because we all write bad, at least sometimes: some advice

You want to hold onto those words. They took so much of your time—time you didn't have, time you stole—and besides, you liked them once. You were proud of them. You thought they did the trick.

Newsflash: They don't. And also: The story doesn't work. And also: Where were your ears? Were they not hearing your poor patterns, your stiff prose? Sure you have excuses (didn't you just say you had no time?), but nobody who reads your bad book will care. Nobody saw you sweating for time.

Do not think a little fix here or there will suffice. Do not count the hours you've already spent. The only thing that matters is the book you finally share.

Make it one you love because that's the only shot you have of somebody else loving it, too.

Do not compromise.

Start again.

This week, Beth Kephart started again.