Chapter 89 author's manuscript

Many friends who are diligent in writing don't pay much attention to keeping their manuscripts.After the work is published, it is always considered that it is enough to keep only printed copies.In fact, as far as the author's self-worth is concerned, the original manuscript written word by word by himself is the most cherished. In recent years, editors of some journals have encouraged authors to preserve their manuscripts.After publishing his work, after a certain period of time, he took the initiative to send the original manuscript back to the original author. However, some authors have no interest in preserving their manuscripts.A friend even said that he didn't even bother to preserve the published works of his own, so why should he preserve the original manuscripts?This is the humble self-assertion that has no value to save.However, if the future value of the manuscript can be imagined from another aspect, such as the time factor, the situation is different.Because keeping your own manuscripts not only allows you to review your own writing process, but also allows future generations to review how their works were written?Because the original manuscript is an authentic work, and it may have undergone repeated revisions and embellishments, only from the lines of the original manuscript can we truly see the author's creative attitude and writing skills, as well as whether there is any laziness.This can be used as a review and introspection for the author himself, while leaving first-hand information for others.Even if you don't expect to be famous after your death, and the original manuscripts are displayed in a magnificent exhibition room, since their works have been published, they have a responsibility to society, so the original manuscripts should be preserved.Unless the publishing situation does not allow, that is another matter.

In the past, publishers discarded the author's manuscript after publishing some works, which is really a pity.Now I am happy to restore the manuscript to the author, which is really impressive. As far as the author's self-worth is concerned, the longer the manuscript can be preserved, the more valuable it will be.If you don't believe it, after many years, you will feel lost! More than 30 years ago, the author wrote two volumes of poems and miscellaneous feelings. They were brought to Taiwan from the mainland, but they were never published.However, in the forty-first year of the Republic of China, it was stored in a box of books in the home of an old farmer in the countryside of Taoyuan. After more than ten years, I suddenly remembered to look for it, but even the book box was gone.More than ten years have passed, and the heart of longing has become more and more serious. I really want to read it again, it will be of great introspection effect, but now it is only a pity!

Based on this personal experience, the author suggests that friends who love writing, no matter whether your work has been published or not, please cherish and keep your manuscript.