7. Reflection Refinement
To refine the writing we want to share, we must reflect on it, starting with its purpose and ending with its effect on others. My way is to first write whatever is in my mind. Before investing time in refining writing, I ask myself, might this help others by informing, inspiring, or empowering them? Is it worth the time required to perfect it? Sometimes the subject is a yes, but the writing a no, so I begin again. Other times I believe the subject is worth working with, no matter how long it takes to refine it.
There are times I feel the writing is for me alone. An example would be a journal entry that I found satisfying or healing to write but, on reflection, would not offer much to a reader other than myself.
Every once in a while, I find one of my works is well-written as it is. Getting a distance from the work to hear it with new ears (or read it with fresh eyes) is helpful. Sometimes a significant period away from writing really helps me hear my own written words. Stepping back and reflecting on our writing until it becomes clear is part of the process. Getting the reactions of a few different types of people can significantly improve our ability to hear our own words. Selecting which responses serve to improve the writing is our own duty. This, too, may take distance and time to access. Some feedback we will immediately recognize as good, some we will need to contemplate, or get other opinions. A suitable proofreader is crucial to making our voice more precise. The best editors seek to preserve the writer’s authentic style, tone, and voice. This assistance is meant to make our words more understandable and robust. This professional should believe in the value of what we are trying to say but not have a need to change how we say it other than clarification suggestions. Choose this help carefully.
USEFUL TIP: I prefer writing and editing in Google Docs. That way it automatically saves every version of the writing. I can easily undo changes and restore the document to a previous version if I want.
Next lesson in the course coming soon!
Read my memoir ➡️ https://www.incandescencebook.com/
See my videos ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@The_Creativity_Show
See my art ➡️ https://clarecooley.com/shop/
This 10-week course is FREE.
Clare Cooley is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant
from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Praise for Clare Cooley’s Memoir
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Art Featured In The Book
Clare’s Memoir features 68 images of her art and 40 photos of her making art.