Reading time: About 2 minutes
This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world for material to help other writers. Today I discuss a blog post about the similarities between writing and painting a room…
Sarah Welch, a book editor living in Austin, Texas, recently wrote a clever and interesting post for book publishing expert Jane Friedman. Running under the headline, “5 Things Painting the Bathroom Reminded Me about Writing a Novel,” Welch delivered five useful tips for finally finishing your novel…
Here are her suggestions followed directly by my thoughts.
1. You can prep forever, but eventually you have to start
Prepping — which in writing terms means thinking, planning and researching — often feels safe and fun. As well, it appears productive. You’re not procrastinating. After all, you’re genuinely working. But as Welch says, “Sometimes you have to get into it—so it’s practical instead of theoretical.” You won’t know how the writing is going until you actually do some of it.
2. It’s tempting to edit as you go. It’s better (usually) if you don’t
I have been a long advocate of NOT editing while you write. To read my thoughts on that, please check out my post, 7 ways to stop editing while you write.
3. There are a lot of “right” ways to do the job
Give 10 people the same assignment to write and they will do it in 10 different ways. And that’s okay! My best time for writing is unquestionably 6 a.m. I am a morning lark and I have more energy first thing in the day than at any other time. For you, the best time may be 8 a.m., 2 p.m. or even 11 p.m. You may love writing and hate editing. Or the reverse. We are all different. Tailor your working habits to suit YOUR needs, not the needs of others.
4. You have to stop before you make it worse
It’s hard to know when your manuscript is done. If you are filled with heebie jeebies about whether it’s safe to hand it over to your beta readers or to an editork take comfort in the knowledge that all writers struggle with this. When you can’t tell if you’re improving your text or making it worse, it’s time to step away from your manuscript.
5. The finished product is something to be immensely proud of
Dorothy Parker always said she hated writing but loved having written. When you’ve finished your manuscript, be sure to take the time to pat yourself on the back and bask in the reflected light of your own glory. You have created something new. And that’s a great achievement.
