For a language with – I’d conservatively estimate – A LOT of words, it’s amazing how differently we can use some of the most clearly defined ones.
‘Perfect’, for example.
Wanting something to be perfect before it goes out is something I hear a lot from writers and even more from would-be-writers. Sometimes about their writing itself, sometimes about their confidence to write.
There may be seven basic plots but there are infinite original voices
– Your Creative Writing Toolkit
The definition of perfect, ‘as good as it’s possible to be’, doesn’t sadden me as much as the one we see before it in the dictionary: ‘flawless’. Anxiety and self-doubt aren’t great at recognising ‘enough’, hence the temptation of looking for ‘perfect’. Because what we’re really doing when we want to be ‘perfect’ isn’t about the writing, or the reader’s connection with it. ‘Perfect’ tends to be our only picture of how we can experience the feeling of certainty.
‘Perfect’ was never on the menu. Here are three things that are:
We can’t be perfect. That’s not in our control (or, arguably, existent). But we can be these, which are in our control – when we take permission, instead of chasing perfection:
- Focused. When we’re focused on what we’re writing, when we’re interested rather than trying to be interesting (Your Creative Writing Toolkit), we’re exploring authentically. The real world, when we return to it, will still be there. And we’ll be fresher in it for having focused on the path that we create as we explore. The way an actor engages an audience by strengthening their own focus on their created reality, so does the writer. We’re just luckier as we get to go back and edit! Confidence doesn’t feel like confidence. It feels like focus.
- Curious. Rather than questioning ourself on whether an idea is good enough, following our curiosity means we’re making it as close to itself we can. As long as we’re not expecting to write a final draft before a first one, we can’t make the mistake of dismissing an idea as ‘bad’. It’s still not going to be perfect, but it is going to be unique. There are seven basic pots but infinite original voices (Your Creative Writing Toolkit). Creativity doesn’t feel like creativity. It feels like curiosity.
- Clear. Again, knowing we need to write the first draft (probably quite long, probably quite woolly) before the final draft (probably much shorter, definitely much clearer) is the key. When we know our own ‘why’ of the message, the meaning and the intention of what we’re saying then the ‘how’ of writing and speaking it is a means to an end. The impossibility of perfection is no longer a problem, the temptation of people-pleasing – or, rather, avoiding displeasing – by saying a lighter or vaguer version of what needs to be said is no longer a temptation because you know your value. Or, rather, your message’s value. Clarity doesn’t feel like clarity. It feels like authenticity.
Come and Write This Week…
(If you’re not in the UK, find your timezone here.)
The Writing Room | 11am-1pm Monday 10 March
Free for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here.
Fiction and Memoir Writing | 7-8.30pm, Monday 10 March at Riverside Studios
All the inspiration, support and techniques you need to weave initial ideas into fully realised stories. Dr Rachel’s prose-writing sessions are suitable for anyone over the age of 18. Whether you’re working on a story, novel or non-fiction, want some creative inspiration, or whether you’re intrigued by the idea of writing and want a creative outlet, this is the place to discover and develop your ideas and your voice. Click here.
Evening Writing Room | 6-7.30pm Monday 10 March
An after-work edition of The Writing Room, led by Bella Barabieri while Rachel runs Fiction and Memoir Writing at Riverside Studios. Grab a blank page, your work-in-progress and give yourself some community writing time. Click here.
Writing Audio Drama: The Art of the Audio Monologue | 1-2.30pm Tuesday 11 March
Audio drama has enjoyed a huge growth in popularity over the last few years. Major players are commissioning their own original dramas and there’s never been a better time to create your audio play. With producer and independent supplier to the BBC Chris Gregory, develop the skills to write your drama and the confidence to pitch it. Click here.
Coffee & Creativity | 1-2.30pm Wednesday 12 March
Quality writing time and excellent company! Grab a coffee and have a mid-week chat, a write and then another chat with your fellow creatives. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.
Writing Room EXTRA | 3-5pm Thursday 13 March
Members only: please check Voxer messages.
The Writers’ Gym is part of Rachel Knightley Coaching: creative confidence for life, work and art. www.rachelknightley.com
You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session: visit here. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, ask about membership at thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com
