Caitlyn
asked
Roshani Chokshi:
As a writer, do you ever struggle with perfectionism, or just doubt if what you've written is "good enough"? If so, how do you dampen that irresistible pull toward crafting prose as art, and simply cope? (As a perfectionist myself, I'd love to hear your answer! :)
Roshani Chokshi
ALL. THE. TIME.
I think doubt can be healthy because it pushes us harder with each project. The difference, however, is how you measure "good enough." I try not to compare my work to a different writer. That writer may have years of skill on me, or may just be innately better at character development or pacing than I am. And that's fine.
I can only compare myself to...myself.
It took me years and many practice novels (which, honestly, were little more than shameless fanfic) to get The Star-Touched Queen right. And even on the verge of its publication, I find things that I could have improved but didn't know how at the time. And that's fine! Each book teaches us something about ourselves and our craft.
When I find myself agonizing over whether I think something is "good enough," I find my oldest word .doc and read it. Then I cringe. Then I put it away. Then I look at the most recent thing I've written and I bask in that RELIEF:
"OH THANK CTHULU I DON'T WRITE LIKE THIS ANYMORE."
When I see that noticeable difference, it takes away some of the sting and scare of a new project. Now, I'm not so concerned with how perfect it is because at least I know I'm improving. Then, at the end of all those drafts and revisions, the question is no longer about whether it's "good enough" but whether it's just *good*. Do you like it? Did you enjoy it? Do you love your characters, or, at the very least, KNOW them?
That's more than good enough.
That's damn near perfect.
Good luck <3
I think doubt can be healthy because it pushes us harder with each project. The difference, however, is how you measure "good enough." I try not to compare my work to a different writer. That writer may have years of skill on me, or may just be innately better at character development or pacing than I am. And that's fine.
I can only compare myself to...myself.
It took me years and many practice novels (which, honestly, were little more than shameless fanfic) to get The Star-Touched Queen right. And even on the verge of its publication, I find things that I could have improved but didn't know how at the time. And that's fine! Each book teaches us something about ourselves and our craft.
When I find myself agonizing over whether I think something is "good enough," I find my oldest word .doc and read it. Then I cringe. Then I put it away. Then I look at the most recent thing I've written and I bask in that RELIEF:
"OH THANK CTHULU I DON'T WRITE LIKE THIS ANYMORE."
When I see that noticeable difference, it takes away some of the sting and scare of a new project. Now, I'm not so concerned with how perfect it is because at least I know I'm improving. Then, at the end of all those drafts and revisions, the question is no longer about whether it's "good enough" but whether it's just *good*. Do you like it? Did you enjoy it? Do you love your characters, or, at the very least, KNOW them?
That's more than good enough.
That's damn near perfect.
Good luck <3
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