Why Thinking About Writing Isn't Writing
SHAKING THE TREE #85
So, you want to write, but you’re not writing?
You’re thinking about writing., but you’re not writing?
OK. When are you going to start writing?
Because as romantic a notion as it is, telling the world and yourself that you’re a writer, until you’re writing, you’re not a writer, and whether you like it or not, creating a body of written work involves getting down to it and actually, you know, doing some writing.
I get it, you’re busy—we’re all busy—and life often gets in the way (been there, done that), and yet, to call yourself a writer you need to be writing something—anything—and doing so as regularly as you can.
I used to think of myself as a writer.
There was only one issue. I wasn’t writing. Not really.
Sure, I’d scribble a note or two here and there, just to, you know, make myself feel better. But then I’d get bored, or I’d get distracted, or I’d take a nap or go shopping, or check my email, or some such crap, all the while putting off the process of writing because in truth, I had no idea what I would write about.
So, there was that, and then anything I did write (when I re-read it), sounded like the rambling, burbling, incoherent murmurings of a blithering idiot.
So I’d stop.
I’d delay.
I’d dither.
Then I’d start again, only to replay all of the above.
My last stab at an email newsletter ended after 42 editions because I lost the will to carry on. And because I had no clear plan, no real idea of what I was writing or who I was writing for, or why anyone would care.
Now though, I write with intention. I write with a plan. And that, really, in this 85th edition of SHAKING THE TREE, is my best advice to you: if you’re going to write, do it with intention. Stop thinking about writing and get something out there.
Something. Anything. At fist, your stuff may not be that good and you need to be OK with that. The first 15 editions of this newsletter were garbage. I needed to get the rubbish out of the way so I could find some sort of voice. Maybe I’m still not there yet.
Procrastination often manifests itself as some sort of meticulous planning, or as a kind of extensive outlining, or in the shape of constant contemplation—all of which comes down to one thing: putting things off because you want everything to be just right.
It’s only natural to want everything you write to be perfect. But many of your first drafts will blow, and again, you need to be OK with this because if you’re not, you won’t make much progress.
So, let’s explore why thinking about writing is not writing and why the most effective way to build a substantial body of work is to dive right in.
Action breeds momentum
Because thinking about writing, planning extensively, and pondering over every detail creates a false sense of productivity, the only way you’re going to generate any sort of momentum is by getting stuck in.
The act of writing—even in its raw and unedited form—pushes you forward, building the all important momentum you need to sustain a consistent writing practice.
Overcome the need to be perfect
Perfectionism will kill your progress. By over focusing on planning and refining your ideas before putting them into words, you risk all progress.
Look, life is messy, things get in the way, and the best laid plans can and will go to shit and the same thing will happen with your writing.
Embracing imperfections in the initial drafts allows for continuous improvement through revision and refinement.
Uncovering hidden ideas
For some odd reason, the physical act of writing (and particularly the act of writing by hand) has a remarkable way of opening up your thinking and unlocking all kinds of ideas that would otherwise forever remain dormant in the realm of contemplation.
As you start putting words on the page, all sort of new perspectives, wild insights, and previously wild connections will begin emerging, each one playing a role in enriching your work in ways that meticulous planning cannot possibly anticipate.
Learning by doing
Writing is a a bit like riding a bike: it’s a skill that improves with practice. No amount of planning or thinking will ever substitute the lessons you learn through the act of writing. Every sentence and paragraph you write and every piece you finish, even if it’s not perfect, it all contributes to your growth as a writer, helping refine your style and doing much to hone your ability to express your ideas effectively.
Facing the blank page
Sitting there, gazing at either a blank page or a blank screen can be intimidating, but it's also a canvas full of possibilities. By confronting the challenge head-on and writing, you cultivate resilience and develop strategies for overcoming creative blocks. The more you write, the more adept you become at navigating the initial resistance.
Refining your work
All first drafts are just that: first drafts. The first draft is only ever a the beginning. The beauty of your writing will lie in its iterative nature. Your revisions, edits, and refinements need to be an integral part of your writing process. By actively engaging in the writing process, you’re more likely to create opportunities for improvements that in turn will bring your ideas to their fullest potential.
Getting into the habit of writing
Thinking about writing doesn't establish a writing habit. To do that you need to carve out time to do the work. Creating a substantial body of work involves writing consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. By committing to the act of writing regularly, you reinforce the habit, making it a natural and integral part of your routine.
While planning and thinking about writing have their place in the creative process, they should not become substitutes for the act of writing itself.
True progress is born from action, and the most effective way to build a body of written work is to embrace the process, face the blank page, and let the act of writing propel you forward.
Remember, the words on the page, imperfect as they may be, hold the power to evolve into a body of work that reflects your growth and dedication as a writer.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … More thoughts on the process of writing
XLNT