Editor's block
May 16th 2008 01:25
I don't believe in writer's block. Sure, I've written myself in many a corner and had to find a way out again. I've also had moments when I would have preferred to wash the dishes to writing. I believe, however, that you can only get over these things by writing.
I am trying to apply this approach to editing, too. It does not work as well, though. When I don't want to write, I tell myself that I only have to write a few words. I just take it one sentence at a time, or, if I am having a really bad day, even just one word at a time.
It is no coincidence that I got a bit blocked. I am at a point where I have to make some major decisions, and so far I haven't found one I am happy with. Editing one word at a time is nowhere near enough here, some serious re-writes are in order.
Since I don't believe in writer's block, I have decided that I'm experiencing editor's block. It's not primarily the re-writing that is the problem, but the idea that I want to get this novel polished in as little rounds of editing as possible.
I probably have to take the pressure off myself and accept that the re-written parts will need another round of editing some time later. I don't want this block to turn into a solid brick will which will separate me forever from my red pen.
I am trying to apply this approach to editing, too. It does not work as well, though. When I don't want to write, I tell myself that I only have to write a few words. I just take it one sentence at a time, or, if I am having a really bad day, even just one word at a time.
It is no coincidence that I got a bit blocked. I am at a point where I have to make some major decisions, and so far I haven't found one I am happy with. Editing one word at a time is nowhere near enough here, some serious re-writes are in order.
Since I don't believe in writer's block, I have decided that I'm experiencing editor's block. It's not primarily the re-writing that is the problem, but the idea that I want to get this novel polished in as little rounds of editing as possible.
I probably have to take the pressure off myself and accept that the re-written parts will need another round of editing some time later. I don't want this block to turn into a solid brick will which will separate me forever from my red pen.
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