How to distinguish between perfection and good enough?

[Linko]

Hello, this may sound stupid, but I am now confronting a dilemma in my writing. It's weird to say, but I think I'm having problems to discern what I can do with my abilities to what is impossible.

The story I'm writing as of right now is a great example of this. The first chapter came almost instinctively, I knew how the characters should talk, how to present the information and everything like that. It was not perfect, but far above what I normally do. With a single rewrite, everything seemed very good.

Now on the second chapter I wanted to captivate the same feeling of everything coming together but... it just seems impossible. On the first try, it was too edgy and boring. Then on the second one it became less edgy (still quite a bit) but the chapter became about 4-5k words and from my experience when I do a chapter of that size it's incredibly boring. Now I'm here, on the third rewrite, and it's smaller, less edgy than before, and probably better it but still doesn't pass the same feeling as the first chapter. I feel that if I rewrite this one more time it could be it, could be awesome but I felt the same when doing so for the first time.

So, the reason I made this thread was to know how you fellas deal with the feeling that no matter how much you rewrite the same thing, it is probably never going to be perfect. Also, when is it good enough?

 

[Representing_Tromba]

There's no such thing as perfection in writing or anything for that matter. If we all never settled for anything less than perfection then there wouldn't be any published books. Though I understand what you're asking. When I rewrite something I get these feelings that I won't be able to make a scene as good or as enjoyable as another that was packed with emotions. All we can do though is try our best and if it isn't what you want then you just keep rewriting it until you're satisfied. Then ship it off to your readers to see what they think. If they enjoy it then keep it but if not then go back to the drawing board. It's difficult but when all you can do is improve then it makes it easier and more satisfying when you complete it. Just keep it up and find that spot where you can be happy with it. Strive for perfection but settle with what works for both you and your readers.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

It's good enough when the number of readers you want is the same as the number of readers you have. Also, if you edit too much, you will burn out. Set a limit to the number of edits(rewrites) you can do.

 

[Noel_Elitia]

the moment you think you want to start with the next line of the next chapter.... Probably.

 

[RepresentingSilence]

Nothing is perfect everything is flawed

perfection is always boring

flaws can be charming

 

[Ai-chan]

Nobody can make anything perfect. Anyone who think what they made is perfect is being conceited. Even popular authors constantly improve and many would not reread their earlier published works because they were afraid they would be ashamed of what they wrote. There is an author here who wrote a lot of popular romance books when he was in his early 20s, but now refuse to give the rights for reprints because he is ashamed of most of his works, which were shallow, self-insert and have horrible leaps of logic.

You can't distinguish perfection and good enough. You can only distinguish between 'ready' and 'not ready'. While it's not wrong to take pride in your work despite its flaws, it's narcissistic to think anything you make can be perfect. There are chefs who have mastered their arts for 20-30 years and still believes they have a lot to improve. Authors are no different.

Besides, what you think is perfect is definitely not going to be perfect to the readers. Ai-chan has a lot of complaints about the Harry Potter series, even despite the first three books being Ai-chan's favourite fantasy books. Ai-chan loves Sidney Sheldon, but Ai-chan also has lots of complaints about his work too. These people would have their own dedicated editors, not just one.

p/s: This is a general 'you' not a specific 'you'. Just in case you think Ai-chan is accusing you of anything.

 

[Deleted member 57675]

Perfection: doesn't exist.
Good enough: u feel don't want change anymore.

If its causing you to burn out despite having readers enjoying your work and many favorites, chill. You're doing good. Or when you are ready to just throw a towel in and say fuck it, can't do anymore. It depends what level and where you're comfortable to take a stop.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

 

[DoubleBlind]

Don't obsess. This is very easy to do. The truth is, no matter how great of a writer you are, you will always find a flaw somewhere. Whether it be word choice, theme, repetition, characters, the overall plot, anything. It cannot be helped. This is an art form, and like any art, it's going to be the victim of subjective views.

On that note, all I can say is do your best. I know it may seem asinine to read that, but that's really all you can do. Your idea of edgy and cringe may be another's idea of overcoming trauma. Someone else's idea of heartwarming might be another's idea of being too sappy or naive.

I'll admit, there have been times where I've hit the publish button, and immediately I want to withdraw it. Comments are especially demoralizing, so I try to avoid reading them too often, as it'll impede my work if I don't filter some of them.

Try and find your flow. Sometimes it won't feel right, sometimes it'll feel stilted. That's okay. There isn't a single book I've ever read where there wasn't some of that. Just keep at it, keep writing.

 

[RavenRunes]

Part of the reason I'm here writing is because I have never read a perfect work. Go figure.

 

[gaylolis]

i describe perfection as something that fulfills my current deepest desires, while it's not necessarily realistic atm given my present self.

while good enough is something that my current self can achieve with the effort i'm willing to put. like, if i can't fulfill my ideal wishes, i try to cope with viable alternatives.

perhaps what's truly perfect does not exist for some, as what's perfect for one might be flawed for another. but for me, i can call something perfection when even its flaws become a part of its beauty. nevertheless, it may not always be perfect forever, as my tastes may change with time.

even something that used to be good enough may be tasteless for my future self. that's why i describe it with present tense.