I’m in the final steps of preparing my novel, My Hope Secured, for publication. I both love and hate this stage. It is exciting because I can see how close I am. It’s frustrating because I keep seeing things I want to change.
I need to let go.
Most of the changes I’m making are very minor. There are a few typos and other mistakes. There are a few minor inconsistencies I really should fix. But most of the revisions I am making are tweaks to the text on things that don’t really matter. Or some of them matter . . . but only to me.
I need to let go.
I don’t think I’ve written about this aspect of being a novelist before. I’ve written about procrastination, and perhaps this is is an aspect of procrastination. The fear of letting go, of sending one’s creation out into the world for public consumption. Because every writer has some trepidation about whether one’s work is good enough.
Most, though not all, of the comments about my earlier novels have been favorable. I’m not embarrassed by those books. And I’m pleased with the content of this book, though I know it isn’t perfect.
I need to let go.
I remember when I worked in the business world, one person who reported to me constantly tweaked presentations until minutes before the time to present. Her work was strong, but she couldn’t let go. She sometimes drove me crazy. But now I find myself doing the same thing. The only difference is that I am driving myself crazy.
I need to let go.
When have you needed to let go of a project?
