The Fun and Work of Writing

Inspiration and perspiration go hand in hand in a writer's life. It is impossible to write effectively without both. Beginning writers often latch onto the inspiration half of the equation because that's the fun part. Being motivated to create something can be exhiliarating and other-wordly. It takes us away from our mundane lives and infuses excitement into them. However, experienced writers have learned that inspiration is only part of writing. The real work of writing, the perspiration, is what transforms average writing into exceptional writing. But it is important to recognize that both elements are critical to a writer's success. Without inspiration, that first draft may never get written. It requires inspiration to take that first step. It allows writers to experience the fun part of writing that keeps them coming back for more. After that first draft, that initial heady flurry of flinging words on paper, comes the writer's most difficult task of rewriting. That's the perspiration part. First drafts are rarely close to the dream the writer initially envisioned. In fact, they are often a poor second cousin. To get closer to that original vision, writers must put in the arduous, tedious work of revising and editing. This is where the true craft of writing lies, in the rewriting phase. So, don't let anyone tell you that your inspiration is all fluff or doesn't matter. It does matter. It's like the appetizer before a meal. The rewriting is the nourishment, the meal itself, and the end product is the dessert, the polished piece. Enjoy and savor each step of the writing process, recognizing each step's importance to the overall goal, and you will be greatly pleased with the result.