There is no great writing, only great rewriting.
--Justice Brandeis
“Can I read that?” *pointing to computer screen with little pictures of folders on it*
“Um…no.” *me with narrowed eyes, trying to figure out why*
“Oh come on Carolyn, it can’t be that bad.”
“Sorry. It’s locked away in my computer until the sun stops shining.”
“But it’s your first story. Ever.”
“No. it’s the first draft of my first story. Ever.”
“So, can I read it.”
“Um, did you hear me? No.”
“I’ll come and do your dishes for a week.”
“You said that last time you wanted to go to that thing with those people. It never happened. No.”
“How about your laundry? I’ll come do your laundry for a month.”
“Wow, you have me tempted, but still – No.”
“Why not?” *hands on hips, pouty look on face*
“Well, for one thing, it’s a first draft, which means it doesn’t have any cool flamboyant vocabulary added in. There is not as much humor in it as I would like and the detail…needs more. It’s just the bare bones of the story.”
“Bones, huh?”
“Yeah, crunchy first-draft dry bones.”
“You need some meat on those bones.”
“Exactly.” *eyebrows moving up in amazement because person finally understands*
“So…” long dramatic pause. “What if I give you some chocolate? Like a whole bag full?”
“You got yourself a deal.”
6 comments:
This is like me. I have no problem having my critique group or others tear my work to shreds--when I'm good and ready to print it out and hand it over. But I CANNOT have anyone looking over my shoulder AS I write.
Not even a preschooler who can't read.
That's kind of how I'm feeling about this current first draft. I'd prefer to write this one in the dark, away from everyone, until I have the basics down for what I want. Then, once I clean it up some, I'll take it to group and see how it does.
Annette, I know how you feel. Sometimes I'm even embarrassed to have my critique group look it over, but they always help me make it better.
L.T. your current draft is excellent. You have great talent! And I really really mean it! =)
I would have taken the laundry offer. A month's laundry. You got it. But if it's chocolate you want....I'll bring the chocolate.
LG p.s. I love that quote.
The chocolate was my breaking point. Now I'll have to get up early to walk with you in the mornings.=) Thanks Linda
I too can't have over the shoulder readers. I feel some how foolish because I know what I am working on isn't polished. And fearful that someone will see the rough bones and judge it as my best work.
Post a Comment