For most of the 6+ years I’ve been writing, I’ve worked on only those projects I’ve considered marketable. I’ve not given myself enough time to just play. To write snippets of witty dialog. To write a scene that’s been playing in my head, but has no other story around it. To worldbuild for fun. I focused so much on selling my work, that my pleasure in it was all wrapped up on getting acceptances. Not any more. I’m returning to what made writing what I’ve always wanted to do in the first place.

Megs, you are a fabulous commenter just as you are. You always have such thoughtful things to say. No need to apologize.

I don’t like that. I learned from writing fanfiction that it’s okay to write it a dozen ways (and more in your head) before you get it right. A writer NEEDS the mindset that this material can be covered in another, different story. It’s freeing to know I can write the same story eight to ten different ways and my brain won’t tire of it before I hit upon the one I just LOVE.

That’s something photographers understand, but I think the real reason why writers won’t do it is because they’re afraid of the time, commitment, and effort involved in making words something less precious and more raw material to mold LATER to our will. But that’s something we have to get over if we’re ever going to produce that VOLUME of words we want to. Words aren’t precious. Only the final, chosen words are.

Or in another way of putting it, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

Now, back off the soapbox and wondering where all THAT came from… :blushes: Thanks, Rabia, for the links. Even if I don’t comment on everything, I’m reading. I promise.