It's so often that you hear someone tell you to keep on going if you find yourself in a writing rut. If a sentence, paragraph, whole chapter, etc. seems awkward, just don't worry about it and move on. This has been repeated so often that you (or I, at least) assume that this advice goes for all times.
But does it?
I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?
Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!
My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.
Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.
What are y'all's thoughts?
Izori
2 comments:
Excellent advice! I have encountered that writers block a few times. another method I have found helpful is to try going from another angle. It works!
Sierra
feminismtofaithfulness.blogspot.com
If a paragraph or other is awkward, don't go on. You should fix it while it's in your head. Or hilight it and every once and a while go back. In my first drafts, I don't care about the spelling as much, but if it doesn't sound good, I think you should fix it. At least, that's my personal opinion.
God bless in your efforts of writing!
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