Distraction

If you could step back in time and give yourself one piece of advice as you started your writing journey, what would it be?

I shall get the ball rolling. Ahum!

Imagine you are running from a rather frisky grizzly bear named 'Distraction.' Although Distraction may well be a handsome chappy, he is a little too hairy and rather too scary for your taste. He will not stop chasing you until he gets what he wants, and you don't want to know what he wants! Not only this, Distraction will continue to chase you until your first draft is completed. Only then will he leave you alone.

You may summon Distraction if you wish by pondering such things as SPAG, constantly accessing how does your writing look, sound, read? (akin to constantly looking in the mirror) Screwing up many pieces of paper and throwing them beside a waste paper basket. Hesitant word choice, sentence structure and a hugely intimidating list of key criteria that is sure to crush every ounce of creativity until you grind to a shuddering halt with the dreaded block.

Creativity is fragile. Don't crush it, nurture it. It is the only thing that you must use to complete the first draft. Then edit. Editing will teach you how to write more effectively the next time around and hopefully lessen the need for such heavy editing. But edit only once you complete your first draft.

See you next time Distraction...