by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
The beginning of this second draft of my first novel has been a real fucking struggle. I’m now 20-ish days into writing the second draft and I’m still wallowing in the first chapter.
But.
I believe once I get the foundation of this novel wrapped up that I will be able to move far, far quicker. At least, that’s the hope. I can feel my storytelling ability getting stronger, even though the learning curve for writing this second draft has been far, far more sharp than I could have possibly imagined.
I continue to realize how oblivious I was to how hard it is — at least for me — to write a novel that is professional grade and will at least get me within shouting distance of getting a literary agent. Again, I could be in my mid-50s before I actually become a published author but at the point, at least, lulz, what the fuck else am I going to do with my life.
I am in a very curious situation in my life where I’m reminded every day that working on this novel is existential for a number of reasons. I come see my dad in the nursing home just about every day and I am reminded that just because you’re alive doesn’t mean you’re a functioning adult.
So, I struggle on. I still need to more and watch more TV and movies. I have a Netflix account, I might as well use it. I need to distract myself every once in a while to be able to come back to the novel with fresh eyes. I sometimes “run a little too hot” and, as such, am not as productive as might otherwise be.
Wish me luck.
