My biggest fear while writing

[Jen]

I just finished the first draft of my novel, but I suppose I hadn't planned out enough because now I want to write nearly the entire thing over. :/ The major plot points are there, but I'm rearranging most scenes. I'm stuck in this place where I want to start writing it again so badly but I don't want to jump into it too fast and then have to write a THIRD draft that's completely and totally different all because I rushed it.

This is what scares me as a writer. Not the work requirement, not the hours of editing/rewriting. But the thought of "what if I'm just going around in circles?" I can write for hours and feel productive, but then tomorrow I think "Shoot, what if I'm moving in circles rather than moving forward?"

Some advice is very much needed.

[L]

(I can't give any advice as im not an author, but i just would like to say how i can relate to what you are feeling as i do feel the same at times. I am currently trying to write a first novel, which at times after a writing session i am pleased with and at other times i wish to re-think & start all over again. Thoughts such as changing the entire plot or how i structure things does come to mind, as i add bits in and take bits out. Unlike yourself i do have a very long way to go and i understand how one has to keep going in order to produce the best outcome, hence as my mind fills up with even more ideas every day i seem to be going backwards and forwards like a yo-yo when writing?)

[Jen]

Lucinda wrote: "(I can't give any advice as im not an author, but i just would like to say how i can relate to what you are feeling as i do feel the same at times. I am currently trying to write a first novel, whi..."
Well, if you're writing a novel doesn't that make you an author? I feel like a yo-yo when writing too. It's very frustrating.

[L]

Yes, i supose you could call me an author. I am only hesitant to say this because my work is not in print.

[Jen]

Pam wrote: "Lucinda wrote: "Yes, i supose you could call me an author. I am only hesitant to say this because my work is not in print."

Author is synonymous with print ... it's synonymous with passion :)"
Agreed Pam! You're an author Lucinda. I'm not in print either and I call myself a "writer" but I suppose I'm allowed to say I'm an author as well.

Wow, Pam! That story was exactly what I needed to hear to feel better! (Advice is just when we know the answer but can't accept it after all, right? lol)
Thanks so much for the encouraging story and good luck with your manuscript! There are two people talking to me when I read mine The first says "So you don't like your first draft anymore? Big deal! Think of how exciting this new draft can be with all the surprises it has!" and the second person tells me I'm running in circles. It's just harder to listen to the first person all the time ;)

[L]

I have loads of passion and bucket loads of enthusiasm when it comes to writing!

[L]

Pam wrote: "Lucinda wrote: "I have loads of passion and bucket loads of enthusiasm when it comes to writing!"

Then you are absolutely a WRITER and AUTHOR!!! :D"

:) thank you x