Discouraged about my book...
By patgalca
@patgalca (18174)
Orangeville, Ontario
June 1, 2018 2:40pm CST
I gave my novel to a friend to read for me. It's considered a beta reader. I was hesitant as I wasn't feeling 100% comfortable that my story was ready.
I got the manuscript back last week with her pages of typed up notes. Some of the notes were grammatical in nature and no big deal. She gave her opinions after every 3 chapters. Her final summary was that it is a great story and that the last 3 chapters are perfect and don't need any work.
Unfortunately there is a lot of work to be done before that. She made comments what she wanted to see as a reader... what was the protaganist thinking after this happened, what does her bedroom look like, the clothes in her closet, etc. Stuff that shows her personality.
Though I am happy that she loved the story and believes it is a publishable novel, I am discouraged that I have a lot of work still to do on it. I shouldn't be surprised because I had trouble letting go feeling that it wasn't quite right. All of her comments are totally justifiable. I just feel I am starting all over again.
Needless to say I haven't done anything with it yet because I became discouraged. I don't know why because I had the feeling it wasn't ready. I was just so happy to be done with it after many years. But though it's not a "back to the drawing board" situation, it needs work throughout most of the story.
I have to motivate myself to get back to it. At least I'm not in a "I give up; I can't do this" attitude. I just need to push myself to work on it again. Hubby is going away for a week starting tomorrow. Hopefully I can spend a lot of that time working on my manuscript.
5 people like this
8 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
1 Jun 18
I'm sorry you were discouraged but don't be, it will work out in His perfect time. =) Here's an encouraging Bible verse for you.
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45437)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
1 Jun 18
I suggest you start with the grammatical changes and then think about the rest. I know you can do it. 
1 person likes this
@sw8sincere (5204)
• Philippines
2 Jun 18
I hope you will be able to published it soon. I'm sure it is a wonderful book! 
1 person likes this
@lynnief (1203)
• Australia
2 Jun 18
The first thing to remember is that this is only one person's opinion. Respect and value her contribution, but don't take her comments as law. Look at each point, and ask yourself whether what she has suggested would really add to the story, or whether it would be a distraction. For instance, if I read a book with detailed descriptions of the clothes in the closet, I would probably put it down rather quickly. It is your story. Listen to your friend, but don't let her hijack your story.
1 person likes this
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
1 Jun 18
It took you time and energy to write this book so please don't get discouraged. I wrote a book about my travels on Amazon Kindle and not many people have bought it. If you look up the name Maxine Chivers on Amazon Kindle you will see my book. Don't start your book all over again. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (36399)
• Toccoa, Georgia
2 Jun 18
I pray you eventually get it done and published.
1 person likes this
