Crappy First Drafts

Cringy.

That's the word that comes to mind when I think of the draft I am attempting to write now. The dialogue sounds unrealistic and boring. The descriptions seem forced. I'm taking too long to get to the action (and part of the problem is that I'm not sure what the action is in this section) and this little voice in the back of my head keeps whispering that I am wasting my time. The thought of someone else reading what I have written at this point makes me want to change my name and move to a foreign country. Ok, that last part was a little melodramatic.

I also feel the need to confess that I am a chronic "re-doer". I have started this project over three times, changing the setting and the point of view around, messing with where to start the story and how. I've written about twenty chapters all togehter, only two of which are still in use.

My instinct is telling me to push through. If I can get this first draft done--even if it's total crap--then maybe I stand a chance of turning it into something readable down the road. Far, far down the road. :) But tonight I'm really struggling for every sentence and I'm doubting myself big time.

Do you guys have this problem too? Any advice?

Word.

Wow, I hope that picture isn't as big as it is in this composition. Anyways, anyone read "A Thousand Splendid Suns"?

I liked "The Kite Runner " a lot and wanted to check out the follow up.

RJ

I am the slime

Fear not, fellow writers, I will not bore thee with ramblings, but I do indeed hope to offer some insight. Maybe drop some knowledge on yo ass.

This is RJ. I am new here. Everyone say hello (Hello RJ!). Thanks for the warm reception.

I'd like to recommend an author for you for my first post. His name is Alan Moore, writer of "The Watchmen" "From Hell" and "V for Vendetta." He is my favorite author. Yes, he writes comic books (I prefer the term Graphic Novel). And his stuff amazes me. Please BUY "The Watchmen". Time magazine rated it a top 100 NOVEL of all time, and the thing is just frickin amazing. I'm giving you the heads up now because in a year you will be seeing "The Watchmen" at the movies.

And it won't be better than the book.

Peace out.

RJ

My toddler ate my brain.

Hey all, (or should I say y'all since I live in Bartow?) thanks for inviting me to the Crooked Table! I will do my best to contribute to the group, but I have to warn you, usually by the time I have chance to sit down at the computer and write, my mind is already shutting down in expectation of bed time. I stay at home with my 2 year old and write every chance that I can get. Currently, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo which is a writing contest during the month of November where a bunch of insane people get together and try to write 50,000 words of a novel in one month. (If you want to join the madness, check out nanowrimo.org. Its free.). But I am definitely interested in meeting other writers who are serious about their craft.

What genres are you guys interested in? I'm kind of a scifi/fantasy/magical realism type of gal. I honestly don't know what category the project I'm working on would fall into.

Anyway, I look forward to getting to know all of you better and to learning more secrets of the trade! :) Thanks again for inviting me Rob. Happy writing!!

Thank you, I now have my feet under your table!

Hello Rob and company!
Thanks for the invitation to your Crooked Table. Sounds like a fun idea, so I am looking forward to this new seating arrangement. Nothing compares to mingling with like-minded people, right?!
Some of you might think I am actually out of my mind. My blog style can be somewhat confusing. You might not be able to tell fact from fiction. Viewers' discretion advised! lol
On a lighter note, I have a thing for satire and humor. Just like to look on the brighter things of life--or not. Anyone got a flashlight?

Like Arni Schwarzi famously said in The Terminator: "I'll be back!"