You can't get to the 6th draft by skipping 1 through 5
if there is no way around, write your way through
So, that happened. The conversation, celebrating, arguing, losing, leaving, and you want to write about it. But the lingering impact of the experience is so well developed in your mind—all the colours, feelings, sniffles, raw throats, heads bowed, hands wrung—you feel like the first lines are just crap. (Admit it, you said it. )
This is a classic writing jam up—you get yourself stuck trying to capture everything at once. Of course we’d like the detail, accuracy and emotive qualities of the sixth draft to pour out of us like warm honey in our tea on the first effort…it never happened before why do we fantasize it will this time.
Just another way that we jam ourselves up writers…
Begin by writing it as you remember it. Whatever memory bits are top of mind, record those. Be the transcriptionist. Transcription is raw, unembellished, linear, and simplified. Foundational writing isn’t an option anymore than the poured concrete of the building you’re standing in now.
Praise that shapeless braindump, savour that spaghetti at the wall. And in the immortal and deeply wise words of my pal and yours Donkey, “Better out than in,” can be your cerebral motto for the day. (Nod to Shrek.)
You can't see what you've got until it's on the page. Unlike the dentist and other things we must do, should do, and will do eventually, writing is a choice…something WE GET to do. Transcribe first, revise later. (and laugh about it, please).
I want to know what you’re working on…drop me some deets on your dream non-fiction book or memoir…