The Day I Realized My Writing Was In Shambles

I am a writer.

Yes, I know you knew that. You are all very clever people. In fact, I am certain most of you know that being a writer isn't just about writing, right?

Correct. Being a writer entails a wider spectrum of tasks that one must consider. Writing on it's own, just isn't enough. You must read - a lot - and you must enjoy it.

But there has always been one aspect of writing I avoided like the plague - which my friend Dasia has right now. Not for realsies, but she does deserves a virtual hug -  editing.

*shivers*

Yes, editing has been something I've tried to avoid for much too long. I've been doing a darn good job of it too. Tossing completed first drafts into my own slushpile, to be edited later.

Later just never came. Until now.

I'm not at all addicted to Twitter <---sarcasm for those new to the planet. As such, I would never blame it for my sudden panic attack.
  
If, however, I was addicted and if  I wanted something to blame, then it would be Twitter. I was trolling Twitter and my favourite blogs, when it hit me. Everyone is SO much further ahead in their writing career. I use the word career loosely, as I know some people will say... I haven't made any money off my writing, therefore it is not a career. You lie, Angie! You LIE!

Anyway...

My panic attack unfolded as such:

Huh, everyone is submitting query letters and contacting agents. OH EM GEE, should I? Wait - there's nothing for me to flog. I haven't actually finished  anything. DAMN IT! 

So this, my dear reader, is when I realized that if an agent came up to me tomorrow and said:

Hey! You are rockin' awesome! Can I see some of your completed manuscripts?

(Let's pretend this could happen, okay? Okay.) 

I'd have to say: Umm, no. Nothing is finished.

*Le Sigh*

I could very well miss out on the opportunity of a freakin' lifetime, all because I was too lazy - or whatever other excuses I've used - to edit.

Right now my dear buddy J. Birch is totally shaking his head at me. Sorry, Dude.

So there you have it. Two first draft novels complete, three in progress, four short stories, and countless poems, all waiting to be looked at. SHAMBLES, I tells ya!

My aversion to editing only extends as far as my own work. I am more than happy to help others. I'm part of two critique groups and always willing to give feedback to anyone. Apparently I am above helping myself?! In the immortal words of Charlie Brown - Good Grief.

No more tossing my first drafts to the side, for later. No more excuses. Time to suck it up, buttercup! I started editing my NaNoWriMo novel so when this mysterious agent does show up, I can whip it out with pride.

That does sound scandalous, doesn't it?