As writers, we love words.
They are sharp, witty, haunting, and sometimes kinetic.
Some of my favorite words are the ones where their sound perfect encapsulates the essence of the world. It could be physical . . .
like crunch, prickle, or grit.
Or perhaps it creates a feeling that floats around the word, like with linger, luminous, and lull.
And now I have a word for the thing writers fear the most:
This is exactly what holds back writers from finishing their manuscripts.
We have these beautiful ideas for brilliant stories that stick to us like glue. We can’t let go of them, they are so strong. But we don’t finish the draft. Heck, often we don’t even start it!
It’s not that we don’t want the book to exist. Quite the contrary. Every bone in our body is practically begging for us to write it. But deep below sits this fear, that if we try to create it, we will let ourselves down and make it worse. Like every step towards improvement is a step towards failure.
Well let me be the first to tell you, that is simply NOT TRUE.
Your perfectionism is holding you back from creating something wonderful.
Sure, as you daydream about your stories, they feel perfect. That’s because they are wrapped in dopamine and hazy light. But the reality is that magical idea already has its plot holes. You just can’t see them yet.
The act of writing, or editing isn’t ruining anything. It will not be worse than when you started. And if it is “worse?” Well, that’s only means you have a half-baked story my friend. It’s a sign to keep going, not to give up.
So how do you push through the fear of verschlimmbessern and write your novel? Here are three tips to get you there.
Test your ideas and plans.
No one said you are supposed to have this magical story idea, and execute perfectly, or you are a failure. So use those creative writing skills you have to test first! Back up your file and try writing that scene a different way. Try it five ways. Let your characters take you where they want to go.
Testing is the perfect opportunity to do more of what you love. Write! Don’t let a fear of ruining your story rob you of the chance to enjoy it.
It’s not your job to write the perfect book.
It’s your job to write, and to use your resources, community, and professionals to make it the best it can be.
I tell my editing clients this all the time. You can can’t get to a great piece of writing alone, and each instance you bring in outside eyes, you are improving your work by 5-10%.
Trust your gut when you have reached the point of what you have to offer your manuscript. You will know when you have taken it as far as it can go. Then bring friends and editors to help. You will be surprised to see how a little collaboration can take your story to a level even you never dreamed of.
Imagine your perfectionism like it really is . . . villain energy.
Despicable Me style. We’re talking no hair, great accent, trying to overengineer a weapon for some crime he will never get away with. He may have vile intentions, but we know the man is gonna fail. He’s just not that good.
So when you feel the fear of ruining your draft while you write it, remember verschlimmbessern. See him in the silly man he is and don’t be afraid of him. Pull out your own warrior energy to kick him to the curb.
Don’t give up on your novel because you fear ruining it.
That story is asking to be written. Moreover, it’s asking YOU to write it.
So keep going.
