Brief Summary
This video provides guidance for writers struggling to finish their stories. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the core of the story during the first draft, rather than trying to perfect every detail. By separating the roles of writer and editor, and by creating a system to capture and defer editing tasks, writers can reduce overwhelm and increase productivity.
- Focus on the heart of the story during the first draft.
- Separate the roles of writer and editor.
- Create a system to capture and defer editing tasks.
Introduction: Overcoming Writer's Block
The video aims to help writers who feel stuck and unable to finish their stories. Kieren offers practical steps and mindset adjustments to help writers progress. He draws from his experience as a writer and editor to provide advice on how to overcome common obstacles in the writing process.
The Trap of Trying to Do Too Much
Many writers get stuck because they try to balance too many elements at once, such as efficiency, impact, plot, character development, and reader engagement. It's important to recognize the difference between writing a first draft and producing a finished product. Expecting a first draft to meet all quality standards can lead to overwhelm and hinder progress.
Mindset Shift: Writing a First Draft
A key mindset shift is to recognize that the first draft is about telling the story to oneself, not creating a perfect, ready-to-publish product. It's unrealistic to expect constant productivity while balancing all the elements of a good story. Instead of striving for perfection in the first draft, writers should focus on getting the basic story down.
Practical Step 1: Identifying the Heart of Your Story
To simplify the writing process, identify the core theme or message of the story. This could be the power of friendship (as in "The Lord of the Rings") or hope and survival (as in "The Martian"). Write this core theme down and keep it visible as a reminder. Focus solely on serving this core theme while writing, setting aside other concerns for later drafts.
Practical Step 2: Separating the Writer and Editor
Acknowledge that being a writer involves wearing many hats (writer, editor, marketer, etc.), but it's only possible to be one at a time. During the first draft, focus solely on being the writer. Defer all editing and polishing tasks to the "editor" role, which will be addressed in later drafts.
Creating a System for the "Editor"
To avoid getting bogged down by editing concerns during the first draft, create a system to capture and defer these tasks. This could involve keeping a bullet-point list below the manuscript, sending emails to a dedicated "editor" email address, or keeping notes in a physical tin. The goal is to acknowledge and record these concerns without trying to address them immediately.
Conclusion: Unburdening Yourself
The mindset shifts and practical suggestions aim to free up mental space for creativity and silence self-doubt. Give yourself permission to write an imperfect first draft, focusing on getting the story down and serving its core theme. By separating the roles of writer and editor, you can streamline the writing process and increase your chances of finishing your story.
