Some Good Reads & Advice from a “Perfectionist” Author

Feb 16, 2023 1:21 am

Some Good Reads & Advice from a “Perfectionist” Author

"Perfect is the enemy of good." ---Voltaire

I agree with Voltaire.

A few years ago, one of my friends handed me a printout of an article by Tim Herrera of the New York Times: “It’s Never Going to Be Perfect, So Just Get It Done.”

I think my friend was trying to tell me something.

At the time, I felt bad about how little I’d accomplished with my first book, Wyldling Snare. I’d been reworking the first installment of the Wyldling Series for the past several months, which basically means I was rewriting everything to fit into my new vision for the novel. Every time I believed that I’d made some progress, my brain would suddenly vomit forth an idea or three about something I really should’ve included in a previous chapter. This is part of the reason why it took me so long to finish Wyldling Snare in the first place. That, and over-editing.

I found a way to discipline myself on this front… just a little bit. And it has helped me now that I’m at the revision phase for the second book, Wyldling Trials.

In order to keep myself from sliding off the Cliffs of Insanity and into shrieking eel-infested waters, I simply make a note of every new idea in the book outline and then move on reworking each chapter, one at a time.

It's slow going, but everything is working out according to the plan.

I ask Myself: So, you have an actual plan? That's great! What is it?

Myself responds: To finish writing my book and then try to get it published?

I: Yeah, but have you set some achievable goals?

Myself: Huh? Goals? What are those?

Me: *gingerly raises hand* Um, guys?

I: Seriously? *rolls eyes* Myself, did you at least set a deadline?

Myself: Well, you know what they say about deadlines…

I: Now you’re just making excuses!

Myself: Yes. Yes, I am.

Me: *jumping up and down* Hey, guys! Feeling a mite peckish, here. Let's get some Doritos.

I and Myself: Heck yeah! Count us in.

Bottom-line: Beware folks, for Perfectionism = Procrastination.

Also, Doritos are delicious.

(The above bit is paraphrased from what originally appeared in my blog)

Awesome Fantasy Books

While you are waiting (oh, so patiently) for Wyldling Trials to come out, I have three book recommendations to satisfy your craving for the weird and fantastic. I read and enjoyed them all, and I hope you do, too!

Also, if you haven't read Wyldling Snare, yet, it's available on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and you can read for free on Kindle Unlimited

Fantasy Books Available on Kindle Unlimited

https://books.bookfunnel.com/awesomefantasy2023/4zvo2wfvsj

Fantastic Freebies Available for a Limited Time:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/freefantasyfeb23/xgxeug5qts

https://books.bookfunnel.com/freefantasyfeb/5f76am14ey

https://books.bookfunnel.com/morefantasy/opf2i9gim2

Well, that’s all I have for you this week. Keep reading and carry on!

All the best,

A.R. Grimes

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Comments

Kristen

I also struggle with perfectionism. I didn't even know it was perfectionism until are started looking for guidance from other authors. The advice helps in so many ways. Thanks for the bit of humor with the Me, Myself, and I sketch. I do that too. Kristen @bubblyauthor.kd@gmail.com