Greatest Writing Tip I ever learned
Even while on the cusp of completing my very first novel, whilst having accrued all manner of writing advice (unsolicited or not), it’s safe to say I still have much to learn about this art that we all share a passion for. And I do indeed see it as an art, another form of expressing yourself.
And perhaps I can say all the same things that many will say when you begin practising an art.
“Practise makes perfect”
“Don’t do it for money or fame, but because you love it”
“To write a lot, you must read a lot”
And my personal favourite migraine-inducing sentence:
“Show don’t Tell”
But perhaps I can stand out in a way that will not only garner attention, but also stems from my personal experience and philosophy after writing my first novel, and it is this.
You are not perfect, and neither is your writing.
Perfect, when applied to us mere mortals, is a very dangerous word. I think, by our very nature as just another animal, we are not perfect. So, I believe when anyone is pursuing an art, they should do it first and foremost because you wish to and that it is your way to express yourself.
Getting better at it is great, but I’ve seen many people strive to be “perfect” at any hobby (especially writing) to the point where I can’t help but feel they lost the joy of why they started to begin with.
Many writers agree that your first, second or even third draft will not be quite up to par when considering getting published. So, when I see new writer’s obsess over ensuring each word is “perfect” as they are writing them, I think they ultimately miss the entire point of the writing journey as a whole.
Alan Moore once said to never be truly satisfied with your work. When I began my novel I neither expected nor pursued perfection, and now I am closer to delivering a well-written engaging story than I ever would have otherwise.
Therefore, my number one received tip is: Perfection is Procrastination, to cloak one word within another.
To this day, I still enjoy writing, not because I wish to become Tolkien or Rowling or Sanderson or Pratchett, but because I put my joy for it first, which made getting better at it more fun as well.
Sometimes by all means, put in some time and work, make sacrifices to achieve your creative goals, but never strive for something as unattainable as perfection.
Because to be perfect, requires being something greater than human, and that doesn’t make for good art, or good writing.
Art is beautiful because it is human, and humans are flawed, and art is flawed, beautifully flawed.
Because it’s yours, no one elses.
And when you begin to treat your art, your craft as some refined science, don’t be surprised when the numbers don’t add up.
If pursuing your passion is effortless, if the downsides and hassle look tiny compared to the pain and turmoil of never doing it at all, and when it comes to you naturally to where you know all the hardship is worth it. Then give it your all, regardless of the quality.
Your art is an extension of yourself, an extension of your heart. You may learn a great deal about me if you read my writing. That is the risk, and the reward outweighs it by a ton.
We may not be perfect, but we are enough. And so is our art. Never be afraid to express yourself, no matter what your reason.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!
Daniel
