It’s early morning as I sit here, proof-reading my book for what seems like the hundredth time. I feel so discouraged! How could there be so many punctuation errors? How could my therapy stories be so boring? I have spent hours and hours for three years writing my legacy from my long career as a psychotherapist—something I envision will be valuable to young therapists or anyone else interested in what went on in a psychotherapist’s office back in the day. Only to end up with this never-ending drivel? The only way I can resist locking the whole thing in a drawer is to remember: Hemingway wrote the ending to A Farewell to Arms thirty-nine time before he was satisfied with it. When asked what the technical problem was, he replied simply: “Getting the words right.”
My encouraging friends in Gold Country Writers do it. I can do it, too! I’ll resume editing tomorrow. Right now, I’ll reach out on my blog for a hug!
The difference between those that do and those that don’t is that you “do”. Go for it
You know, I know, and all your friends know, you will succeed!
Sorry for this delay
Do I ever feel hugged—and loved! Thank you all so much for standing behind me. Don’t worry–I couldn’t quit if I tried. It may not be “coming soon,” but it’s coming!!! Sheila
Your dedication to your work will certainly pay off. If you need another pair of eyes, please reach out. I have no doubt your book will help many people very much, especially me. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for it.
Not a hugger, but can offer a little mew of understanding. Maybe tuck the manuscript away for a bit and turn your energy to something new but related. Imagine an engaging back-cover blurb or book description. Write it the way you’d love to see it. Let that be your guiding star. Then, when ready, read the manuscript as though someone else wrote it. What guidance would you give that person? Be as nice to yourself as you would be to someone else. You can do this!
Hi Shiela, my fellow writer. your ability to write is improving all the time. “Getting the words right ” And the commas LOL is part of the process. Listen to your friends. Put it aside, take a walk, and try again. Keep going!
Oh Sheila, I echo all the wonderful comments and advice that these friends have offered. What stands out the most is the need to step away for a bit. You have the capacity to finish and the help of friends with the editing. Be kind to yourself. Hugs from me and so many others!
Sheila, You have everything it takes to make this book, (and everything you want to do) happen! I have the utmost confidence in you! Your book won’t be for everyone and that’s okay! Get to a place of satisfaction with it and send it out to the world! And if you need any help proofreading, I can help! Big hugs!
And remember, if you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right! OXO
Sheila,
My experience with self-failing trauma is with people problem solving and personal contact issues and I know for sure it really helps me to take a day or more off from the problem and clear my brain. Maybe do something absolutely different for a while and then do reviews with a blank page, not using the same notes that have been looked at and reviewed in the brain over and over.
I have a little saying in my bathroom that I use daily: Don’t look back. You are not going that way. Simple, but it works for me.
I know you have it in you! Keep going (after the pause?).
There is a gigantic, positive and affectionate hug within this note for you.
Joanne
Thank you for the encouragement! I was wondering how I would ever finish a book, being the perfectionist that I am, and now realize that I’m in good company with you and Hemingway.
Stay the course. I feel 100% confident that your end result will be as fabulous as your book of “Poetry for Women Without Men” which I have read front to back a few times now. Please please please continue your efforts, I cannot wait for this one to come out! {{Major hugs}}
I empathize. I’ve just finished my last (hopefully!) rewrite of a novel I’ve worked on for 6 years! I’ve paid several professional editors and recommend this to help with the issues you’ve identified. Writers conferences are also a great resource. Earlier this year I attended the Santa Barbara conference and found the positive feedback from people who didn’t know me, very encouraging. Keep going. Big hug!
Go for a long walk. Read a good book. Watch a favorite movie. Then go back. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Hugs,
Kelly
Here’s a big hug!! I’m always up for a hug! But I agree with Nancy … you are “too close” right now, to keep at it NOW! Take a break, relax, do something fun & rewarding, & don’t even look at it for a brief time! we all know you can do it … its all in the timing!
Sheila, consider yourself hugged. Now go do something decadent. You’ve got this and everything else where you lovingly put your mind!
Margaret, that was brilliant about the backwards reading! Smart woman, your mother…
Best to all! Love this cold weather! Donna
I am sure you know this, but my mother taught me to read backwards when proofing. You catch a lot of most misspellings that way.
Churchill famously said, “Never Give Up.” In basketball, they say, you miss 100% of the shots you never take. Keep working! Refusing to act or take a risk guarantees that you cannot succeed. Keep taking that chance!
Of course this is something of a Mount Everest. It’s your view from 35 thousand feet. Trying to convey that journey to others must be near impossible. I’ll bet on you and also suggest that it might be so much better than you think. Remember all things breakdown under magnification. Sending one big hug your way with all the confidence in the world in you.
Sending you a hug💜
Time to step away for a minute and just breathe☮️