Revision Aversion

It’s no secret that the revision process is the bane of my existence. I love when it all comes together at the end and there’s something satisfying about having the perfect plot idea click in your brain, but revising is so messy! And for me, revision brings on the most resistance and fear. What if I’m not actually a good writer? This book is horrible! No one will ever want to read it. These thoughts are the result of resistance trying to stop growth.

While recently avoiding revision, I listened to the audiobook of Steven Pressfield’s book “The War of Art.” It’s a fantastic read; I highly recommend you pick it up. In his book, Pressfield comments on the fact that resistance is part of the writing process. It can occur at any and every stage of writing, from the first draft to final submission. As writers, we should expect it.

Resistance comes when we are trying to do something good, something that will cause ourselves or others to grow. It’s also the direct result of love. If you’re feeling a lot of resistance in your work right now, it’s a sign that you’re doing a good thing that you love doing. Take that to heart and use your passion to fuel your work!

Some signs that you’re giving into revision avoidance (and therefore resistance) are clean laundry and dishes, children dressed in matching clothes, and frequent social media posts. Meals are cooked at home and surfaces that weren’t clean much (if at all) during the first draft stage are sparkling. The dog gets walked and movies get watched and the manuscript sits on your computer, staring in accusation every time the laptop is opened because you can’t quite bring yourself to close the document and acknowledge that you’re avoiding it, am I right?

The cure for revision avoidance is the famous B.I.C. treatment (Butt In Chair). There are no magical treatments or cures. Acknowledge your fears and move through resistance to fill that seat, open that computer, and get to work. Do the work that you’re meant to do and don’t let resistance win! These story ideas came to you for a reason.

That said, sometimes you just need a break. It’s not bad to take a break. Ideally, set a timer and let yourself browse online for a few minutes, then set your timer again and get back to your manuscript. Don’t let a “break” become days or weeks or months of “writer’s block.” Commit to your story and commit to yourself.

I know I needed a break recently. So, I browsed through memes for writers and decided to compile some of the best ones for your reading pleasure. Have a laugh and then get back to it! You have a book to write.