The Hardest Harder Part

You’ll often hear that this or that is the hardest part of writing a book. Writing a good beginning. Writing a good first sentence. Writing the middle. Writing the end. Rewriting. Revising. Querying. Being rejected.

The thing is there is no hardest part, just harder parts in relation to other parts at that moment. In my opinion, the most challenging part of a novel is actually the middle. However, the hardest part for me right now isn’t the writing at all. It’s the fact that I have a regular job with obligations and paychecks and etc etc. I have 4000 words or less to write before this thing is done, and I have to stop so I can go into the office and work on someone else’s book.

I don’t want to work on someone else’s book! I want to work on mine dammit!

It would be nice if you could write a good first sentence and think to yourself, well at least I’m past the hardest part. But you’re not. You’re past that part, and while it may be harder than the part you’re on now, there’s other hard parts still to come. And once you’re done, the waiting is the hardest part.


2 responses to “The Hardest Harder Part”

  1. Elizabeth Poole Avatar
    Elizabeth Poole

    I actually enjoy the middle of the book. I feel the least amount of pressure (ARGH! I must write a perfect first sentence! I must write a poignant yet amazing ending!), like I have room to explore the events I set up in the beginning, but don't have to start tying up until closer to the end.

    But you're right. It's all a matter of perspective. When you're struggling with word choice, that feels like the hardest part. When you struggle with pacing, or revision, or querying, or reading beta critiques…it all feels IMPOSSIBLE.

    Until you do it, and think "Huh. That wasn't so bad."

  2. Ted Cross Avatar
    Ted Cross

    The hardest part is whatever I have to do next.

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