Sometimes a story I’ve written is so far from perfect I can’t figure out how to make it work. Rather than toil with it anymore, I feel like deleting the story from my hard drive; then my inner drama queen wonders, what made me think I could write for a living?
If you have ever let perfectionism paralyze your writing, just remember: not every piece of work spills out like fifth graders on the last day of school. Don’t give up! Here are a few tips for writers that might help get your fingers back on the keyboard.
1. The process of writing is just that – a process. Everyone writes a clunker now and then. That’s okay. But if you want to improve, you have to keep writing. Rarely have my pieces flowed out whole – I usually tinker and fiddle and sit on them for a while until I figure out what the stories are really about. Then I write.
2. Take a break and do something productive. When I’m feeling fuzzy-headed and not sure what direction to take my writing, there’s nothing like cleaning house. If cleaning’s your thing, go ahead: spray some Pledge, Swiffer floors, organize a pile of messy shoes; you’ll get real, concrete results. That feels good. Once you’ve regained a sense of accomplishment from your activity of choice (doesn’t have to be housework), bring that attitude back to your writing.
3. Try re-writing sections by hand. I have to admit, I never fully adapted to writing raw on the computer. I usually start with a notebook and a pen to flesh out my story before I transfer it to the computer. (Old-fashioned, I know.) But then – when I get stuck on a particular section – I find it’s easier to fix when I go back to paper and pen. It just seems to flow more naturally.
4. Look at your past accomplishments, whether you’ve been published, pleased a client with good work or successfully blogged. Did they come easily? Probably not. You almost certainly worked hard to get those things in the shape they needed to be successful. You’ll do it again!
5. Maybe you’re piece just isn’t working. For now. Admit it and move onto to something else. Something easier. Update your bio. E-mail a friend. Jot down a grocery list. You have to shake off that stiffness that comes when you’re stuck. Quick, informal writing can bring you back into the groove and get your literary juices flowing again.
Alyssa, that’s exactly what happened last night while working on my novel chapter.
Initially, I started the chapter on the computer. About fifteen minutes into it, the words got sticky and refused to pour from my mind until I used the trusted pen and paper. Suddenly, inspiration kicked in with full steam and I was on a “roll” for the next hour.
Thanks for reminding us that just because we have moments when we get stuck, it doesn’t mean we “suck”.