Dennis and I spent part of last week in Indianapolis. He had a Global Partners retreat and I attended a writer's conference put on by Wesleyan Publishing House. Four years ago I found this conference very practical and resourceful. This time I went because I needed a shot in the arm. I needed some inspiration, motivation, and a confidence boost. I enjoy writing, but I let myself get in the way. My perfectionism definitely creates writer's block and stifles my creativity. My incessant need to edit while writing a first draft is nothing but a detriment. It's very frustrating. Basically, I need to get over myself.
Anne Lamont, author of one of my favorite books on writing, Bird by Bird, says that "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first drafts" and that "Big sloppy imperfect messes have value."
Keith Drury, IWU professor and author, shared that he will write 10 - 15 drafts before completion. In fact, in his newest book, CommonGround, (a worthwhile read on the apostle's creed) he turned in 19 drafts.
As any writer knows, it's easy to be sensitive about one's writing. Putting words out there for all the world to read is a very vulnerable thing to do. Prior to the conference one of the faculty members asked for volunteers to turn in a two-page prose for his workshop, "Thick-Skinned Critiques." I decided to take the plunge. If I want to get over myself, I figured, I need to take critique and edits graciously rather than defensively. My paper ended up on the overhead with all kinds of squiggly lines for all the workshop attendees to see. I amazed myself - no turning red, no hot-flashes, and no defensive spirit. I actually sat there acting very cool as if it wasn't my paper, although I did claim it at the end and said thanks for the critique. My skin must be getting tougher, thank goodness.
So, I'm going to set myself outside and get on with writing sloppy imperfect messes. I don't want to tell you how many times I've stopped just in this brief post to edit. Yikes...this is a problem.
I've got more to tell you about our trip to Indy - time with Julie and an appointment with a great man of faith. That's for another day.
8 comments:
oh man, having it critiqued on the overhead!? That would be so hard on me! But I've always heard the same as you - writing is all grunt work and editing, so never feel bad about a first draft (or second or third). sounds like a great seminar.
can't wait to see you soon!
Thank you for praying for me and for your note of encouragement. It means so much and I have truly sensed the intercession. I am eating, sleeping, working the book. It is a creative process that is evolving as I work and fight off a touch of the flu. I too am a perfectionist, a high "C" in the ole' DISC. It seems we are the worst at the sloppy copy ordeal. I have revised each of my chapters at least 6x and then edit. It is a pruning so the fruit can remain, that is how I see it. Let it flow out for a bit and enjoy the highs of that, print it out, leave it for a week and then take the pruning shears to it, but first you must let yourself just write. Your work will be more believable and powerful.
Kari - can't wait to see you too!
Angela - thanks for your thoughts. I love the pruning idea for editing. "Sloppy copy ordeal" - love the phrase! "Sloppy copy" is my new motto for getting that first draft done.
Babe,
I noticed that were 5 errors in your writing . . . What???!
Just kidding. Love your "sloppy copy" phrase as well.
BTW - I love your writing!
D
Would have been great to attend the conference with you!! They say it's 40% talent and 60% gut wrenching hard work and I think you've got both!
See you soon!
Thanks Josh for the affirmation! I would have loved to had you with me at the conference!
I always love to read your musings on your blog...you are so insightful and have a fresh perspective on life. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to getting to spend some fun time with you & Dennis this weekend at Gull Lake! You guys like cards?!
I loved this post and how you wrote it. Can't wait to get that one tape from the seminar you were telling me about too!
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