HTTS helped me finish my first draft...

[wildheart90]

I am so happy right now I can barely think. My rough draft is done. I haven't finished a rough draft of something book length it about ten years, so this is a big thing for me!

A few questions though:

Are we supposed to hate our endings as soon as we read through them? Is this normal?

How long should I wait before taking HTRYN?

What should I do to take my mind off of my WIP?

What if my book sucks?

Yeah, I have more questions, but these are the ones I can't stop thinking of. I think the reason I haven't finished stuff before is for this very reason. I am terrified of writing crap.

Any advice you all can offer would be great.

[Cat-Gerlach]

First, celebrate. Congratulations, you did something a lot of wannabe-writers never manage. Also, the feeling that your ending sucks isn't unknown to other writers too. I usually hate most of the book - until I have had some time to cool down. I think it might be the elation at finishing something combined with the idea that it needs to be perfect. But it doesn't, since revision is still ahead. So calm down and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.

Next, brainstorm your next project for a week or two, no major planning there just a few lightning strikes and selecting/improving the idea you like best. (You can sign up for HtRYN immediately to have the lessons waiting for you but do not look at them just now).

After a fortnight or two, read through HtRYN's first lesson and start the revision.
That's what I would do.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm proud of you?

[marti-v]

CONGRATULATIONS, WILDHEART! Way to go!

Cat's right. Let it sit for awhile. A couple of week sounds like a good idea. Then sign up for HtRYN and be prepared for the ride of your life.

You'll learn, in detail, how to make your novel the one you love, the one you wanted to write. None of us get through the first draft with a great novel, but as Holly says, you can't fix an empty page. She'll show you how to fix everything that detracts from the book you wanted to write and how to polish it until it sings. (Pardon the mixed metaphor.)

[Tanja]

Congratulations!!!

I don't have any good advice to give you BUT whatever you do, don't forget to celebrate

[RedHead12]

Congrats! Finishing the first draft is the best feeling ever! I usually set my first drafts aside for a month or three and work on another project, but two weeks is good.

[wildheart90]

Thank you everyone for your advice and well wishes! I am already planning my next project...which leads me to my next question.

In my WIP that needs to be revised during the planning stages I did quite a bit of worldbuilding...but as I read through everything I realize I didn't really use much. In fact, I never even state which town my story takes place. *blushes* Does Holly help us out with worldbuilding in HTRYN? What is too much and what is not enough? Because this is probably one of my weaker points. I either overbuild or underbuild. I have never hit the right amount.

It's nice to know there are others that feel their book sucks too. At least I'm not alone in that.

I'm going to try and leave my WIP alone for awhile...but something tells me its not going to take long for me to start editing. I've never made it to this point...so its even more important to me to start when I'm excited.

As far as celebrating...I guess I'll be doing that by buying HTRYN

[Texanne]

Yay! Wildheart90 you rock. You should feel so very, very good. Triumphant.

World building.

Part of HTRYN has to do with using the world that you have built, figuring out what's to keep, what's to use, what's to define. And the revision process can be a great place to strengthen descriptions. Go and look at the promotional piece she has up. Wait--I'll go find the link.

Duh:
http://howtoreviseyournovel.com/

Now you can see what's coming, week by week.

Yay! Confetti! Boas! Feather boas, guys. Cotton candy and a brass band. TX

[wildheart90]

Thank you Texanne! In a way I do feel triumphant. Considering it has been so hard for me to hold onto ideas long enough to finish them...this is a big deal.

But something very hurtful happened recently, which has taken away the high of finishing. It sucks when other writers pick on you just because you wrote a book faster than them. I don't know what made this individual act the way they did, but their comments really hurt. Lashing out at me and telling me I'm just in this for the money. Saying I haven't even studied the craft. Even going as far to say I don't care about writing or my themes.

So how do I get those bad thoughts out of my head? I don't want to enter revision with negative thoughts like this. Any sage advice for me?

Sweet! I'm glad I'll be able to fix my world in HTRYN. I think it is one of the more glaring issues of my book.

[Tanja]

I'm sorry to hear that you were treated like that! I hate it when people try to feel significant by being mean to others

I've found that people who lash out like that often are trying to make themselves feel better and very often it is themselves that have problems with the issues they pick on. So it wouldn't surprise me if the person who lashed out towards you is the one who is in it for the money and is the one who doesn't care about the craft etc.

I don't have any good advice really... it's easy to say that you should ignore it but it's not that easy to do...

One thing I like to do when I start to doubt myself is lists. She said that you don't study the craft - make a list of everything you've done to study the craft. She said that you're in it for the money - make a list of why you love/need to write.

Sometimes it's easier to believe and recognise all that we've done if it is in writing. It seems more significant that way. Or maybe it's just me who thinks that

[Lynette]

Wildeheart90,

I am fairly arrogant when it comes to my writing, but it is difficult to ignore people who say hurtful things, often because the things they say come too close to what we fear.

When I'm in that place, I do what Tanja suggested.

