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Knowing When to Walk Away, Run, or Stay with That Novel You’re Writing
It’s been so long
When I down-sized five years ago, moving from 2600 square feet to 1100, and getting rid of about 70% of belongings, I had to go through shelves and filing cabinets of old manuscripts. There were at least two full novels, some beginnings of more, and boxes of notebooks of ideas.
I kept a couple of the notebooks. I knew that neither of the novels was in my computer — they were too old. I also knew I’d never re-write them. And if I did, I’d be working from the ideas that were in them, not the words.
So I tossed, along with about five hundred snail mail rejection letters. Sometimes, it’s just Time. And your gut lets you know. No, I’m not saying you have to do this; I just know what it feels like to make the choice.
Those novels had sat for years… But I have taken up stale projects, and gone on. What’s the difference?
Close to your heart
It’s particularly tough when you’re looking at a project close to your heart and gut, one that’s been with you through a decade or more, maybe even through a writing program, or worked through multiple drafts with a writing group. You know: when you have the feeling that this walking away is tantamount to abandoning one’s self…