Navigating the Challenges of Writing Fiction: From Birth Pangs to Publication

Writing fiction is a journey filled with its own unique challenges. As an author, you often find yourself questioning whether your work is good enough. This introspective moment is akin to the birthing process - raw and occasionally painful, but ultimately unveiling a creation steeped in your own grit and determination.

The Birth Pangs of an Idea

In the heart of creation, the initial idea can seem perfect and untouchable, gleaming like a newborn god. It's clean and untouched by the harsh reality that awaits. However, bringing this vision to life through the crucible of your thoughts proves to be a difficult task. The fragile purity of the idea is gradually molded and shaped until it emerges in a form that is forever changed - never quite as pristine as its original conception. This is the raw, gnarly reality of writing fiction.

Over-Familiarity and Decline in Quality

Once the writing process begins, things take a dramatic twist. Mental over-familiarity with the work can lead to a decline in its quality, no matter how well-developed the initial idea may have been. Scenes that were once brilliant and engaging can become tedious and repetitive, as the writer notices warts that were initially hidden.

Consider the analogy of assembling an IKEA dresser blindfolded. You'll inevitably run into obstacles, curse, get frustrated, and even injure yourself. When the assembly is complete, the final product may not meet the standards of the catalog, but it's yours and it's real. Similarly, a novel that undergoes numerous drafts will reflect the intricate details of the creation process, its imperfections and its authenticity.

Revising and Refining

Once the work is complete, it's important to remember that the initial draft is just the start. Over-familiarity with the content can lead to a detailed examination of scenes that once flowed seamlessly, like looking at a person's veins and nerve endings instead of appreciating their beauty.

Professional editor Elana Sigall once imparted a valuable lesson to law school students about writing voice over mechanical perfection. This advice is invaluable in maintaining a unique and authentic voice throughout the writing process. Writing freely and allowing the subconscious to dictate the narrative can lead to surprising revelations and insights.

Importance of a Casual Writing Space

Having a casual space to write can provide the necessary distance and detachment to revisit a work with fresh eyes. It's important not to over-edit, as this can stifle the raw thought and meandering nature of the writing. Instead, allow the narrative to flow freely and then return later to refine and ensure accuracy.

After completing a draft, returning to the first chapter with the full context of the entire work can be crucial for revision. This allows for a holistic improvement that elevates the narrative and ensures a cohesive story.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the goal of writing fiction is not to produce a flawless masterpiece, but to create a work that is uniquely yours. Embracing the challenges of the writing process and the imperfections that arise can lead to a more genuine and authentic final product. With patience and a willingness to let go of the need for perfection, you can produce a work that resonates with readers and personally holds your name.