Jumping In

For all the planning, pre-writing, research and outlining that we writing teachers preach to our students, I have to admit that sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet, arms flailing, and no clue what you're going to write. There are times, of course, when planning works and you are glad for it. There are other times, though, when the planning and preparation almost block your ability to write. It is possible to overplan, overprepare, just as it is possible to overwrite. The point is that you don't want to stop yourself before you even get started. And sometimes this means chucking it all out the window and just writing. What may happen when you do this is you may find yourself arriving at a surprising truth you didn't know was there and a unique way to express that truth. This requires trusting that part of your brain that is creative, that wild, crazy right brain that doesn't concern itself with logic and organization. Letting this part of your brain begin the writing process can often result in better writing. The organizing and revising can come later, but it is important to let that creative urge have free reign at times, especially if you find yourself blocked. Jump in, let it go, and stand back and watch what happens. You may find yourself pleasingly surprised at the depth, honesty and insight that emerges.