I’ve always loved the joke that Software is never “released;” it *escapes* largely because it makes me thing of writing.

I first discovered the line when I was working toward my bachelor’s in journalism, and it’s how I felt about many of my articles.

But as a “professional” (albeit pre-published) writer, I’d like to get a little more credit for recognizing the (lack of) quality in my work.

Especially as a blogger I feel I’m aware of this: I publish a lot of stuff— sometimes on a daily basis— that varies in quality. I hope I put thought and feeling into everything, but my life is too busy to *angst* over every post, waiting and wondering if it’s “ready.”

Obviously, I must break through the it’s-not-good-enough wall on a frequent basis. Or I wouldn’t have this many posts (pushing 450, believe it or not).

With my *limited* noveling hours anyone concerned may rest assured that I am not obsessing for hours about one page, waiting until I’ve gotten it “perfect” before I will unveil it for criticism.

Mainly I make sure I read-through/revise at least once, applying my own critical eye before I subject myself to others’.

~

The difficulty, I would guess, is that we have all read and heard (and regurgitated what we’ve read and heard) about people “never being ready” and needing to just do it whether or not they *feel* like it.

Surely there are times when “It’s not ready” (like “I’m overweight”) is simply a statement of truth, not an exhibition of insecurity or call for encouragement and reassurances.

For example:

I recently discovered a major character has a child born out of wedlock, and while that has clarified a bunch of issues and motivations, its also requires significant re-writing, again delaying its availability for general criticism.

Sorry, it’s just not ready yet.

Though if someone wants to read a first chapter… we might be able to work something out.