Should I Edit As I Go?

As I’ve already covered that I think really it’s a bad idea, mostly for your creative flow. This post will try to convince you that editing in the midst of creating a narrative can actually be harmful to the storyline.

Yes, yes, I know some famous authors are well-known for polishing every word until it shines before they go onto the next. Alistair MacLeod, of No Great Mischief, was one.

If you are focused primarily on the beauty of the language you use, then pausing and reflecting over every word may serve you well. But if your intent is primarily to tell a good story, editing as you go can almost literally stop you in your tracks.

Why shouldn’t I edit as I’m writing?

So here’s the thing.

I am sure that you have found yourself in a creative fog, immersed in the story you’re creating. You may not be totally sure where you’re going but it’s exciting and you’re exploring its possibilities. Wonderful. But say you suddenly stop and ask yourself, “Is that the correct spelling? Is it the word I really need? You look it up.

I think you’ll find that when you’re sure that the word is correct, the fog has dissipated and excitement gone. You may continue writing but the spark has disappeared.

Makes sense. Here you are, all in your right brain, reveling in the creativity and suddenly the left brain kicks in with its analysis and, unfortunately, criticism. You need both hemispheres to operate to turn out a good piece of writing. Just not both at the same time.

 

Don’t edit as you go along

The problem is that the right brain seems more timid, more easily chased away than the left. The left is always ready to jump in to point out an extra word, a confusion in pronouns, or a clunky phrase. Think of it as a useful but bossy friend.

But what you really want when writing is your right brain in full flight (well, you know what I mean), ready to take you to exhilarating heights. You need to hold onto this state as long as you can when you are writing.

How do you not do it?

Yes, easier to advocate than to action.

 First, remind yourself that the session on which you are embarking is for writing, not editing. Even so, especially if you are prone to allow the left brain to kick in, it will initially be hard to stop it.

So, second, do not look anything up. You are writing a grand saga, and you begin to obsess on whether the frockcoat of the hero should have three buttons or four. Doesn’t matter. Just stick in your best guess and move on.

Third, assuage your left brain by highlighting any questionable words or passages. You can and should come back to these when you are editing.

 

These seem pretty simple and even obvious steps but they can be terrifically difficult for anyone used to letting the left brain horn in on the right brain’s time. Give each kid his time, just not at the same time.