Posts
In a back and forth email discussion about our works in progress, a writer
friend wrote this about her novel: “I'm sure there are at least fifty more things I could change, but at some point you just have to stick a fork in it.” I love this line because I get her point. And I relate to it. Plus it made me laugh. When it comes to the little fixes in a manuscript, revising could be a lifelong process.In Writing Magic, Gayle Carson Levine writes: “There is no such thing as a perfect book or a perfect story. Every book in every library on this planet has something wrong with it.” Her point is that perfection is unattainable. And it doesn’t matter. Readers want a story that they can be involved with. Most people probably care less about a description that goes on a bit too long than they do about the characters and the plot. What do you think?
I never feel like my work is perfect. Never. But, as my friend wrote, I know that there comes a time to “stick a fork in it.” For me, this is usually when I can’t stand to read the story any more. I feel like someone has stuck a fork in me.
Do you feel you’ve reached perfection when you have finished revising a manuscript? If not, do you itch to keep fixing or do you let it go?
And when you are reading, do you notice minor issues that need fixing? Or do you tune out the imperfections and swim in the world of the story with the characters?
P.S.: A big THANK YOU to Maeve at http://lollipopscottage.blogspot.com/ for the Versatile Blogger Award! : )
I very rarely notice what could be changed in a story--unless I have been asked to critique it. But I will critique my own to death! I think it's good for us to remember your friend's advice for both our own and our critique partners' stories. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to this concept. I think there comes a time when you just have to let a story go out in the world.
ReplyDeleteSometimes to make a story a better, you just have to write a new one.
I totally agree. I'm a dog with a bone over mine until it reaches that point where I'm picking at words here and there and obsessing over the lousy opening that I loved yesterday. That's usually when I know it's time for the fork.
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely get to that point. But that's the perfect time to send it out to Beta's one last time and step away from it for a while. Then I'll do one last pass based on the notes I get back. And voila! LOL Except that eventually you hope to tear it apart again with an agent and/or editor... :D
ReplyDeleteGood point, to stick that fork. I could pick at something forever. Especially when I know a LOT of people will be reading it. I go through phases where I think a novel is all done and "perfect" and then I read it a month or 2 later and am appalled at the things I need to fix. ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Faith! I'm glad her words were helpful to you, too.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Karen. Refocusing on a new story is great advice.
Love the dog with a bone comment, Carol!
Exactly, Lisa! I'm not sure a story is ever done.
Oh, I know that appalled feeling, Carol. It's always followed by "How did I miss that?" muttering.
It's hard to step away and stop editing. The minute I feel the end coming close, it's like I can't let go. I'm going through again and finding more changes to make. It's time to let it go though, when I'm adding and deleting the same set of commas.
ReplyDeleteThe worse thing is that when the book is published, I still catch bits that could have been changed.
As the friend who decided to stick a fork in it, I must admit that a week later I had some knew insights and made additional changes. I guess I didn't stick that fork in deep enough!
ReplyDeleteOn my own wips, I do tend to revise and revise. But when I'm reading I do notice little things here and there, but mostly just enjoy the story.
ReplyDeleteoh yes, I get this feeling. but, sometimes, after it's been a while away from the ms, I tend to go back and pick again. I wish I could leave it alone!! :o
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, J.L.! I refuse to read my published books from beginning to end because I know I will want to fix stuff. ACK!!!
ReplyDeleteShannon, you are too funny! Thanks for letting me use your comment for this post.
Kelly, I think in some ways we train ourselves to see every little glitch and error. It's hard to turn this off when reading.
Ah, me, too, Tess. I could revise forever. I love your use of "pick." That's exactly what I do--pick and pick and pick. ; )
I absolutely get this. I don't want to let go of a story. I can revise and edit endlessly, but I know I have to let go some time. Even if other readers suggest adjustments, at least I was able to get their input, rather than keeping my work to myself, tweaking a manuscript to death.
ReplyDeleteLOL on the part about sticking the fork in you.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's ever a time that I stop tweaking something. The trick is NOT to do it right after you send in requested material. Trust me on that. You'll lose a lot of sleep if you do.
