That's a great perspective, and it's liberating to remember, first drafts are rarely perfect.

I have a novel that I've been setting aside for years because it has some major flaws I don't know how to fix. Someday I'll figure it out!

I've tried many different things when this feeling hits... I wish I could recommend something that works, but anything I try just makes it worse.

I keep on starting novels. I get what I think is an amazing premise, but a few chapters in the story is so dull I feel as if it's irredeemable.

One novel I powered through all 46 chapters. I spent a year writing and rewriting, then put it away for a month. Came back and realized it was crap.

I can only conclude I don't have the skills to write the stories I want to read. I just need to keep practicing, I guess.

I keep on telling myself that a concert pianist will spend hours upon hours doing scales and drills -- and that's the way I view the hundreds (thousands?) of pages I've thrown away. It helps a little.

I'll keep writing, but it's just hard to know that my current skill level is so far below where I want to be.

Fixed it 😆. Thanks!