How do you know when something is a sow's ear and not a silk purse?
By DoriLentrich
@DoriLentrich (1016)
United States
4 responses
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
27 Sep 09
If I still love what I've written I know it's worth the continued effort. If I'm struggling to write it, I know it is time to put it to rest.
2 people like this
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
1 Oct 09
Letting a piece sit seems to be the best advice. Loving the piece after its sat is a good way to judge it. If you can still generate the passion that got you to write it in the first place, it's probably worth it to keep going. Otherwise, it might just have to sit for quite a bit longer.
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
1 Oct 09
It's advice I give to those who think they've written the best thing ever. While it may deflate the ego a bit it does benefit the writer in the long run.
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
30 Sep 09
Putting it away is a good way to look at it objectively. But, what tells you that the piece isn't going anywhere? Is it a feeling or something else?
Some things just can't be salvaged. It's sometimes hard to see when you're polishing a rock as opposed to a diamond.
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
27 Sep 09
It's funny. I am a lot more critical of my writing when it is actually going on than later. Oftentimes, I am surprised that something I wrote turned out so well when I go back and read it later on. During the writing process, it all seems like a sow's ear to me. I guess the lesson is to have a little faith in yourself and your abilities.
Good luck with your writing!
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
11 Oct 09
You are so right. The internal editor is not a good thing when you're in the creative part of writing. He/she sits on your shoulder telling you that everything you're typing is awful. When you finally banish him/her and look back over it, you realize that he/she was wrong. I've fought that many times, myself. That's why I lock my internal editor in a big box and put him in the closet. He sits there until it's time to get out the red pen. After being put in his place, so to speak, he's much more amenable to being constructive.
@KhoiPhish (44)
• Canada
28 Sep 09
Before I throw up my hands and walk away I usually get someone I trust to read it. Usually a close friend because I know they'll give me an honest opinion and ways to fix whatever was bugging me or them. Plus a pair of fresh eyes never hurts anything.
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I agree 100%. Almost everyone needs to get that second look from someone they trust. Even then, odds are the two of you won't catch everything.