One thing I like to do when I start to doubt myself is lists. She said that you don't study the craft - make a list of everything you've done to study the craft. She said that you're in it for the money - make a list of why you love/need to write.

I also have a collection of quotes about writing that read through from time to time. Here are a few of my favorites about writing and money. Hope they help!

No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money. Samuel Johnson

'The writer's intention hasn't anything to do with what he achieves. The intent to earn money or the intent to be famous or the intent to be great doesn't matter in the end. Just what comes out.' Lillian Hellman

It is impossible to discourage the real writers – they don’t give a damn what you say, they’re going to write. ~Sinclair Lewis

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling.

“For many writers – professional writers – writing faster is simply a matter of survival. Writing faster can mean the difference between making a go of a challenging career as an author versus going back to your old job as an accountant or asking ‘Smoking or non-smoking’ down at Bob’s Big Boy. Writer’s block, you might even say, is a luxury that real writers can’t afford.” – David Fyxell.

Almost anyone can be an author; the business is to collect money and fame from this state of being.' A. A. Milne

[marti-v]

Wildheart, my heart goes out to you over your belittler. It brought back 40-year-old memories of someone who treated me similarly. In my case, it had to do with heavy hips and thighs that affected my walk. One who was purportedly my friend told me, "If I had a swing like that, I'd put it in my backyard." It hurt. A couple decades later, I related the tale to a good friend who also knew this person. She started laughing. "She said that? She must have been talking about herself, because she's much wider through the hips than you are." She was right. In hindsight, I'll bet someone said that to her, and it was so hurtful she was trying to pass it on so she wouldn't be the only one bearing the pain.

I agree with Tanja. It wasn't your shortcomings that poisoned your tormentor's mouth but her own. In your place, I would choose to end the friendship rather than put myself in the line of fire on a regular basis. I eventually learned that toxic friendships aren't really friendships at all, and those relationships aren't worth the pain they produce.

[Texanne]

Thank you Texanne! In a way I do feel triumphant. Considering it has been so hard for me to hold onto ideas long enough to finish them...this is a big deal.

But something very hurtful happened recently, which has taken away the high of finishing. It sucks when other writers pick on you just because you wrote a book faster than them. I don't know what made this individual act the way they did, but their comments really hurt. Lashing out at me and telling me I'm just in this for the money. Saying I haven't even studied the craft. Even going as far to say I don't care about writing or my themes.

So how do I get those bad thoughts out of my head? I don't want to enter revision with negative thoughts like this. Any sage advice for me?

Sweet! I'm glad I'll be able to fix my world in HTRYN. I think it is one of the more glaring issues of my book.

Oh, Wildheart! There are some people in this world who just like to keep others from making progress. When you do make progress, it threatens them, so they like to try to keep things even by cutting you down.

Jealousy and envy can make some people into nasty little trolls, hiding in the bushes and springing out to attack anyone who gets near the bridges they guard. The person who has criticized you is just trying to guard her bridge. In her mind, she has not succeeded because she has not studied her craft or feels that she has not paid her dues. Your classmates are right to say that this person is passing on to you something that someone had said to her about her writing.

You should feel sorry for her because she is an unhappy person, an ailing vampire who needs to kill or weaken others in order to sustain her own self image. Feel sorry for her, then let her go. She's not good for you or for any other writer, either--and I pity her kids!

This kind of thing happens in writers' groups sometimes. In fact, I was listening to a writer say that writing groups often cut down the best writers. This is not to say that all groups do this. But some groups do. So, take heart, knowing that this person has, with her criticism, acknowledged your achievement.

Your responsibility is not to keep her happy, or even to make peace with her. Your responsibility is to yourself, to your writing, to the stories you have to share with readers. Feel sorry for this person, then let her go, because you don't need useless negativity coming at you.

And, later, when you hurt less, be a little bit grateful to her because she has helped you develop strength and presence of mind, and she has also shown you how to write a really great villain.

Your victory is untouched by this person, the confetti still sparkles, and the boa still belongs to you. Rock on! TX

[wildheart90]

I'm sorry to hear that you were treated like that! I hate it when people try to feel significant by being mean to others

I've found that people who lash out like that often are trying to make themselves feel better and very often it is themselves that have problems with the issues they pick on. So it wouldn't surprise me if the person who lashed out towards you is the one who is in it for the money and is the one who doesn't care about the craft etc.

I don't have any good advice really... it's easy to say that you should ignore it but it's not that easy to do...

One thing I like to do when I start to doubt myself is lists. She said that you don't study the craft - make a list of everything you've done to study the craft. She said that you're in it for the money - make a list of why you love/need to write.

Sometimes it's easier to believe and recognise all that we've done if it is in writing. It seems more significant that way. Or maybe it's just me who thinks that

That is SUCH a great idea! Thank you! I think I should even put it up on my wall, something to wake up to every day so I remember the good things about myself. I've always held myself to high standards...too high even. So it really hurt when this person said those things. And its silly to me now because what she said obviously wasn't true. But I will make some lists anyways. It is bound to help me a lot.


