You ever write and write, then write again. But you keep hitting a brick wall?
Something’s just not quite right and you can’t put your finger on it?
You may be suffering from the inability to let go. A frustrating writer’s syndrome. Second to only writer’s block.
It happens when you’ve grown attached to your writing. You’ve spend weeks, months, maybe even years on the same piece. But it’s just not where you want it to be.
Yet, you remember all of the good times you had together. The state you were in when you wrote it. The feeling you got when you put pen to paper, hand to keyboard. That feeling of accomplishment.
You can’t let go…
But face it. Your writing sucks!
Okay maybe it doesn’t suck. But it just doesn’t fit the new vision you have for your piece. Maybe you wrote it when you were tired, desperate, insecure or when you first started out.
But you’ve grown. The piece has grown. And if you don’t cut it, it’ll cut into your time and your potential profits.
Saying good-bye is hard.
But it’s a must. Especially if you want to see it somewhere other then your inbox, waiting to be sent to a publisher, or in your computer collecting pixie dust.
So here’s a tip.
If you’re struggling to cut pieces of prose you can’t let go of, store it in another doc. Call it, “cut-ups” (that’s what I name it in honor of the pieces that end up on the cutting room floor), or “graveyard” and store if for another time. Be creative. You may be able to use it for another article, post, or page.
If anything it’ll make you feel less sad about giving it up.
Take it from me. Letting go of your writing is hard. You’ve built up an attachment. It’s like a friend that stood by you while you were working up your courage to finish that piece.
But holding on is harder. You’ll stifle your growth as a writer. Prevent yourself from getting published and from getting better.
Make it easier on yourself. Say bye-bye bad pieces and store it away. It might be something you could fix later or add it somewhere else on another day.
The point is this: Have the courage to let go and you’ll open yourself up to let good writing happen.
These are great ideas for any writer, Brandi! I like the “cut-ups” – reminds me of using Creative Copy Challenge to break through. Have you been there? I have no affiliation – just love it & the community.
Cathy Miller recently posted..Does Your About Page Put a Face to Your Company
Thanks Cathy! I haven’t looked up the Creative Copy Challenge. But I’m going to do so now. =)
I find reading out loud helps me let go. I’ve also found it does get easier with practice. And I’ve used your cut-up folder technique… it’s a good one.
Anne Wayman recently posted..Friday Fun For Freelance Writers – August 20- 2010
Hi Anne,
Thanks so much for your tips! Reading aloud does help a lot. I like to read to my husband because sometimes reading to another person helps me catch my errors too. And I think it’s pretty cool that you use that writing left on the bathroom floor a.k.a. cut-ups to help you too. =)
Brandi, two of my fav writing women left comments so I feel I must, too. 🙂
Try this. Start writing. Turn your monitor off. Keep writing and trust your muse. You can second-guess, edit, and change when you are done.
Works like a charm.
And, yes, stop on by.
Hi Shane! Glad you found my blog and if you’re friends of Anne and Cathy, you must be pretty great too cause they are awesome! Anyway, I love your tips and I’m going to head to your site now. Thanks for dropping by!
Another great thing about Shane, of Creative Copy Challenge fame, he always comments – even if it is later.
LOL! You know I love you, Shane! And Brandi is one of my “feel good” reads-always! 🙂
Thanks for the sweet comment Cathy! And I’m glad Shane found me via both of you. I’m thoroughly enjoying this conversation by the way.