Who knew it would take more than two years to complete the first draft of my work-in-progress, entitled Frailties of Trust, a working title only. If I had known that going in to this project, I may have decided otherwise. But it was worth the effort. Why? Not because I think it’s a gem (but hopefully not trash), nor because I’m sure it will be published (but I’d love for it to be). It was worth it because I learned an immense amount about writing and about myself in the process.
Prior to attempting the work-in-progress, I immersed myself in a cloud of online learning. That was valuable, but the practice of (almost) daily writing was of even more value. This stuff is hard! I know, I know, nobody said it would be easy. But as so many authors have said, there is no substitute for putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys, in my case).
As to lessons learned about myself, there have been a couple of surprising ones. First of all, prior to this exercise, I had no idea how much I would enjoy the whole process: conceiving of the story; planning and plotting; inventing characters and settings; and ‘living’ in this fictional world for so many hours per day, days per year, for two years. Secondly, I really didn’t think I had the determination, willpower and belief in myself to see this through.
Now I’m not unaware of what lies ahead: several rounds of edits; merciless chopping of words, sentences, perhaps even chapters; honest feedback from impartial beta readers; and, no doubt, a lot more self-doubting.
I’m pretty sure I could use a glass of wine before I continue.
author doug