or, How a Throwaway Song Became a Classic Hit – and What It Means for Writers | Mick Jagger and Keith Richards didn't like "Satisfaction" though they tried to make it better. And they tried. And they tried. What can writers learn from this?
The writer is seldom the best judge of their work. They’re (we’re) too close to it. We can never hear it (or read it) for first time like our audience can. So definitely let someone else have a listen (or a read). Nice work again, Graham.
Finishing things. So important. Even if something doesn’t catch or convey what I meant it to, it might still convey something worthwhile--or possibly better. Thanks for the reminder.
I once famously (among certain circles) finished writing a long section of the novel that I knew halfway through was never going to make the cut. But I did it because I figured it might help me explore the character and the story more. I can't remember precisely what was salvaged from the doomed journey, but even if it was nothing tangible, there was certainly enough intangible to make it all worthwhile!
Thanks for the insight, and glad you liked the post!
The writer is seldom the best judge of their work. They’re (we’re) too close to it. We can never hear it (or read it) for first time like our audience can. So definitely let someone else have a listen (or a read). Nice work again, Graham.
Thanks Terry -- glad you liked it!
Yeah, I'm usually a pretty good judge of my day-job writing, but one of the hardest adjustments for me in writing fiction is not having a clue... lol
I think I'm getting better at it, but it will never be a substitute for another set of eyes or 12!
Writers rarely know what their best stuff is until other people see it. We're lucky Mick and Keith got outvoted by the other guys.
Ha - agree 100% on both points!
It's also encouraging to see actual rock stars get it wrong. Gives hope for all of us who are still at pre-rock star status!
Finishing things. So important. Even if something doesn’t catch or convey what I meant it to, it might still convey something worthwhile--or possibly better. Thanks for the reminder.
I once famously (among certain circles) finished writing a long section of the novel that I knew halfway through was never going to make the cut. But I did it because I figured it might help me explore the character and the story more. I can't remember precisely what was salvaged from the doomed journey, but even if it was nothing tangible, there was certainly enough intangible to make it all worthwhile!
Thanks for the insight, and glad you liked the post!