Some points that stuck from my workshop

On Sunday I led a workshop at a local library, focused on helping writers gets some practical tools to help them create work they felt confident in. It was a lot of fun and the group was fantastic, engaging and full of gorgeous writing. So, while I definitely think everyone should book me for their writing workshops, I do want to share some of the big points we hit that can help you get writing, stay writing, and make what you’ve written shine.

1. First draft is gonna be bad. Don’t try to make it good.

I used the analogy of a lump a clay that I’ve used before. You’re just digging that stuff up and dumping it out, so you can work with it later. the first draft is the raw material. If you’re struggling to write, stop trying to build with it before you have it all out.

2. Don’t edit as your write!

Especially when you’re writing anything that requires a period of time to get it out, it can be very tempting to go back and clean up the parts you’ve already written, or worse, change parts of the story, but you are just messing yourself up. See point one. Get it all out first.

3. Embrace the editing process

Know from the beginning that you will need to extensively edit your work. Don’t try to circumvent or streamline or jump the gun. Finish your first draft first.

4. Take practical steps, one at a time to edit.

Search out passive voice. Search out redundant words and phrases. Check your timeline. highlight clunky or unclear sentences. Go through your piece, step by step, cleaning it up and make it shine in a method that feels right to you.

6. Proofreading is the last thing on the list

Do not waste your time proofreading a first draft. Sure you should correct grammar and typos and spelling errors as you notice them, but sweeping through early drafts with a microscope and a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style is a exercise in futility. You will be changing this piece again and again and you will need to proofread it again anyway. Save that work for when everything else is done (or hire someone to do it for you).

7. If you have a process that works for you, ignore all other advice

The truly prolific writers are prolific because they have figured out their unique method. I know an author who would create novels in three months, from conception to self publication. She outlined completely, edited each nights work the following morning and then wrote the next part. This process seems insane to me. I would never ever recommend it to anyone, but I would also never tell her to do something else. Feel free to experiment with different styles, techniques, schedules, ect. And give yourself permission to do what works, not matter how off the prescribed path it is.

Writing is deeply personal. There is no right way to do it, except the way that gets your words on a page.