An Important Lesson I’ve Learned From My Editing Course
No, it’s not about editing
Medium has been a saving grace for many. I’ve read enough stories here to know how beneficial this platform has been in learning new ideas but most importantly, as a form of self-expression.
Maybe it’s the perfectionist in me, I am a Virgo after all, that made me jump on an editing course when I decided to take Medium seriously. I felt unqualified to write effective articles without some sort of credibility. Imposter syndrome anyone?
A Little Background on My Writing History
I went to private school, with a British Curriculum when I lived in the Middle East. The subjects were challenging and the school was very academic-focused. So I felt I had a pretty decent educational background.
In my early teens, I dabbled in some poetry and won a couple of creative writing competitions at school.
After moving to Canada, my writing went on the back burner as I tried to figure out my life here focusing more on making new friends. The only form of writing I did was for my school papers.
Years later in my early adulthood, I gravitated towards journaling as a way to cope with my insecurities and my anxiety.
This led me to blog in 2017 which was short-lived as I got busy with another transition in my life – getting married.
Now I’m back, rediscovering my love for words in a platform surrounded by incredible writers who challenge me to hone my craft.
Need a little more background?
The course titled, The Keys to Effective Editing, has been informative so far. We covered the different types of editors, tools such as style sheets and reference sheets to increase accuracy, as well as editing grammar, punctuation, and abbreviations.
I am just over halfway to completion and during this course, the most important lesson I’ve learned has surprisingly nothing to do with editing. And it is, borrowing the words of Voltaire —
“Perfect is the enemy of good”
Writing Paralysis
Armed with all the information from my editing course, I am constantly critiquing my choice of words. The fear of writing sentences that might be too long, or being a victim of dangling participles and misplaced modifiers is looming over me. This is causing me to experience writing paralysis.
Sam Westreich, PhD offers some advice on how to overcome writing paralysis. He says to,
“Write something that is utter garbage.”
This can help you get a piece started with hopes of making it to a published story through constant critique and revision.
His words resonate with me as I struggle for perfection.
“We all want to write something that’s perfect, but that drive for perfection can sometimes be overwhelming, to the point of preventing us from ever starting in the first place.”
Self-doubt
Here is a preview of the negative self-talk happening in my mind:
“How can I possibly catch up to those who have years of writing experience? Do I have to go back to school? What do I have to say that hasn’t been said already? How can I produce content that will provide value to others?”
My self-doubt stems from not having years of professional writing experience. I discount my school papers, journaling, and blogging experience as something too mediocre to hold the title of a writer.
The Lesson
Feeling unsure of myself, I resorted to consumption instead of creation. I buried myself in reading and consuming other people’s work. And that’s when I stumbled upon the quote by Voltaire. If you read my About Me, I mention my love for quotes.
“They find you at the right moments of your life. They’re like a little nudge or whisper to guide you through your journey.”
The little whisper told me if I want to keep writing I have to be kinder to myself. I need to stop letting my idea of perfection keep me from hitting publish on a story that is good enough. Finally, I need to trust the process because the only way to gain writing experience is to actually write.
My Journey to Perfection
While I highly doubt that my destination leads to perfection, I will buckle in for the ride because I know if I keep moving forward I can only get better.
I also know that I can’t get there without the help of others. So, this Virgo is calling on the gracious editors of Medium for any tips, advice, or words of wisdom you can offer as I navigate through my writing journey.
Winston, Marrisa W., Drashti Shroff, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Yana Bostongirl, Sharing Randomly, Dr. Preeti Singh, KiKi Walter, Susan McCorkindale, Amy Shearn, Amy Susanne Robinson, Michelle Woo, Sally Prag, Marilyn Glover
If you enjoyed this piece and would like to support my writing journey:
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Always Grateful