Why do I doubt my writing so much?
Like any good artist, I never really consider my work complete. I have yet to write a story that I am satisfied with 100%, which is why much of my work gets edits, revisions, and re-releases from time to time. I find it hard to accept that a story I write in 2007 will be up to my standards in 2010.
Suffice to say, I do have to draw a line somewhere. Such is the case with many of my "instant" shorts - stories I write for classes or experimental work that I write; I simply write them, revise once, and call it good.
Then there are my big, personal works. "Almost Home," the last major short story that I completed (three years ago...) feels dated and unreadable to me. I simply won't let it into the wild without first posting a "get what you take" disclaimer.
In workshop today, my still-unfinished "Almost Home 2" was put through the paces. As a story that was begun/last touched years ago, I was expecting a bashing. Instead everyone came away with the expected reservations of "it's clunky here, but..." all the while still yearning for the second half. The desire to keep reading, to find out what happens next: that's the heart of good fiction, and that's what I strive for in my stories. If nothing else, today really encouraged me to finish "Almost Home 2," wrap up some loose ends, and then redraft it with my up-to-date writing standards that I always strive for. Question is, will I have time to do it? Probably not.
Oh well, here's to hoping. Out.
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