I was at a workshop the other day and reading out my work. Okay, I must admit I was thoroughly enjoying myself. True it was a bit rough in places being the first draft but the criticism I found odd.
I did make sure everyone knew it was a first draft but they did criticize the finish. Which was fine – I knew there was a problem. Then one said – Don’t worry, it’s only because you love the story.
I gave a quizzical look. Then the second nodded sagely and said that you didn’t understand the construction until you were tired of your work.
So – I answered – I need to hate the text to get a better finish.
They nodded.
But is this true. Is a story not complete until you have gone over it so much that you can’t stand the sight of it? I really hope not.
The odd thing is that I’m not sure I will ever hate the story I am writing. Even if I have to go over it 20 times. But when is too much? I want my story to be the best but not over-worked.
I think I’m just going to have to work it as much as I think it needs. After all, I’m not looking for perfection, just a good story told well. 🙂
Kate Murray 
That’s an interesting question that I haven’t thought of before. Good post!
Thanks. I find it a bit of a conundrum. 🙂
I don’t think I could hate anything I write. It you can’t like it yourself, how can you expect anyone else to. I think it’s more of a personality thing. I have looked back upon some of my older stuff and thought, oh my god! But I haven’t hated it. I understand, back then, I saw things from a different perspective that’s all.
I know. I was shocked that the people at the workshop thought this was a known writing process. That you have to not like your work by the time it’s finished. I love all the things I write. Okay, maybe there are a couple I only like, but I don’t hate anything.
I hope they didn’t give you the: “We are so wise look.” Now there’s something I hate. lmao
I couldn’t possibly say… but… 🙂
I have to say this isn’t new to me. Everyone’s process is different but I am one of those writers who knows a story is done by how much it makes me want to puke haha. This has nothing to do with me coming to a point where I think it’s not any good but it has to do with how much time I’ve spent working on it, too much probably, and when I get to the point where I really can’t stand the sight of it anymore, I usually know it’s time to let it go. Hope this offered some more perspective and you don’t think I’m crazy.
Not crazy at all. 🙂 I think people just work in different ways.
Maybe the point that they were making was the to perfect something we should look at every aspect of the story so much that we hate its imperfections.
It could be. The problem is recognising the imperfections. If you love your piece of work it is difficult to see its faults. At least I find it difficult. 🙂