Permission to Write Bad Articles: Embracing the Journey of Writing
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Permission
Are you tired of allowing your fear of failure to hinder your writing? I know I am. That’s why I’ve shifted my focus from producing perfect articles to simply writing more frequently. I’ve come to understand that increasing the quantity of my work is essential for enhancing its quality. The key to becoming a better writer is to keep writing, no matter the outcome.
However, this journey is not without its challenges. While I wish I could share a triumphant tale of overcoming self-doubt and diving enthusiastically into writing, I’m still navigating that process. What I can offer, though, is a crucial lesson I’ve learned: when you’re beginning, it’s vital to grant yourself permission to write poorly. This article embodies that lesson—though I hope it's not too bad!
If you’re seeking encouragement to write freely and imperfectly, then let’s continue together on this path of self-acceptance in writing.
Section 1.1: Permission to Start
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar
Let’s dive in. Starting with a blank page can be daunting, so let’s simplify the process. Jot down some ideas on a topic that resonates with you. This exercise will help declutter your mind and ensure your writing is uniquely yours.
Next, conduct some research. Explore similar articles online. And then, as a good artist would…
Incorporate their ideas.
Adapt their examples.
Use their quotes.
Blend these insights with your personal experiences.
After that, organize your thoughts into an outline. Create a bullet-point structure to guide your writing.
Now comes the exciting part—let’s begin writing!
Subsection 1.1.1: Permission to Write
“The first draft of anything is shit.” – Ernest Hemingway
Just start writing! You’ve brainstormed, researched, and outlined your ideas. Now, it’s time to create. Let the words flow freely from your mind to the page. Don’t hold back; embrace the messiness of the initial draft.
It’s perfectly okay if it’s not good. In fact, allow it to be imperfect. The important thing is to keep writing. You can always refine a rough draft, but a blank page offers no opportunities.
If you find yourself overthinking, remember: writing a few pages of less-than-great content doesn’t mean the next sentence won’t be brilliant. Stay focused on the task at hand. If new ideas pop into your head, jot them down elsewhere and keep moving forward.
Section 1.2: Permission to Edit Ruthlessly
“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” — Stephen King
Phew! That was a lot of writing. Now it’s time for a break. Writing and editing require different mindsets. After a day’s rest, return with a fresh perspective ready to refine your draft.
How does your title read? Experiment with several variations.
Is your introduction engaging? Revise it as needed.
The main body? You might need to trim down to create a more cohesive flow. Strengthen any weak points, and ensure your conclusion leaves a lasting impression.
Once you've polished your work, don’t overdo the edits. It’s okay as it is.
Chapter 2: Permission to Publish
“The only purpose of starting is to finish, and while the projects we do are never really finished, they must ship.” — Seth Godin
Your writing holds no value unless you share it with the world. This isn’t a mere journal entry; it’s meant to be read. You aim to share your insights, help others, and provide moments of relief through your words.
Remember, the more you write, the easier it becomes. Just as achieving greater financial success becomes easier once you’ve reached a certain level, publishing more articles will lead to continued growth in your writing skills.
Don’t forget: before you hit publish, ask yourself if it’s good enough—not perfect, but satisfactory enough to share. Only then should you proceed.
Permission to Feel Accomplishment and Anxiety
“I hate writing, but I love having written.” – Many published authors
Congratulations! You’ve published your work. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or anxiety about sharing something you perceive as flawed? Perhaps it’s a mix of both, and that’s perfectly normal.
What matters is that you took the time to ensure it met your standards. Trust in your past judgment and let it go. Celebrate your continued journey as a writer, and prepare to embark on the writing process again.
Gain insight on obtaining copyright permissions for literature reviews and dissertations through this informative video.
Discover effective strategies for crafting a compelling research paper and increasing your chances of acceptance by reputable journals.