I was reading an interview with Games of Thrones author George RR. Martin and he said some things that made me think that we're not so different from published authors.
Question: What took you so long to write this book?
I've been doing a ton of rewriting, trying to get it where I wanted it to be. Some of these chapters I've rewritten more times than I can count before I'm satisfied with them.
Question: How do you feel Dragons (his newest book) will compare to his others?
Sometiems I think, "This is terrific, I did really well," and sometiems I look at what I've written and think, "That's garbage, I don't have any talent at all." Ultimately it's up to the fans and critics and reviewers - your own judgment is always suspect.
I've never read these books, but it did make me feel better to know that even best selling authors get the same feelings I do.
Have a great weekend.
Note: I didn't type in his whole answer to the questions. To see the whole interview it's in Entertainment Weekly.
15 comments:
Love those books and eagerly awaiting Dragons. I only hope my books garner as much praise.
Yeah, it's good to know that I'm not the only who vacillates between this is complete drivel and this is great stuff.
Your own opinion is usually suspect...so true.
Edge of Your Seat Romance
I read over and over an author's blogs that writing is still just as hard after - or even more b/c then you have deadlines and the pressure of living up to your last book.
Loved this. I'm glad published authors feel like we do as well. It's good to know we aren't alone. :)
I've read the first two in this series, and they're excellent. But you're right, that's not really the point. We all have doubts.
I guess it shows that everyone feels the grip of uncertainly.
Once I realized that JK Rowling wrestled her way through the 4th Harry Potter book - and literally wanted to chuck the thing out the window - I had a much easier time feeling normal about my writing experience. :)
Yes it is strangely comforting to know that successful authors are plagued by the same doubt we are, and that everything doesn't magically come together on the first pass.
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I think the only difference between writers is those that are published and those that aren't.
We generally have the same fears and wants and needs.
Yay, I'm ready to be a published author. :D
It is very encouraging to realize that we are doing it just like the published people. Those were very familiar feelings. :) Thanks for sharing.
People are people. We are incredibly self critical. I think it's especially prevalent among writers.
So true! I think sometimes those of us still striving to land agents and sign publishing contracts think things will suddenly feel different when we do. Maybe some of the pressure about query letters (the devil's work, I tell you!) will go away. . . but the rest of the stresses & fears of being a writer will still be there.
Great post!
Ain't doubt grand? With it, we still have hope on the other side. The hope side ALWAYS outweighs the doubt side.
I know that once I have an agent things will be a little less stressful about that, but then there is ALWAYS going to be a different trauma going on. That's the business. :)
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