Write (or Edit) the Way You Should

If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times at various writers’ conferences: as a freelancer, you need to start your day by tackling the hard jobs first. Buckle down, plow into the toughest task, and then move on with the rest of your to-do list.

Finally, when I had a chance to chat with an editor who offered that kind of tip, I said, “You know, I like to start my day by knocking out short articles or finishing interviews on an assignment. Then I can focus all afternoon on a challenging article or book chapter.”

His eyes widened, as if he could barely believe what I said. But it’s the truth.

Now, I don’t mean that everyone should follow my practice. You may be the kind of creative genius who jumps out of bed ready to slay verbal dragons. The thing is, you should never assume everyone else is like that. After all, writing and editing are two of the most subjective endeavors on the face of the earth.

Ask anyone with editorial experience who follows the Chicago Manual of Style as their bible for all things grammatical. They can tell you that there are so many variations to acceptable rules that if someone asks them what word or phrase is correct in a particular situation, the answer may well be: “Well, it depends …”

So never allow someone to tell you how you should do what you do. That is true whether you are writing an article, editing a book, crafting a short story, or sketching out the plot to your latest novel.

What matters most is how you can do best what God has called you to do. You are the only person who knows what makes you tick and how best to complete the task at hand. Ignore those who try to fit you into their straitjacket.

“Write What You Know”

It isn’t just a particular method of going about your day that can be the topic of writing advice.

“Write what you know” is another maxim that—while generally true—isn’t always. If you never explore the world outside of your narrow confines, how will you ever learn to appreciate new vistas?

A few years ago, while helping a Vietnam War-era veteran with a memoir about his military service, I found myself frustrated over some of his rather terse replies to various questions.

But that forced me to dive into a mountain of research to fill in gaps or add background to his story.

Consequently, I learned oodles about the Vietnam War, two post-war occupations he pursued, and a variety of historical nuggets that I would never have otherwise discovered.

The Only Way

Of course, setting forth guidelines doesn’t just happen in the editorial world. As a young Christian, I used to hear the sage wisdom that because Jesus got up before dawn to pray, we should do the same.

The unspoken message: “If you are really serious about your spiritual life, you will imitate the Master.”

It’s amazing that we worship the one who was with the Father during creation—the crowning glory of His infinite genius and masterful work—and then some try to prescribe just one way of intercession. (Just one Bible translation, too.)

I know people who spend their waking moments in prayer. When I arise, I pour a cup of coffee, rub the sleep out of my eyes, and glance at the first few pages of the daily paper on my Kindle.

I prefer to be awake when I pray.