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Three Wise Men |
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Three Wise Men |
Article #10 Hey there, now's not the time to give up, throw in the towel and slink away with a real defeatist attitude. Maybe you've attended one or more writer's workshops, felt inspiration cursing through your bloodstream and felt good enough about your own ability to actually write a manuscript. Let's say for the sake of an example, that you've been emotionally tormented for years about writing a manuscript that reflects a series of unusual experiences in your life, but are all connected by a single theme. It's now or never since you've recently completed your research and finally started the manuscript by actually sitting down at the computer, typewriter or desk for a specified period each day. It took a great deal of will power and even more concentration, but you did it and now begin to bask in your waves of pride. It's too early to bask in anything but perspiration, because you still have a final couple of chapters to finish and you're burned out; stressed beyond repair and just plain frustrated that you can't wrap it up. Paul Bishop, an excellent writer, wrote an article for Writer's Digest a few weeks ago, an indispensable publication for all writers, suggesting an approach that starts off by taking a deep, deep, breath. This helps a great deal but even more important grab hold of yourself and for goodness sakes don't panic. Step back from your manuscript for a few days so that you can properly review the quality of your story, settle down, catch a deep breath and then make a few judicious decisions. One decision should be to reread your manuscript, look at your outline or notes of the storyline and decide how much you have to write additionally to complete your original plot or goal for the manuscript. Start pulling it together in rough form, give it a rewrite or so and then chill out by putting a lid on your thoughts for a week or so. Again, the settling down process is really one of the keys to the process in finishing your manuscript. Now for the second decision. Get yourself a real professional editor, preferably one who not only has some experience with the literary market in New York or wherever but who has also been through the publishing experience -- maybe as a published author or a literary agent. This editor will be able to read your manuscript with a critical eye but at the same time provide you with invaluable assistance in making solid recommendations in solidifying the final draft. This is exactly what you may need, some positive evaluation and suggestions. This service may cost you a few dollars but just remember the old adage, "You only get what you pay for." Good luck and happy writing.
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