It's nice to meet you, Cynthia. I guess that could be true of a lot of things, you stick the fork and close the door. It's easy for me because I'm not a Virgo. :)
ReplyDeleteManzanita@Wannabuyaduck
I can so relate to this. My work is never perfect in the way I want it to be. I'm always going back and tweaking.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good point... I don't think I ever read a chapter without changing something...
ReplyDeleteI always want to change stuff..but you know how I am with editing! lol. Today my bf said something I agree with, however, he said there is nothing perfect of imperfect, just uniqueness.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of everything in this way.
I never feel like I'm "done" with a manuscript. But you get to a point when the more you change, it just gets muddled. I try to go to the next project and leave it alone when my tendency for psychotic tweakage starts.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can totally relate to this! When I read it with barely any changes, then I'm ready for the next step. Thank goodness for beta readers!
ReplyDelete"Tweaking a manuscript to death"--that's what I always fear I am going to do, Medeia. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stina. You sound like you are commenting based on experience.
Nice to meet you, too, Manzanita. And you are so right that there are many times that we must end things once and for all.
It's hard to stop that tweaking, isn't it, Lynda? Ugh.
Thanks, Michelle. Yeah, me, too.
Ashley, I love your boyfriend's comment. I might have to put that over my desk. Lovely. Thanks!
"Psychotic tweakage" is hilarious, Julie! I so know how that feels.
Absolutely, Julie. I've actually had beta readers tell me enough with the revising, the manuscript is good to go.
I think i can go on fixing the manuscript forever--but I never do. When I feel like i've done my very best with it, that's when I get it critiqued and read by others. Better to have a fresh set of eyes!
ReplyDeletenutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I hate not being able to achieve perfection. I've never even looked at my first book because I know I will see something wrong with it - and it will drive me insane.
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid to revise as much as needed, but agree that at some point, you're right--it's about letting that baby fly!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
My work is never perfect! I don't know if I want it to be. If one has reached the height of perfection, then where do you go from there? When reading a story, I let myself melt into the story and think of only that.
ReplyDeleteGreat to "see" you again, Nutschell. And I agree that a fresh set of eyes is essential.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Alex. I haven't read either of my novels cover to cover since publication because I know I'll find something to fix (and go slightly mad over it).
Love "...letting that baby fly," Angela! : )
What a great comment and healthy attitude, Maeve. Thank you.
Painters often say the same thing--when is the last stroke the last stroke? Thanks for the insight!
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly at this "stick a fork in it" place. I have one more passage to fix, and then the fork shall be stuck.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am guilty of editing published books as I read them. But whether this annoys me at all totally depends on whether I'm wrapped up in the story.
I'm having trouble commenting on some blogger blogs these days, and yours happens to be one of them. This will probably post as anon, if it posts, but I'm Marcia (Marcia Hoehne). :)
I hadn't thought about the painter's perspective, Elle, but it's a great point. Writers aren't the only ones who need to stick in forks.
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia. Yes, you did pop up as "Anonymous." Congratulations on being close to the fork stage! I'm envious. ; )
Wow, can I relate. I'm never satisfied either. My novel Sleeping with Skeletons has been published since 2009, and I'm still editing that! There has to come a point when it stops!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great line! I NEVER reach perfection. Ever. I always think I could do more. Somehow. But yeah, you just have to "stick a fork in it" and go for it. I'll definitely remember this. :D
ReplyDeleteSo, so true! No story can ever be perfect, no matter how much re-writing we do. At some point, though, we have to let it out there. :-)
ReplyDeleteDoralynn, I laughed when I read that you are still editing your published novel.
ReplyDeleteI love that line, too, Janet. I could just hear my friend saying it.
There's comfort in accepting the imperfection, isn't there, Shannon? At least, I think so.
Such great comments, everyone. Thanks!
I totally agree - no story is ever perfect, but eventually you just have to stop messing with it and get it out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! : )
ReplyDelete