If you want to be a better writer, you must learn to let go of the words. Think of the process as being like teaching a kid to ride a bike. You would hold onto the back of the seat for a time, but eventually, you would release it. The kid must wobble and find the way to balance on his or her own power.
editing
How to Be a Better Writer: Get Rid of the Lazy Words
During a conversation with my accountability partner, she paused, horrified. “I said ‘very,’” she explained, “and I’m trying to rid myself of lazy words.” The phrase so captured my attention that I told her I was going to “borrow” it. She affirmed the quasi-loan, though, so there’s that.
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Lemon, or a Thought on Editing
“We pluck the lemons; you get the plums.” — Volkswagen, “Lemon”
When Fixing the Grammar Doesn’t Cut It
Good writing requires good grammar. However, it first demands a sound structure. To address the grammar without reinforcing or rebuilding the structure is not the sign of a good writer or writing. It defines the lazy writer, fiction or nonfiction, personal or business, or one yet unaccustomed to the realities of the writing life.
Writing is like Making Bread
My writing process bears similarities to making bread. I mix all the elements together, then let the writing rest for a few hours, maybe even a day or more. I return and knead it some. If it’s ready to “bake,” I get it ready for publication. If it isn’t, I give it more time to rest. I return again, but this time, I pound it into submission. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get the writing to do what it’s supposed to do.
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Big Leap Creative
I provide content creation and editing services to Big Leap Creative. Big Leap is an integrated communications firm. We get along great because we both aim to take our work seriously but never ourselves. We work hard to play hard.