Okay. No plums here. And, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, well, google the title of this post. All will be made clear (it’s a great poem – one of my favs!).
Anyhow, this is just to say that I don’t understand why writing some manuscripts makes me question my very existence, and why others leave me breathless and excited and full of a sense of direction.
I recently finished a big revision on the former type, and at some point, I know I’ll be going back to it. The thing is, I love the manuscript. I love the story, I love the characters, I love the setting, and I love what I’m trying to do with it. But it’s torture. Every single moment of working on it has been painful and terrible and so damn difficult!
So, I’ve got to wonder: what’s different about the manuscript I’m working on now? On the new one, I feel like I know where I’m going, what I need to do, and how to get there…so does that mean it’s somehow less?
Or just different?
I’ve decided I’m going with different. Yep. Different. Sort of like mint ice cream and chocolate pudding. Both desserts. But only one gives you a brain freeze.
And also, in lieu of plums, I would be remiss if I didn’t say: happy birthday to WHEN THE SEA IS RISING RED, debuting today! The author is my long-time writing friend, Catherine Hellisen, and though I haven’t read her book YET (hurray up, mailperson!), I’ve read her short fiction and know she’s a fantabulous writer. Happy birthday, lovely book! And please consider supporting my friend and her wonderful debut book!
Catherine Knutsson 
I think most of my manuscripts leave me questioning my very existence (or at least my calling as a writer!). Still waiting for it not to be so hard, lol.
Love the dessert analogy — both good, but only one comes with free bonus of PAIN. 😉
One of my singing teachers said artistic pursuits never get easier – they just get different. Like ice cream. Different flavours, same brain freeze.
🙂