A Kindred Writer

Yesterday's SCBWI meeting focused on the recent conference. Many of us had attended, and several had critiques. Each of us reported that the critiques were constructive and encouraging. I think a critique is an invaluable opportunity to get feedback and direction from a professional, and I appreciate the writers and editors who speak at the conference each year and also give their time and knowledge and experience to these evaluations.
I've had three different projects critiqued at three conferences, and have learned so much from each one. But the previous two critiques were for writing projects that I put aside, unfinished. I said I have a problem with finishing my projects, and I have too many manuscripts in various stages of development - the stories still in my head, waiting for me to finish writing them. I tend to rewrite chapters and passages over and over until I think they're good enough, but then it's hard to move on from there. But I'm determined to finish this book, so I can have a quality final draft to send out. The group leader, Val, said that most writers who have trouble finishing projects have fear - of either failure or success. I said that's something I'm trying to figure out and work out. And any advice, support and encouragement is appreciated.
Afterwards, Roxanne, a woman who's working on an imaginative YA fantasy novel, came over to me and said she knows just how I feel, because she, too, tends to rewrite a lot, and has had difficulty finishing her projects. She told me that when she was in college, she wrote the beginning of a Tolkienesque fantasy story, and then put it aside. Then, several years later, she was looking around for something new to read to her young son at bedtime, and came across her story. Each night, she read him a chapter, until she ran out of story. And he was so disappointed that there wasn't more - he wanted to know how it turned out!
I could relate to that - there are so many times when I've shared my writing with Ian, or with my WWG friends, and then left them hanging because I didn't finish anything! I told Roxanne it was great to know someone with a similar way of writing - I feel I'm not the only one out there anymore! We promised to encourage each other to keep working on our projects until they're finished. So thanks, Roxanne, for your inspiring words - and I hope you don't mind that I used your story in this post!
Michelle also told the group that she's going to make sure I keep working on What Luck, and that I keep moving forward with it, rather than stay in a cycle of rewriting. I appreciate her, as well as Rich and Lisa, and Ian, for their belief in me and support. Writing is definitely NOT a solitary endeavor. The more I have people pulling for me, the more I want to get to the finish line, to show them it was worth it. When I reach this milestone in my writing, it will be for all of them, as well as for myself.
And yesterday, Michelle and I sent out her manuscript for Blackboard to a contest for a first middle-grade novel. Congratulations, Michelle, on this accomplishment! I've got my fingers crossed for you -- good luck! And now I'm looking forward to the sequel!