before it’s time.

I was just reading some tips on writing about editing your work.  This struck a chord with me because in the past I was extremely guilty of this.  I’m still guilty of this at times, but for the most part I have overcome this hindrance in my writing.  Yes, editing before it’s time is a hindrance to your writing.  You aren’t writing if you’re busy editing.

The tip I was reading simply stated:  Write when it’s time to write, edit when it’s time to edit.

Of course the tip as a whole was setting time aside for your writing and setting time aside to edit when the writing is complete.  For general writing (articles, etc.) I normally write in the mornings.  I then take time away from my writing (the computer) and do other things.  This is also lunch time so I’m known to take advantage of that too.  After lunch, when it’s time to go back to work, is when I do revisions and edits.  If you’re writing a novel or short story–do not edit until it’s complete.  Do not edit chapter one until the final chapter is written.

What I’ve learned from finally using a set schedule like this, is that it really does work.  In the mornings I am free to write, to just put words down, to get them out of my creative mind onto the paper or computer screen (I use both depending on my mood).  Editing time allows me time to ponder if what I’ve written is good, if it needs to be modified, something added to it, something taken away.  The lunch break also gives me enough time to walk away and come back with a fresh mind.  I do sometimes read over the material right before I close the window and fix an obvious mistake–some times bad habits are hard to break.  But when I come back after being away for a bit, my mind and eyes are fresher and I catch things I missed.

Be sure to set aside time for writing and set time aside for editing.  NEVER, try to do both at the same time.  Editing when you should be writing is one of the quickest ways to kill your creativity, to kill your character, plot, theme and in time, kill your novel.  Write when you’re scheduled to write.  Edit when you’re scheduled to edit.

Your creativity will thank you and so will your writing.  If you find that you are prone to edit while you’re writing, spend one week breaking yourself of the habit and see how it works for you.  This will take an active role on your part to stop yourself from editing while you’re writing–but if you pay attention, you can overcome it.

Write On!
Patti

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