One of the hardest things an author has to do during the process of writing, editing, and publishing, is figuring out when to stop. It’s a hamster wheel. Heck, I don’t often read my own books, not because I don’t love them, but because I ALWAYS find something I want to fix. It’s so hard to just…stop. Of course, as I just pulled the trigger on NIGHT WISH–which is live now, by the way–the idea of clinging to a WIP is on my mind. And of course, the Universe is right on top of things.
Often, Silver, having what you want is a function of letting go of what you have.
If you know what I mean.
Want something?
The Universe
©www.tut.comOdd, huh, Silver, the stuff some folks cling to?
It is odd, though I finally broke the habit. Well, mostly. Way back in 2006, a friend told me about National Novel Writing Month. The whole premise is to write a book of at least 50K words during the month of November. I’ve done it every year. And I’ve won it every year. More than a few of the books written during NaNo have gone on to publication. I would never have finished SEASON OF THE WITCH, my first NaNo project without figuring out how to stop clinging. In 11 days, I’ll be participating in my 15th NaNo. And when December 1st comes around, I’ll have a new book done, turned in, and I won’t be clinging onto it. Writers, do you cling? And readers, what do you cling to?
Silver James 
Yep yep yep. We writers have to decide when enough is enough, and just let it fly off into the world on its own. Like you, I don’t read my published books – unless it’s to go back and get the groove for the next book or find something that needs to be verified. Once they’re published, I’m done with them. (Unless a reader sends me a note with typos I missed. Which has happened a couple times.)
Yay for NaNo! I haven’t done an official one in a while, I think. This year ain’t lookin’ good neither. I might be done with the site and just continue to do things on my own. I think the last time I did an official one, you were the only person on my friend list. But hey, if I’ve got to have only one person, you’re the best one to have. =o)
I cling to memories. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Most times, it’s not.
Awwww! I used to have a bunch of “buddies” but then they updated their site and did tweaks and I lost all but like 4 or 5 who reconnected after the upgrade. But, hey, I got to change my name and keep all my “accolades” so it was a win for me. And yeah, you are my BIF, too! 😀
Memories aren’t a bad thing–if they’re good ones. 😉