We do a behavioral-continuum activity in our writing workshops where I put up a slide that has two opposite behaviors on it, and ask the writers to go to one side of the room if they are the one extreme, and the other side of the room if they are the other extreme.
“Write best first” vs. “Write best at night”
“Write best fast” vs. “Write best slow”
“Prep before writing” vs. “Write with no prep”
Invariably, a whole continuum of behaviors form. And here’s the thing.
Writers are all *so* different, and those differences matter in context *only* as an illustration that we are different.
There is no “right” way to be on those continuums of behavior. There is no righteousness in process. There is only correctness in alignment.
If you are a “write best first” person, then you should write first. And this is important: if you are not a “write best first” person… do not write first. It will not help you be more productive or get better.
Period.
Every. Single. Action. In. Writing. (Every single one.) Has a behavior continuum like this, where there are successful people along every point in the continuum.
There is no “way all successful writers do it.” Writers are so uniquely different, all it takes to be doing your best is to be aligned with the way that works best for you.
Please, my beloved, please stop comparing yourself to other people and assuming there’s something wrong with you.
Please.
The freedom of knowing it’s possible to have success and be wired as you are, and the freedom of feeling like you shouldn’t try to be like other people in order to get what you want out of life… it is sweet.
Yes, your process may not look like everyone else’s. But that is the beauty of this earth. We are all so different and it’s in our differences that we reflect true and lasting and sustainable veracity.
It’s messy, sure. But messy is beautiful.
Be well, lovely writers. Be well.
– Becca