Duh...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

So I had an epiphany today.

I figured out that I have to finish something and submit it in order to be published.

Yeah, I know. Duh.

I read a lot of blogs of first time published authors and crave their excitement about their book being published. But I have yet to submit a novel anywhere.

Why?

I have several drafts of several stories finished but not edited.

What's holding me up?

Fear?

No, wait, that isn't big enough.

Absolute terror.

Better...

I also have this perfection issue. When do we decide when something is good enough? How do we know? I can write and rewrite something forever. When is it done?

I'm considering something out of character for me... and for the ladies in my writing group, please don't hit me.

I'm thinking about not posting everything there. In the past, I've posted sequentially, chapter by chapter. And, usually, by around chapter fifteen, I'm so tied in knots about the differing opinions that I can't write another word. This person loves something that another person hates. Or one person is confused by something that another person thinks is dreadfully clever writing.

I know I shouldn't allow opinions to sway me. I should be confident in my vision. I should march steadily on and damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!

But I'm clearly not.

So, I may only post the occasional scene that I want to share or need some help with. And when the draft is done (DONE!) to the point that I like it, I may share it with one or two people whose opinions I value and whose writing ability I admire for a read through and some general opinions.

Of course, that's if they'll be open to that, because they are writers, too, and also have that thing we call "a life" to think about so they may be a little busy.

I'm beginning to think, however, that I need to write for me first.

I know. Duh, again.

I'm torn between writing for the love of it and writing for the business of it. I've sworn I don't want to compromise when (WHEN!) I'm published, that I want to pub with a print publisher. But as I think about things, I wonder if trying to conform to their specific requirements may hinder my ability to write what I want to write.

I'm babbling. Sorry about that. I'm pretty certain that my novels are a little more coherent (at least I hope so).

What about you? Those of you who have writing groups -- do you post everything? If so, how does it help and how does it hurt? If not, why?

Do you think outside forces are more of a hindrance to your creativity, or inner doubts and conflict?

C'mon. Babble with me.