Editing Freely

One of the sneakily challenging experiences most of us have while editing our stories is reading a sentence or a scene that isn’t working. This can be unpleasant for a number of reasons. First, there is the shame. Even though you are the only one who has read this arrangement of words, you have seen the mistake – the boring passage, the overwrought description – and you recall the moment you thought it was good. What was wrong with you? What would the others think? You can’t delete it fast enough.

Then there is the phantom editor or teacher, the one you think you’re trying to please. You might be able to forget about these judges while you’re in Flow and telling the story, but now that it’s on the page and you’re assessing it, judging it yourself, you may mistakenly ask yourself, “What would they think? Would they like this?” Any answer you receive to these questions is wrong. The only question you can honestly answer is, “What do I think about this?”

Finally, however, there is greater question of creation itself. I know I wrote the entire story I’m editing. Every word of it. No one made me do it. Nothing ended up on that page by chance. I wasn’t a victim of circumstance. I created something I myself don’t like. Whenever I come across these passages, I’m reminded of all the things in my life I wish were different. How tempting to blame someone or something other than myself for all of it. But if I’m honest, I know everything in my life is like that story I’ve written.

What’s more, writing has taught me that sometimes I simply have to write something down to decide what I think of it. I can’t hear clearly it just in my head. So too in life. Sometimes we have to sleep with all kinds of people to recognize we prefer one stable, loving relationship, or that money actually won’t purchase our wellbeing. If I want to create, I must be able to forgive. I am not here to get it perfect on every first draft, nor is anyone else. I must forgive all the creations, all the stories I reject, the choices others make with which I disagree. It’s the only way to be free – free to make mistakes, and free to correct them.

Check out Fearless Writing with Bill Kenower on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

Everyone Has What It Takes: A Writer’s Guide to the End of Self-Doubt
You can find William at: williamkenower.com