Perfection? Forget it!
We all know someone like my friend John. He’s been working on a novel for years, actually for decades now. Or how about the wannabe writer who has been drafting articles for ages yet never submits a thing?
Both these folks are locked into some sort of notion about reaching perfection in their writing. Let me tell you, there’s no such thing as perfection! Or if there is, none of us would recognize it if it walked in the door.
Sure, you want your writing to be good, even great. Yes, you should take time and make every reasonable effort to write well and edit your work.
But if you want to make a living as a freelance writer, or even make some decent money, you’ve got to get your work out the door.
It’s a balancing act and a matter of practice. Let go of any ideas around perfection and get it done.
Write well and often,
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POSTED IN: Freelance Writing Tips and Ideas, Notes from a Writing Coach
5 opinions for Perfection? Forget it!
Tom Chandler
Jun 7, 2007 at 11:15 am
I read it somewhere and paraphrased it in my brain, but:
No written work is ever finished as much as it is abandoned.
At some point, you gotta move on.
Anne Wayman
Jun 7, 2007 at 2:42 pm
yep, and you can quote me saying “there’s no piece of writing that couldn’t be improved.” Which doesn’t mean we have to.
Walter Burek
Jun 7, 2007 at 2:55 pm
“Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.” ~Salvador Dali
Anne Wayman
Jun 8, 2007 at 9:11 am
lol, great quote! Thanks
Lisa Gates
Jun 8, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Anne, long time no talk!
Oooh, this is good. It’s sort of like wanting to be married, but never going on a date.
In my work, I am always asking clients if they’re committed to polishing or publishing. I keep saying “you’re not committed to publishing if you’re still polishing. If you’re in doubt, look at what you do on a daily basis.”
How to get it out the door? Be willing to fail repeatedly, and say “ta daaa, I failed!” like a writer.
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