Margo wrote:Fear isn't a lame excuse; it's natural. I wouldn't enter a first draft either, and my first drafts tend to be pretty clean as first drafts go. The contest isn't going anywhere, so there's no problem with taking your time to get it polished. Frankly, I will probably never enter. *knock on simulated wood-like product*wildheart wrote:I haven't entered and I have a pretty lame excuse considering it was something I thought about. And the short answer is: I'm afraid. What I've got so far is a first draft and I already know it sucks. I don't need the rest of the world saying the same thing as well. I'd rather enter after spending a few months revising to see where I am at, how close I am to being able to query, ect. You guys are a little intimidating you know? I don't feel like I deserve to enter yet.
But I would say banish the idea that you don't 'deserve' to enter yet. The whole publication process, filled with rejection, will keep you humble enough without you beating yourself up.
You are right. It's just hard to put those feelings aside. For as long as I can remember writing I always thought I wasn't good enough. I never wanted Nathan or any other agent to see my work unless it was perfect, and because I knew I could never reach that goal I thought for a long time why bother? It took me awhile to realize I have to get over my fears if I want to be published.
And I really am trying to feel like I am deserving. Its just hard sometimes.
Thanks for the nice and much needed advice!