@Lynette- Your quotes inspired me for sure! Thanks for sharing them! And I'd have to agree that it hurt so badly because those are all the things I fear the most. I want to write quality work, I want to write books that mean something...and I am certainly not in this for the money. Although I won't say that if I ever do get an advance check I won't be screaming from the rooftops...

Wildheart, my heart goes out to you over your belittler. It brought back 40-year-old memories of someone who treated me similarly. In my case, it had to do with heavy hips and thighs that affected my walk. One who was purportedly my friend told me, "If I had a swing like that, I'd put it in my backyard." It hurt. A couple decades later, I related the tale to a good friend who also knew this person. She started laughing. "She said that? She must have been talking about herself, because she's much wider through the hips than you are." She was right. In hindsight, I'll bet someone said that to her, and it was so hurtful she was trying to pass it on so she wouldn't be the only one bearing the pain.

I agree with Tanja. It wasn't your shortcomings that poisoned your tormentor's mouth but her own. In your place, I would choose to end the friendship rather than put myself in the line of fire on a regular basis. I eventually learned that toxic friendships aren't really friendships at all, and those relationships aren't worth the pain they produce.

Thank you for sharing your story! It means a lot to me. Really. Knowing that others have been in this position makes it easier for me to just let this, and the person go.

Thank you Texanne! In a way I do feel triumphant. Considering it has been so hard for me to hold onto ideas long enough to finish them...this is a big deal.

But something very hurtful happened recently, which has taken away the high of finishing. It sucks when other writers pick on you just because you wrote a book faster than them. I don't know what made this individual act the way they did, but their comments really hurt. Lashing out at me and telling me I'm just in this for the money. Saying I haven't even studied the craft. Even going as far to say I don't care about writing or my themes.

So how do I get those bad thoughts out of my head? I don't want to enter revision with negative thoughts like this. Any sage advice for me?

Sweet! I'm glad I'll be able to fix my world in HTRYN. I think it is one of the more glaring issues of my book.

Oh, Wildheart! There are some people in this world who just like to keep others from making progress. When you do make progress, it threatens them, so they like to try to keep things even by cutting you down.

Jealousy and envy can make some people into nasty little trolls, hiding in the bushes and springing out to attack anyone who gets near the bridges they guard. The person who has criticized you is just trying to guard her bridge. In her mind, she has not succeeded because she has not studied her craft or feels that she has not paid her dues. Your classmates are right to say that this person is passing on to you something that someone had said to her about her writing.

You should feel sorry for her because she is an unhappy person, an ailing vampire who needs to kill or weaken others in order to sustain her own self image. Feel sorry for her, then let her go. She's not good for you or for any other writer, either--and I pity her kids!

This kind of thing happens in writers' groups sometimes. In fact, I was listening to a writer say that writing groups often cut down the best writers. This is not to say that all groups do this. But some groups do. So, take heart, knowing that this person has, with her criticism, acknowledged your achievement.

Your responsibility is not to keep her happy, or even to make peace with her. Your responsibility is to yourself, to your writing, to the stories you have to share with readers. Feel sorry for this person, then let her go, because you don't need useless negativity coming at you.

And, later, when you hurt less, be a little bit grateful to her because she has helped you develop strength and presence of mind, and she has also shown you how to write a really great villain.

Your victory is untouched by this person, the confetti still sparkles, and the boa still belongs to you. Rock on! TX

You are certainly right about some people being threatened by progress and wanting to cut others down. I just wish it wasn't true!

I am trying to feel sorry for her. I'll admit its a little harder to let her go, but I am doing that as well.

Maybe its a good thing I don't go to a writer's group. I don't think I'd be able to deal with people constantly belittling my work. I know you said not all groups do this...but I don't really want to take that chance at the moment. I'm still so new at this and worried that if enough people cut me down I won't want to keep going.

You are right of course. I shouldn't focus on this person or even continue with the situation. I need to focus on my first draft that is now finished that I need to revise, focus on making this thing shine.

Oh man, some people...some situations I have gone through have made great villains in my fiction. The story I am planning now has a MC that had the same kind of childhood I did (a really bad one). Only problem is I think people might connect the dots that she is actually me. But that's another problem entirely. And you are right again, she has shown me ways to make my villains deeper and more interesting. And in the end hopefully I can be grateful for at least that bit.

Oh yes, I still feel the victory! And all of you should know...I signed up for HTRYN today. I kind of did something bad though. I read the first lesson and almost died. I'm scared to start the revision process but excited too. Tell me...is there anywhere on the HTRYN forums that can help me better with the worksheets? I'm not sure I understand the second section.

[Texanne]

It would be nice if every child could have a perfect childhood. However, this would give us a world full of grownups without a clue. They don't call life The School of Hard Knocks for nothing.
And on a happier note, yes, there are plenty of discussions going on over at HTRYN. Some of the threads are old, but you know if you reply to anything the thread gets rejuvenated. Most folks had some trouble with at least one lesson. Different folks had troubles with different parts of the process. Feel welcome and comfortable--you already know a lot of the folks there. It's the same forum software, too. Just different lessons and assignments. TX