Let it go. Let it go.
Sorry, not sorry. I couldn’t help myself considering this month’s prompt.
Letting a rewritten post go is no trouble for me. Once I hit the double-digit rewrite level, I am ready to not only let it go but to fire it off into the ether. I’m a detail guy. But details are my nemesis. Try as I might, punctation, sentence trimming, and expressive vocabulary occupy my attention and delay the launch. Everything must be just so. I write so many drafts a guy could catch his death of cold.
What’s crazy making is that after all those rewrites, once I publish a blog and then review my content 24 hours later, I see too many glaring portions demanding another rewrite. Let it go.
Habit
My writing habit is to get as many words on the page as possible. Write, don’t edit on the fly. An introduction, the body of the post, and a conclusion. I let it sit for 12 hours or so before editing. And rewriting. And re-editing. And again.
Obviously, the pattern requires planning. This post was started on May 2nd to be published on May 8th. My first draft was completed at 8:25pm.
May 3rd, at 8:58am I did my first edit and my first rewrite. And then the 2nd.
At 3:01pm I was into my 5th rewrite.
I enjoy the process except when I have multiple writing commitments that coincide.
On April 10th, I underwent emergency surgery to remove a piece of gangrenous bowel. That was interesting at age 70. I’ve heard about NG tubes and catheters but now I’ve had firsthand experience. That set me back in my writing schedule and I am only now catching up.
Like the abdominal pain that motivated me to call 9-1-1, there is a level of agony that comes from writer’s envy. Every other writer seems to be able to effortlessly weave sentences into paragraphs that draw readers in. My sentences leave something to be desired. So, they MUST be rewritten. And after multiple failed attempts to craft something close to viral perfection, it’s time to hit submit.
This post was scheduled at 7:51am on May 4th.
Deadlines
The discipline of meeting deadlines with a written piece I hope readers will enjoy is good work. That’s one reason I appreciate being a part of the Inscribe Writers blog group.
Thank you for reading.
Sorry, not sorry. I couldn’t help myself considering this month’s prompt.
Letting a rewritten post go is no trouble for me. Once I hit the double-digit rewrite level, I am ready to not only let it go but to fire it off into the ether. I’m a detail guy. But details are my nemesis. Try as I might, punctation, sentence trimming, and expressive vocabulary occupy my attention and delay the launch. Everything must be just so. I write so many drafts a guy could catch his death of cold.
What’s crazy making is that after all those rewrites, once I publish a blog and then review my content 24 hours later, I see too many glaring portions demanding another rewrite. Let it go.
Habit
My writing habit is to get as many words on the page as possible. Write, don’t edit on the fly. An introduction, the body of the post, and a conclusion. I let it sit for 12 hours or so before editing. And rewriting. And re-editing. And again.
Obviously, the pattern requires planning. This post was started on May 2nd to be published on May 8th. My first draft was completed at 8:25pm.
May 3rd, at 8:58am I did my first edit and my first rewrite. And then the 2nd.
At 3:01pm I was into my 5th rewrite.
I enjoy the process except when I have multiple writing commitments that coincide.
On April 10th, I underwent emergency surgery to remove a piece of gangrenous bowel. That was interesting at age 70. I’ve heard about NG tubes and catheters but now I’ve had firsthand experience. That set me back in my writing schedule and I am only now catching up.
Like the abdominal pain that motivated me to call 9-1-1, there is a level of agony that comes from writer’s envy. Every other writer seems to be able to effortlessly weave sentences into paragraphs that draw readers in. My sentences leave something to be desired. So, they MUST be rewritten. And after multiple failed attempts to craft something close to viral perfection, it’s time to hit submit.
This post was scheduled at 7:51am on May 4th.
Deadlines
The discipline of meeting deadlines with a written piece I hope readers will enjoy is good work. That’s one reason I appreciate being a part of the Inscribe Writers blog group.
Thank you for reading.
Read more of Bob’s content at REVwords.com
Good morning, Bob. I appreciated reading of your multiple edits; important steps to polishing a piece of writing. Blessings on you and Jocelyn as you prepare to go to Ukraine soon. May you be a blessing to those you meet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie and for helping me with one last edit. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bob
ReplyDeleteWelcome.
DeleteGood stuff. Thanks, Bob, and hope you heal quickly. Safe travels and safe home. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, Sharon.
DeleteHi Bob! Thank you for sharing your rewrite process with us. I have to admit, however, the following line is priceless, "Everything must be just so. I write so many drafts a guy could catch his death of cold." Excellent insight, brother! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you as you heal from your surgery. Many blessings to you and your dear wife as you minister in Ukraine once again.
Thank you, Alan. You know the cold draft of rewrites I am sure. I always appreciate your comments.
DeleteThanks, Bob, for this closeup view of your writing process. I totally agree with the comments above. Isn't it true that "The discipline of meeting deadlines with a written piece" spurs us on to revise, edit, revise again and get a piece published I'll be praying for your safe and prosperous trip to Ukraine!!
ReplyDeleteDiscipline is a writer's friend, right?
Delete