Illustration by A G Duffy

Dear Agony Editor,

A guy in my writing group has been working on a short story for three years. Every time it’s his turn to submit work for the group to critique, it’s the same story with only minor adjustments. I’ve said everything I have to say, and truthfully, the story isn’t working. If I have to read it one more time, I’ll scream. I want to tell him to move on, but how do I do it delicately?

Signed,

Rinse and Repeat

Dear Rinse and Repeat,

I can imagine the frustration of having to read the same story, especially if you feel that you’ve provided whatever feedback you can, and the story isn’t getting better. 

I think your fellow writer might have fallen into a trap that affects many writers. It can feel easier and safer to keep returning to familiar writing in the name of perfecting it. But at this stage, it is simply procrastination. He may be uncertain about his next writing project. Or perhaps moving into unknown territory feels intimidating. In any case, after three years, he should move on. Whether he agrees with that or not is another issue. 

There are ways you could nudge him towards a new direction. You could suggest that some distance might help. Remind him that setting aside a work in progress can be a good way to gain perspective and insight. Another option is to proclaim his story is flawless and, if he touches a single word, he’ll ruin his masterpiece. 

You could also ask him about his goals for the story. Does he ever want to publish it? Is it simply something he likes to tinker with, like a puzzle? For some, the joy isn’t always in the completion of the puzzle, but in the pursuit of completion. He may have no plans to finish or publish his story. And while there’s no harm in that, it has an impact on you. 

If he’s simply not getting the message, you may need to tell him flat out you’ve provided all the feedback you can and there’s not much else you can offer. It’s not an easy conversation, I know, but there are times when you need to draw the line.