Two Steps

Still struggling with perceived weaknesses in my story. This has to stop. If I don't get over it, there won't be a story. It's times like these that make me want that most elusive of relationships: the perfect writing partner.

I think that's a very difficult thing to find, for the same reason true love is difficult. Both partnerships require vulnerability. You can't "improve" if you aren't willing to share everything. "I'll share when it's ready" doesn't apply when the whole point is help make it ready. I'm sure this is obvious, but I'm equally sure the implications escape a lot of people. A perfect writing partnership means throwing any idea out there.

It's not trusting a person to be "safe." A perfect partner will tear into a bad idea. Burn it to the foundations, if necessary. It's trusting that they are doing it with your best interest at heart. Like a perfect romance, its how you look at what your partner does that has the most impact.

I wonder if I could trust anyone that much. I mean, it's obvious that I can, as I'm able to do almost all of the human things. But may I? Would I allow myself that freedom? I don't think so. I tried it, and it didn't work out. Try try again applies, but it's painful.

I'll just have to keep muddling along.  Or start muddling along. I think I've spent almost two months running in place.