Remember when you began your first draft of your first-ever novel? I certainly do.

Let's be real. Everybody hates their old, dusty, attempt at a manuscript. Going back on what I wrote for the first few chapters of Anonymous...well, it's safe to say that was a bad idea and I never, ever want to do it again.
I had handwritten the first three hundred pages, and I started scrambling when I found one of my friends opening the journal I had written in and beginning to read.

But how do you really go back on that draft?
A common question is, "how do I edit my old work?" You don't.

You rewrite, and rewrite, and rewrite. And as boring as it sounds, it all pays off in the end. Sometimes, trying to fix the unfixable is worse than returning to the first page. The solution was right there in front of you all along. You just didn't want to admit it.

And I've been there. Trust me, I have. I think every author has at some point in their career. If you don't like the way you wrote something, change it. Simple.
Definitely not simple...
I've been there too. It all comes back to how terribly you want your dreams to come true, how hard you work for it, and how much you want the satisfaction of looking at the physical copy in your hands.

It's not impossible, but it's a skill that takes a long time to build.

I don't blame you for wanting to give up, whether you're one page in or one thousand, but just know that a handful of critically acclaimed authors have experienced this before, and they all pushed through. Look where that got them.

I find that speaking to others about my work is the most motivational thing I can do for myself, especially when they acknowledge me in return.

Another thing that helps is finding the perfect playlist for me. Music plays a big part in my writing journey, lyrical or instrumental.

The third thing is a cozy atmosphere. We're talking warm lights, a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, a blanket, and personally, my small rat of a dog. Don't forget the snacks!

Lastly, as you lay in your bed at night, waiting for sleep, think about your characters, their personalities, even the plot. Do you know how many times I have come up with resolutions to my plot holes while in bed? I had to jump up and write them down!

Thank you for tuning in to "Writing Evolution", episode one of "Writing With Purpose". The next upcoming topic is "Characters and how to *realistically* write them". See you there!

Don't forget to join my reading and writing group, Under the Weeping Willow, for live writing sessions, games, and more!

You may also request virtual training, personal or with a group, virtual editorial or brainstorming meetings, and much, much more.

Have a nice day!