I know it's good to always try to improve more and more in your writing, but is there ever a point when you have said, "I'm actually happy with where I'm at now."
I feel like stylistically (perhaps that ever elusive "voice") I'm pretty happy with where I am. When it comes to cohesiveness, character development, and actual craft though, I still have a way to go. Editing is getting me closer and closer and is in fact the only way I see myself personally growing. Writing a hundred first drafts is a dubious distinction I don't want.
I don't think you ever have to be completely happy with your current skills, but at least be content with them. I feel like there's a fine line between "ready for publication" and "greatest thing I've ever written." I know everyone wants to make a good first impression, but how can you make that first impression if you're never satisfied with where you're at as a writer?
A conundrum for sure.
My feeling is that if you can read through your work and:
a. Say "I wrote this?"
b. Laugh
c. Cry a little at the sad parts (or the insanely funny parts)
d. Excitedly think "I have to show this to someone."
e. Work furiously to get it polished to see the light of day
f. Sigh then say "It's finished."
...then you may just be closer to where you want to be than you think.
I feel like stylistically (perhaps that ever elusive "voice") I'm pretty happy with where I am. When it comes to cohesiveness, character development, and actual craft though, I still have a way to go. Editing is getting me closer and closer and is in fact the only way I see myself personally growing. Writing a hundred first drafts is a dubious distinction I don't want.
I don't think you ever have to be completely happy with your current skills, but at least be content with them. I feel like there's a fine line between "ready for publication" and "greatest thing I've ever written." I know everyone wants to make a good first impression, but how can you make that first impression if you're never satisfied with where you're at as a writer?
A conundrum for sure.
My feeling is that if you can read through your work and:
a. Say "I wrote this?"
b. Laugh
c. Cry a little at the sad parts (or the insanely funny parts)
d. Excitedly think "I have to show this to someone."
e. Work furiously to get it polished to see the light of day
f. Sigh then say "It's finished."
...then you may just be closer to where you want to be than you think.