A Writer's Dozen - Archive

13 Reasons why you should abandon your current manuscript
By Virginia First posted June 2007
Does the story still feel fresh to you? Is it calling you daily to write it, and give it space on the page?  Are you feeling like a dog with a bone, unable to let go even though your teeth and jaw hurt?  Do the characters still give you that zing that forces you to write their words and actions, plotting their next effort or fall?  What did the story look like when you first started to write it, and does it still resemble that original manuscript?  Have you finished it and then revised it to the Nth degree with still no sign of typing "The End" to this polished work?  Are other characters and plots calling to you, demanding that you get on with their story and lives as well as your own?  Given you've had time to write and work with it... Have you worked on this project for more than three years and still not found "The End" of your story?  Is this something for the closet floor that needs to be put there? Have others, including professionals let you know that the plot, characters or conflict are simply not saleable? In which case, lovingly caress the save button and ignore it until it is something the market will embrace as much as you do. Are you weary of others rolling their eyes as you bring this same idea to the table without any real progress being made towards its completion? Have you asked yourself, Is this manuscript getting in the way of my writing? Are you holding your creativity down or is it still flowing within this shining piece of fiction? Are the elements and scenes lying dead on the page, or do they still call you back with fresh ideas of where the next twist in the story will take you? Are you being honest with yourself and your story about it's continued worthiness of your creative genius?