Reflections on Writers: WIPs & Neverbes

An author whose work and generosity I deeply admire, E. M. Swift-Hook, recently posted an exchange with a self-published writer who took exception to the suggestion that his work just might not be Booker Award quality*:

"...I was trying to tell someone ..., very gently, the reason they were getting not so good reviews for their clearly so wonderful book, was that it might not be quite as good as they thought it was and they might benefit by considering a few alterations here and there to tone down the purple prose, increase the pace, avoid the head-hopping that was so confusing to a reader etc. And they flipped out, accusing me of all kinds of ill-intent and finishing with a charge of envy."

* Used with E.M. Swift-Hook's consent

Having worked with some fairly massive egos over the years (NOBODY does ego like Hollywood, lemme tell ya), Ms Swift-Hook's experience reminded me that there is an attitudinal difference between writers who are, or will eventually become, professional authors and those who doom themselves to 'never-be' status.  The core of that difference is the willingness to separate one's self from the words on the page and to look at one's story for itself.  

Separating oneself from the sweat, tears, and emotional investment in your words is the kind of challenge that gets easier with practice.  In writing, as in life, we're all still Works in Progress.  The good news is, we can correct the WIPs on the page a whole lot easier.

I think of readying a story like raising a child:

INITIAL FIRST DRAFT While you're writing, your story is a baby in your womb (sorry, guys; you'll just have to use your imagination.  Or ask your wives...).  You protect it, cherish it, nurture it until you type 'The End'.  At that point, it's born.

COMPLETED FIRST DRAFT:  Once the story's on the page, it's not your baby any more; it's your kid.  And as with any of your flesh and blood children, it's your duty to shape and guide it into a being that can stand on its own & merit respect.  If that means an extended dose of tough love, so be it.  It also means this is where you REALLY NEED fresh, expert eyes for guidance, because you just can't see all your kid's flaws.

PUBLICATION DRAFT:  Once you hit 'publish' you have declared your story is all grown up. It now has to stand on its own two feet (even if your flesh and blood off-spring can't quite seem to manage it).  That means you have enough faith in it to accept or shrug off the inevitable criticisms.

Deciding your story is ready for publication also means that you keep your mind open enough to honestly assess the kinds of reviews your story receives.  Most books receive a mix of reactions.  However, if you see a pattern of reviews pointing out the same problems, then you also need to be willing to admit that maybe, just possibly, you still have some parenting to do.

That's my take?  What's yours?