Fake It ‘Til You Make It: One Writer’s Path
Can you relate to this? I know I can.
“…sometimes we find ourselves shifting from one idea to the next in an endless series of discoveries. These discoveries change the piece in significant ways. Unfortunately, they don’t lead to progressive development. They lead to our starting over in an endless chain of new beginnings.” Jeff Heffron
I share this because I often think it’s easier to start something than to finish it. The focus and fearlessness it takes to revise and produce a final draft is tremendous.
All kinds of decisions need to be made. Decisions of commitment and ruthlessness and intention. We have to say, “This is as good as I can make it.” We have to let go of what doesn’t work and polish what is working. It’s not easy. I often think that starting on a new tack, when you should be following through on an old one, is like doing a geographic. You’re just running. But if you want to complete a book, you have to stop starting and commit to crossing the finishing line.
So try this: Take an unfinished short story, essay, or chapter out of the drawer and complete it. Work through whatever problems and issues arise of plot, structure, and language, until you have a polished piece. Then write me and let me know of your success!
Onward!
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Okay Mary, In conjuntion with today being Ash Wednesday, I am going to take your tip and make a committment during the next 40 days to put my writing hat on and brush up on 3 chapters of my book putting the pen to the pencil every single day!!!! Typically people give up something for Lent, but I’m also choosing to give something and that is in the area of my writing. You are so right it is easy to start something than to finish it, but I never can understand the “why” I’ve had this difficulty. I will get thru this process……
Jacquie, good for you for making Lent a period of “giving” to your writing. Will you report in and let me know how you’re doing.