Tips Corner

Separating Writing and Editing for a Stronger Narrative

I know, I know. You'll tell me this is not universal advice, and not everyone's mind will function this way.

But hear me out: the advice to treat writing and editing as distinct phases in the creative process is not merely a stylistic preference; it's actually a fundamental principle that underpins efficient and effective storytelling.

If you are editing at the same time while you are writing, that's like trying to tie your shoelaces while running!

To use a more sophisticated example, it is similar to attempting to sculpt clay while it's still being unearthed – the raw material hasn't yet been fully revealed, and premature refinement can stifle the very form you intend to create.

By recognizing writing and editing as separate, yet equally vital, pillars of creation, all authors can unlock a more fluid, productive, and ultimately rewarding journey toward a polished, impactful narrative.

While you are committing this initial act of writing, the first draft, you feel thrilled and exhilarated.

First drafts are, simply put, an exercise in uninhibited exploration. They are all about giving free rein to your thoughts — about allowing the story to flow from the depths of your imagination onto the page, capturing the essence of your characters, the skeletal structure of your plot, and the inkling of your theme.

So please, during this phase, attempt to silence your inner critic.

We are often tempted to stop mid-sentence or mid-paragraph to meticulously dissect grammar, fret over word choice, or question plot coherence. Don't do it!

This is akin to constantly interrupting a brainstorming session to demand perfectly formed ideas. Perfection is never accomplished on the first try.

Believe you me, this constant switching between the generative and the analytical mind creates friction and hinders the natural momentum of the narrative. It will often lead to a writer's block or a stifled creative flow.

Imagine a painter sketching the broad strokes of a landscape. They wouldn't stop after each line to debate the precise shade of green or the exact curvature of a hill. Their focus is on capturing the overall composition, the light and shadow, the overall feeling of the scene.

Similarly, I would compare your first draft to your literary sketch, a raw and imperfect representation of the story that lives within you. It's the foundation upon which you will later build and refine.

The temptation to immediately edit often stems from a desire for perfection, a yearning to see a polished product materialize instantly. However, this impatience can be counterproductive. You might spend hours agonizing over a particular sentence or paragraph, meticulously tweaking its rhythm and vocabulary, only to discover later that this entire section is ultimately redundant or needs to be dramatically reshaped to serve the evolving narrative. This premature focus on minutiae can lead to countless wasted hours and a sense of frustration as the story's true form remains obscured by layers of unnecessary polish.

The beauty of separating these stages lies in the freedom it grants during the initial writing process. Knowing that you don't need to achieve perfection in the first pass totally allows you to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of your own creativity. You can explore tangents, experiment with different narrative paths, and allow your characters to surprise you without the constant fear of grammatical errors or plot inconsistencies derailing your progress.

This uninhibited approach often leads to richer, more authentic storytelling, as you are not constrained by the self-imposed limitations of the editing mindset.

So, when is it time to finally edit, you may ask?

Once the first draft is complete, the editing phase begins – a distinct and equally crucial stage that demands a different set of skills and a more critical eye (or eyes, if you happen to have a buddy writer who can be your line/development edit critiquer).

This is where you transition from the role of the imaginative creator to that of the discerning sculptor. Here, you meticulously examine the raw material you've produced, identifying areas that need refinement, clarification, and strengthening. This involves addressing those initial grammatical and spelling errors that were deliberately ignored during the writing phase.

But editing goes far beyond mere surface corrections (which I had previously called line edits).

It encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the narrative structure, ensuring the plot is logical and engaging, the pacing is effective, and the character arcs are believable and satisfying. You will have to scrutinize dialogue for authenticity, strengthen thematic resonance, but also trim: aka eliminate any unnecessary clutter that detracts from the story's impact.

This is the stage where you add depth and nuance, layering in details that bring the world and its inhabitants to life.

By dedicating a specific phase to editing, you approach your work with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective.

Imagine that you are now two people: The Writer and The Editor.

The distance created between the act of writing and the act of editing allows you to see the story more clearly, identifying weaknesses and opportunities for improvement that might have been overlooked during the initial creative surge. This deliberate separation fosters a more efficient workflow, allowing you to harness the power of both the imaginative and the analytical aspects of your creative mind at the optimal times. Ultimately, embracing the distinct roles of writer and editor will lead to stronger, more polished narratives that resonate deeply with your readers.

Always remember:

Your first draft doesn't matter. No agent, editor, or Amazon reader's ever going to see your first draft. No one cares about your first draft. No one wants your first draft.

Now the process of doing your second draft... That's the real deal. That is a process of making it look like you knew what you were doing all along.

Every little detail that you can smuggle with you into your fiction makes your world more real for your reader.

To conclude: make sure you get accustomed to split your writing and your editing into two steps. If you do this your writing will become so much faster.

Good luck and write on!