge to revisit and refine is a common struggle.
I am right there with you!
The moment, however, has come for you to let this piece go, and you absolutely deserve the recognition and validation that comes with it! Congratulations!! I'm excited for you and your short story that you are about to release on its journey and share with the world. 😊
Thank you, Michael. This story was actually published a few years ago, but I remember so clearly all those conflicting emotions and annoyed with myself, asking why can't you just be happy! So I was kinda laughing at myself here. Although I learned an important lesson. The joy is in the writing, whatever the outcome. I so appreciate your coming here and sharing your thoughts as a fellow artist.
It is exciting, being a writer. I can't think of anything I'd rather do, because everything I do feeds the writing, and writing about it enhances those experiences. Thanks so much for reading and responding. Although the joy is in the writing, pleasure too comes from knowing it resonated with readers who cared enough to respond.
The joy is in the writing. That's the whole game in a nutshell, and you've nailed it beautifully in this piece, Deborah. I'm glad you received that glowing acceptance letter and hope things worked out well when your story was published. But you're not alone when it comes to second-guessing a story's merits upon rereading. Even Samuel Beckett was surprised when Paul Auster praised a particular story of his. Beckett himself was unsure of its value and welcomed Auster's reassurance. And him with a Nobel prize and all!
I'm not sure how we know for sure when a story is perfect. Others have answered this question by asking: How do you know when it's time to stop eating a good meal?
BTW: I recently reread a book I wrote in 2017 and wondered how on earth I had the gall to send it out. It was terrible. One reason for this may be that we get better with each sentence and every story. Armed with improved skills, some of us realize that we could do a better job with that earlier material today because we've become better writers.
In any case, I love the way you told this one. Thanks for writing it!
This is true. Every time I read something I wrote, I see stuff that could be improved or changed. But so often too, I do the same to novels, editing them as I read. And so many that are highly acclaimed I abandon before finishing because I don't find them interesting. It's all so objective. I'm not surprised to hear that about Beckett. we like to think the great writers are gods, but they are only human too with the same insecurities as us. Thank you for sharing that story.
Ahhh... I hear you, Deborah. The pain of rejection is all too familiar. I have felt it as have most/all artists. Sharing one's work is extremely vulnerable and makes you feel naked and exposed. The fear of seeing its blemishes in full view is terrifying. The sense of losing control of your art, the self-doubt, and constant questioning: "Is it good enough?" The urge to revisit and refine is a common struggle.
I am right there with you!
The moment, however, has come for you to let this piece go, and you absolutely deserve the recognition and validation that comes with it! Congratulations!! I'm excited for you and your short story that you are about to release on its journey and share with the world. 😊
Thank you, Michael. This story was actually published a few years ago, but I remember so clearly all those conflicting emotions and annoyed with myself, asking why can't you just be happy! So I was kinda laughing at myself here. Although I learned an important lesson. The joy is in the writing, whatever the outcome. I so appreciate your coming here and sharing your thoughts as a fellow artist.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us! I always look forward to your posts, and I am excited to one day read your book.
Thank you! I hope that will happen one day.
'In the writing'.... that's as far as i got, get, i'll probably die there, wow, though, so exciting being a writer...
It is exciting, being a writer. I can't think of anything I'd rather do, because everything I do feeds the writing, and writing about it enhances those experiences. Thanks so much for reading and responding. Although the joy is in the writing, pleasure too comes from knowing it resonated with readers who cared enough to respond.