I just finished first drafts for two new books I’ve been working on. I didn’t plan for the two to happen on the same day. But I inadvertently scheduled it that way. And now is when the doubt sets in. Are these even any good? Is my head full of doo doo nobody wants to hear?
Side note: In case you haven’t noticed a theme in my blogs, I’m desperately insecure. And I’d wager I’m not that different from you. We are all so insecure. Now back to me.
I firmly believe this is the hardest part of the creative process. It’s the editing and waiting. It’s taking a step back, regaining your breath, and re-evaluating your own work – without tearing it to shreds and never letting it see the light of day.
This is when your idea is most fragile. You’ve saturated yourself with the idea and you’re frankly sick of it. You hold the idea in contempt and know everyone else will too.
But you have to take a step back. You have to let it rest. Float it by some people you trust. Let them wrestle with it for you. You might find out it’s better than you’re feeling. You might find out it actually is doo doo, but it probably isn’t.
I’ve found when I put my work to the side, I can pick it up later with fresh eyes. If I wait a week or two – stop thinking about it, then re-evaluate it later – I can see it clearly. Sometimes I find myself nodding, saying, “That’s good stuff.”
That’s a really good place to be.
But the only way you’ll get there is if you step back. Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve done the work. Take a break. Stop thinking about it. Let it rest.
