Monday, October 23, 2006

Doubts

Try again. Fail again. Fail better. ~ Samuel Beckett

In reading through Writer's Digest this month, I found myself drawn to the "Notable Debuts" section, as always. Interestingly, all of them (with the exception of the featured author) took several years and many drafts to complete and sell their novels.

There is no failure. Only feedback. ~ Robert Allen

As I plan my NaNoWriMo novel for this year, I continually second guess my choice of subject. It's been done before, it's outdated, or whatever. It's frustrating, because I couldn't change the storyline at this point, even if I wanted to, and succeed at NaNo.

The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed. ~ Lloyd Jones

I actually shared my NaNo idea with a writing friend last week. It was the first time I've told anyone the entire thought as if speaking it out loud (or via email) would somehow make it even more ridiculous.

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ~ Thomas Edison

Maybe as I begin to write the story I'll feel better about it. I think it has the potential to be a strong story. I don't know if it will be funny or not, but knowing me, it'll have some humorous moments, because I can't seem to filter them out completely.

So, NaNo approaches -- oh so slowly. Have days ever gone by with such sloth? I just want November to begin so I can stop doubting and start moving, because then I'll be so busy I won't have time to second guess myself (except in week two, but that's another story).

2 comments:

Charity Tahmaseb said...

What would you write if success were guaranteed? Is this that story? If so, concentrate on that and don’t worry about the rest.

Allie Boniface said...

Oh, Gosh, doubt is my best friend sometimes. Here's the thing: every story's already been told. The wonderful thing about writers is that they get to re-tell, making it their own.

You're so excited about NaNoWriMo that I can't imagine once you get started, you won't fall in love with the characters and the direction they're taking you.

Don't give doubt too much time and room to grow - she's nothing but trouble. You have great humor and a wonderful style - just have fun with the experience!