23 Comments
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Sascha Camilli's avatar

I'm the same with editing! I could tinker with my book forever. I have to remind myself that done is better than perfect.

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James Bailey's avatar

Done is better than perfect!Amen. Thank you for sharing these insights with us Maria. I’m working on a long piece about a conversation I had with my dad, after he died, and I’m fiddling and fiddling and fiddling with it. You’ve inspired me to finish it and let go. 🙏

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, James. I can so relate. I had a piano teacher once who taught me to let pieces "rest" after working on them for a while. It was such a valuable lesson and I think it's the same with writing. Sometimes we have to be done if there's a deadline, but other times we can just step away for a little while and return with fresh eyes. I'd love to read the piece about your dad if you plan on posting it here on Substack.

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James Bailey's avatar

Thank you Maria. I will let you know 😊.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Absolutely, Sascha. We can drive ourselves mad, otherwise, which is definitely no good. Thanks for reading.❤️

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Vera Dane's avatar

Those roses look so full, beautiful!

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Maria Hanley's avatar

They were amazing! Thanks for reading, Vera.❤️

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Michelle Hickey's avatar

Loved getting caught up on your writing, and I'm excited for your editing stage! Sending you good thoughts during your feedback meeting! All of this is the most fun. 🤩

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you, Michelle! It IS the most fun, even the tough stuff.❤️

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Jennifer Wolfe's avatar

I’m sort of seeing the light as I finish hard copy edits of draft 5-knowing I have some things to keep working g on but getting closer. I love knowing we are going through this simultaneously!

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Maria Hanley's avatar

That's amazing news, Jennifer! I'm so excited about what the coming months will bring for you, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading your book. I love a dual timeline.❤️ I agree, this journey is so much better with company. Thank you so much for reading and being here.

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Jody Frank's avatar

"Done is better than perfect." Phew...I am going to write that out and put it above my desk today! :) I can imagine what a big help it is to have that editing deadline. Congrats on being so close to your second draft.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thanks, Jody.❤️ Honestly, I need to hear it over and over!

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Meredith Anne Reeback's avatar

look at how far you have come, it's so amazing! Bring on that spoon cake yum xox

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thanks, Mer 🥰

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Nita Collins's avatar

I enjoyed seeing some of myself in you 🥰

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Maria Hanley's avatar

How lovely of you to say that, Nita. Thanks so much for being here and reading my work.

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Sarah Best's avatar

Yes to editing! I find the process of taking a sentence and rewriting it but with less words one of the most satisfying things 😂

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Maria Hanley's avatar

It's the best, right? I also find it amazing how much I spot after I've stepped away from my work for a while. Returns start to diminish if I edit for too long.

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Wendy Kennar's avatar

Must remember "done is better than perfect." Something I continue to struggle with. Thank you, Maria. So excited to hear how your next feedback meeting goes.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thanks, Wendy! I am not sure there will ever come a day when I don't need this reminder. But I have eased up a bit, which is progress.

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Paulajo Graves Gross's avatar

Another glorious Friday morning in my part of the world.....and there you are lighting up my newest email today. Thank you! Good luck with your editing. To me, your sentences correlate beautifully!

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Aw! Thanks, Paulajo.🥰

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