In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?
Sorry for the lateness of this post. It’s been a trying few weeks. Between caring for 3 week old kittens to losing my father-in-law suddenly. Some might not be affected by losing an in law, but I had a good relationship with my FIL. We both had engineer type minds, being able to fix things. I’m definitely going to miss him.
So with that in mind, I’ll do my best on today’s post, but it”ll be a struggle.
What I’ve enjoyed most about my writing is when I have a solid idea in mind. For example, the novel I’d published, Second on the Right, was an idea I’d had for year. Maybe even since I’d watched Disney’s Peter Pan. Seeing that movie, I was cheering on Captain Hook. I did not like Peter. I found him irritating. So the idea of Hook actually being the good guy might have started back then. Years in the making, it grew into a story idea that was easy to put down on paper. And part of that idea involved researching various ships, which I really enjoyed. As long as the idea was solid, every aspect (except for editing) was a delight.
I’m almost there again with another story, though the story idea is from a friend. I was able to knock out a few chapters before life punched me in the gut. Hopefully I’ll get back to it maybe the beginning of next year. For now, I’ll be focuses on our annual Santa run where we roam the community spreading a little cheer.
What stressed me out? Well, editing for one. I haaaaate editing. And proofreading. Because no matter how many times I go through it and find mistakes, there are still more lurking about. That part always stresses me out. I’ve read my novel forwards and backwards and yet I know there are probably still mistakes I’ve missed. Which is frustrating because I don’t want to put out a product that isn’t near perfect.
What stresses you out with writing? Or is it a constant joy? Even the editing?? 🙂
You’re never going to catch every mistake. Even books published by the big five publishers have mistakes in them. Sounds like you’re doing your very best, though. The mistakes that do slip past you are probably things that most readers will never notice.
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Very sorry about your father-in-law. Prayers for you.
And I imagine taking care of young kittens is almost full-time.
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I’m sorry for your loss. My husband’s father died before I met my husband, and I feel that loss. I carry his St. Christopher’s medal with me wherever I go. I’m glad that you had a good relationship with your FIL. Engineer type minds need each other! Good luck with the baby kittens! Wishing you a happy holiday season!
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Sorry to hear about the loss of your father-in-law.
There are always ups and downs. We have to take the delightful with the stressful – it’s part of the overall package – can’t have one without the other, hey?
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