Chapter 28: Phases of Writing

Over the years, I've learned not to freak out when I start editing my work and realize everything I've written is garbage. Well, not garbage exactly, but obviously in need of significant polishing. I've come to accept that there's a euphoria associated with allowing the story to flow onto the page and a panic associated with reading that work over at a later date. I tend to edit as I write, polishing each sentence as I go, but there are many times I come back to early chapters months later only to discover what I thought was smooth and glowing is actually awkward and in need of a thick red line. I waver between both ends of the spectrum, thinking some days I'm a truly gifted author and on other days that I should clearly never put pencil to paper ever again. Most days I live somewhere in between.
However, the day Kirkus reviewed The Clay Lion was certainly a confidence boost.  The review company, known in the industry as "The World's Toughest Book Critics," said the book was "a lovely, tear-jerking tale of time travel, familial love, and sacrifice." Hearing that they consider The Clay Lion to be a "poignant, well-written story" which "puts mortality--and readers'reactions to it--front and center" definitely felt good.
Today, however, it's back to edits for Gather the Sentient and back to the other end of the spectrum. The good news is I know by the time the book is finally published it will be ready for readers to enjoy.