We all have a writing process . . . the trick is in discovering just what it is--and more importantly, whether it's helping or harming our efforts.
Some Questions
* Do you find yourself struggling to keep on track with your writing?
* Do your writing goals jump ahead of your actual writing output?
* Are you stuck at the starting gate or bogged down in the middle?
You want a greater output but . . . how the heck does one produce lots of content and then even more?
STOP ALL THE CAREFUL PLANNING!
That careful planning, by its very nature, may be what's messing with your writing process.
It's a hard climb to get words out onto a page--especially if you are monitoring your every word or sweating over the small stuff . . . such as the beginning paragraph, typos, grammar, formatting . . .. Let me explain.
If you want to kick-start your writing, simply write--don't plan, don't correct, don't over analyze. All these "grown up" measures interfere with creativity and productivity.
Let your words pour out onto the page. Give them permission to surface before killing them off. Once they've poured out of you, let them sit awhile, then go back when you are fresh and make any needed changes . . . you know, all that boring stuff such as editing, organizing, etc, etc, etc. Yawn. Is it time for coffee yet?
Can you see now why your writing is massacred if you start to chip away at it too early? Maybe your writing process--the one that includes starting to fret or edit too early--is the grain of sand that grew so big it crushed the pearl.
Your writing process is only valuable if it allows you to accomplish your writing goals.
Make sure that your writing process propels you forward instead of slowing you down or killing your inspiration.
It's important to find a process that works for you. If what you are presently doing isn't working, change it.
With a new year ahead of us, now is the time to look at what we've been doing and to identify factors that are slowing us down or interfering with our writing.
Remember, when it comes to your writing process, there are no "right ways" and no "wrong ways." Interestingly, many established and prolific authors have found that letting go and going with the flow helps then to get more done.
Most of us can't do it all at once. Write first; edit later. Writing and editing can then "all fall in love . . . and no one gets hurt."
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5 comments:
That is exactly how I found my writing style. Write first, correct later. It is very freeing, and allows me to get creative because I consider nothing as “wrong” until I have finished the first draft.
That is exactly how I found my writing style. Write first, correct later. It is very freeing, and allows me to get creative because I consider nothing as “wrong” until I have finished the first draft.
Hi Sarah,
Yes, creativity flourishes when it's not reigned in or regimented. I sometimes wonder if it's because of a conflict between left and right brain.
I find I can produce far more content this way--and I rarely suffer from writer's block.
Sometimes, worrying about what to write hinders the process.
It's wonderful when you get to the point in your writing where you give yourself permission to just let go.
And, as you say, editing can come later.
Letting work sit also is always valuable to the editing process. When you come at it with fresh eyes, you can see, far more clearly, any sections that need revision.
Planning gives you the confidence to see your writing to the finish.
Also, if you make it a habit to write without planning and run aground half-way through, it damages your morale and affects future productivity. You’ll hesitate to write the next time around. You will begin questioning whether the act of writing is worthwhile because you often get nowhere.
Planning may take a little time and may even be painful, but you can see the reward in your writing.
Don’t sit down to write until you have a plan, no matter how sketchy it is.
Hi Zenwriter,
I enjoyed your insights.
Writers have different writing processes. And I think your comments are valuable for those who work best with a plan.
I find I'm far better off going with the flow, because I'm first and foremost a creative writer; however, others may find greater success using your methods. It depends on a writer's style and the process that works best for him or her.
I know there are some writers who won't work with an outline.
Some people seem to do better flying by the seat of their pants, others do far better with structure.
The important thing is to find what works best for you and to use that so that you can produce the amount of writing you desire.
The writing process either hinders or helps writers to accomplish their writing objectives.
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