This week’s updates are complete. I chose an excerpt from Lori Colbo’s piece, Mary’s Song: The First Christmas Carol, for this week’s excerpt. It’s a very powerful write. Be sure to check it out in its entirity by following the link on the Excerpt page.
The new question has also been posted as well.
Now on to something to think about – perfection. Years ago, I was a guitarist in a rock-n-roll band. I loved music (and still do), but as a musician, every note had to be right on. If I made one mistake during a show, it would haunt me over and over again. Let me tell you, I made many more than one mistake during a night’s performance. Perfection drove me crazy. I was never satisfied, and I lived as if there was an egg shell under each foot.
We, in the creative arts, of which writing is, have a natural tendency toward perfectionism. You may think that’s a good thing, but it is not good for creativity. It may have a constructive use when it comes to the final edit, but it crushes creativity.
Perfectionism will not help you:
– come up with ideas
– bring the story to life
– develop your imagination
These things may help when dealing with perfection. Although we long for it, realize we’ll never achieve it. Try setting a regular writing schedule for yourself. Consistency goes a long way. Just write. Be sloppy. You can always go back later and fix it. But don’t go back too soon. I have heard it said that even six months later may not be too long to wait.
But the most imporatant thing is to have fun. One of the things I learned from my band days is, I’ll never get it right all the time, and neither will you. Just write and savor the moment. Another thing I learned was, I may not do it perfectly, but satisfaction comes from doing the best job I possibly can. To sum it up, don’t strive for perfection. Stirve to be the best you can be.
Well, that’s it for another Monday. See you next week!
WFK
Well, unlike rj fuller, I am not a perfectionist when it comes to housekeeping, but I have asked Santa for a little helper for my Christmas gift.
When it comes to writing I am quickly becoming too perfectionistic. We are so hard on ourselves. My insecurities are much too abundant. But hey, we are all a work in progress.
Rock star, you look cool. Love the hair rock star poses. Do you still play?
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Hi, Lori. I just started using ProWriterAid, and I’m sorry I did. It is helpful, but it points out every little mistake I make. I’m paranoid about writing now, but at least, I hope it’s more accurate. Anyway, I’m a work in progress, right?
Do I still play? No more AC-DC or Led Zeppelin, but occasionally I include my guitar at church. I’d like to do a Christian album with my old vocalist as he is also now a Christian, but if and when that takes place, I have no clue.
Thanks for coming by. Enjoy the holidays with your family and keep me posted on how things are progressing.
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Well, you are right on this but I have perfection issue, it does drive me crazy some times. I also like perfect individuals which is another case. You can call it a drawback or my personality. But that’s how I am.
Keep writing is necessary to get the water flow. I have written one chapter of my new novel and have left it for almost 10 days now. Would look back at it in January. Starting to write the second one.
Happy Monday Bill!
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Thanks, and Happy Tuesday, Nikki. Perfectionism is just part of a creator’s makeup. It’s how we handle it that makes the difference. I struggle with it as much as anyone else when it comes to the final write, but we can still have fun. Go for it! And thanks for visiting me.
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I have a problem with perfection, not just writing, but keeping my house spotless. I am working on being more laid-back, as you say, having fun is important.
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Well, Ruby. You’re a writer among other things. To me, that explains it. Before my last book was published, I revised and revised and revised. I got the proof back, and there were more mistakes than I thought I had made before. It was a mess. Needless to say, Mr. Perfection got right to it, and now after such a long process, it’s finally on the market. You’ll never be perfect, but keep striving, and in the meantime, have some fun!
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