To consistently produce quality writing
in any form takes countless hours of work and dedication. Whether you are a
poet or a novelist, you have to have the commitment to your craft. For 99% of
writers, rewriting and revision are the only ways to produce their best work.
Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry take many attempts to get right. True talent
for the best writers emerges in the second, third, fourth, fifth draft. The
best writers constantly rework their writing until it is perfect. I'd say that
all serious writers are perfectionists. Every plot, scene, character, and
narrative arc, etc. has to be perfect so the story sings.
To craft your perfect story, approach
every day as a new opportunity to make your writing sing. If you can start and
keep a routine that keeps you happy and productive, there’s no limit to the
success you can reach. When generating your first draft, write as if no one
will read your writing, and go with your instincts. Don’t worry about whether
or not the writing is “good,” simply get the story on the page so that you have
something to work with. Once you have a first draft, the real work begins.
Rethink weaker scenes and re-imagine every part of your story until you have
perfection, and a smile!
Michelle von Quilich is from San Diego,
California and has worked with many different writing groups. She has
contributed to a collection of essays called Reflections on Being an Indie
Author, available on Amazon.
