Starting Small
The Importance of Taking Action
In my last blog post, I shared the news that I had recently completed a first draft of my short story and was moving on to the revision process. To my surprise and delight, I received three views on the post. While this may seem like a small number, it is important to remember that three views are three more than zero, and zero is what I would have if I had done nothing.
It is easy to get caught up in the idea that success only comes from grand, sweeping actions. However, in reality, success often starts with small steps and consistent effort. In my case, sharing my progress on my short story and receiving three views is a small but important step in my journey as a writer.
Some would say that’s nothing.
But that’s how it always begins, very small.
As someone who is just starting to learn the craft of writing stories, I am quickly realizing the importance of revisions and edits. When I first began writing, I was so focused on getting the story down on paper that I didn't give much thought to the revision process. However, as I learn more about writing and read examples of great literature, I am starting to understand the crucial role that revisions and edits play in the writing process.
My first attempts at writing a short story were rough and disjointed. The characters lacked depth and the plot felt disorganized. But as I began to revise and edit my work, I noticed that the story was starting to take shape. The characters became more relatable and the plot began to make more sense.
It's still early days in my writing journey and I'm not where I want to be yet but this quote by Aristotle has stuck with me,
We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit
I realize that becoming a good writer takes time and effort, and that revisions and edits are an essential part of that journey. It's a habit that I'll have to establish and maintain.
I understand now that revisions and edits are not just about fixing grammar and punctuation errors. They are about making the story the best it can be, and taking a good story and turning it into a great one. I am determined to make revisions and edits a regular part of my writing routine, and I know that with time and effort, my stories will continue to improve.
If you are just starting out on your own writing journey, don't be discouraged by the revision process. Remember that revisions and edits are an essential part of the writing process and the key to producing great work. Keep working at it and incorporating good habits like revisions and editing into your writing process, and you'll be surprised at how much your writing improves over time