I’ve recently posted about how much I overload myself. I know I need to stop doing this, but I’m not sure how to. This is because of two parts of my nature. First, my love of constructing theory. I adore writing a new theory, and get excited by it. Second, is my inability to rewrite. It seems so massive. It seems like a high wall that cannot be climbed. Even trying to take it part by part doesn’t work. The excitement is gone by this stage. Both of these characteristics are summarized by this (just replace sale with research project):
God, I am sick.
Quite different from the ideal found over at whatisthewhat. Particularly note the insane shredding of the roll as research project. The original writing is me stroking the roll (oh YEAH!). But I write, construct this (to me) beautiful thing that I know has imperfections, but still, I create this logic. But, in the process, I become JoJo the Idiot Circus Boy. ARGH.
Once I write something and get comments I have a horrible time rewriting. It’s terribly hard for me. I almost just want to throw it out and start from scratch. How do you guys rewrite? Do you have any method to attack the madness?
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I don’t know that I have an answer myself, but I recommend you check out The Clockwork Muse, by Eviatar Zerubavel. His plan for writing consists of 4 drafts, and the rewrite between drafts 1 and 2 is really more of a start over: new piece of paper, new ideas and borrow some from draft 1. I think this may fit well with your style.
Comment by tina June 1, 2008 @ 7:46 amI put that vid up over at my house to remind me that the process of writing WILL HAVE NO CATHARTIC MOMENT, at least not until some unspecified time, years from now. And thinking that gives me permission to fail. Permission to fail gives me the ability to write.
I try to take myself out of the equation when things get rough. Drop the ego. Pretend you’re editing a student’s paper. Remember its not Shakespeare. It isn’t even monkeys writing Shakespeare.
I don’t know if you listen to pop music, or if you know the (one hit wonder) song by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, or if you misheard the lyrics like I always did…but I encourage myself not to get “wrapped up like a douche, another runner in the night.”
Comment by Jenn Lena June 1, 2008 @ 7:58 am@Jenn: Oh, I don’t think it’s an ego thing, which I can see that you think from what I originally wrote. I’m very VERY thankful for comments, but become at a loss on how to incorporate them. Believe me, my awe inspiring (look at my Pretty Little Pet) lasts while I’m writing the original and about 5 minutes as I revere the pure printed copy. Then, outcomes JoJo!
@Tina: Thank you! I’m going to buy that one and read it. The paper I’m currently rewriting, I’m going to what you suggested, and start over with both the drafts with comments next to me, and go to town! It will make for a FUN Sunday. Actually, the more I think about it, the more sense that does make to me and the way I write. Perhaps spending some time looking at the drafts and outlining the theory, making changes for the flaws it has, and then tackling it from a blank page is exactly what I need to do. I’m getting more confident about my ability to do it that way the more I think about it. THANKS!
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