Oh, I haven’t ruled out coming back to that story, Sarah. It’s just that when you’ve worked on a WIP for a few years and see the validity in the feedback you receive but struggle to visualize how to apply it… It’s hard to know what else to do but give yourself some time away from the story. So I hope this break will help the story in a way – and help me, too.

I hadn’t thought of that: reading the Acknowledgements section of books you’ve read. And I know off the bad that I’ve seen at least a few examples of what you’re talking about. It’s definitely a good way of reminding ourselves that most – if not all – authors have experienced similar struggles with their work.

Good for you, E. You realized you needed some time and distance away from it, and you gave yourself just that. How have you found the revision process for the WIP since then?

Also, going to the beach is a wonderful remedy to most problems. 🙂

It’s definitely a struggle for every writer. I’m glad this post is resonating with so many writers, whether they’re commenting here to say so or sharing the post on social media. It’s both heart-warming and validating. 🙂

I sometimes think my WIP has more holes than a Swiss Cheese. But a Swiss Cheese is SUPPOSED to have holes! Mind you, so should manuscripts really. It’s a sign of how hard we’re trying.

I find walking good for plotting (my WIP, not to take over the world, although…) and I plugged a few plot holes walking late tonight. Of course, plugging one hole tends to reveal others, but I’ll get there in the end!

You’re welcome, Becca. I just felt the need to be real, I guess, in this latest post. It’s hard to feel comfortable with being in the position of giving advice on writing when you don’t feel so confident with your own craft. I’m just glad that it’s resonating with readers, and giving everyone a chance to share their own experiences and know it’s OK to be vulnerable on this subject. 🙂

You’re welcome, John, and thank you for taking the time to comment. 🙂

It’s so easy to get sucked into the comparison game, isn’t it? Just goes to show how difficult it is to break that cycle, now matter how long we’ve been dealing with it. But remember why we love our current WIP or writing in general can certainly help. In fact, one of my IRL friends who dabbles in writing on the side said something very similar when I was struggling with similar doubts last year… And knowing why you love your craft so much can squelch out that fear for a little while.

Wow. I was thinking about you yesterday, Sara. (Visited your new site, in fact – it’s beautiful!) So the timing of your comment is a bit coincidental. 😉

I love your editor’s advice about a) focusing on what’s right instead of what’s wrong, and b) having fun throughout the process. (The first one especially is something I need help with.) It sounds like you’re taking all the right steps to get not just your WIP, but your creative writing in general, back on track. Take that new mentality, and what you’ve just learned from your editor, and you’ll get there. I’m sure of it.