Writing about Writing

Jill Edwards  //  October 19, 2012

I used to think I hated writing. Not so long ago, you would have heard me mumbling something under my breath about how much I hate it. In fact, I don’t hate it at all. Well – not all the time. It’s probably good I came to this conclusion: in the public relations field, writing tends to come up a lot.

Writing is a funny thing. I remember stressing my first year: there I was, trying to learn APA format, only to go into writing courses my second year and find out it’s MLA all the way. And then, of course, my PR writing courses were like nothing I had been introduced to before.

During my co-op terms, I’m required to do a lot of writing. Some tasks range from the mundane and unimportant – think “Hannah Montana Impersonator Joins Parade” – to some really exciting pieces. I wrote speeches for the Premier, and compiled newsletters on my own. The amazing thing about writing is, when you’re finished, you have something tangible right in front of you. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel pretty proud.

Writing can be tricky. Everyone does it differently, and everyone has a different opinion on what looks and sounds right. I mean, this piece probably went through several edits by Symmetry between draft and publication. It happens; everyone needs an editor. Writing is a process of trial and error and it takes patience.

Speaking of trial and error, editing is something that gives me the willies to this day. The hardest thing about writing for me is letting other people see what I’ve come up with. This is rather hilarious because it’s all I do during a co-op or at school. I send my writing in for approvals and editing, only to have it come back, chicken scratched in red all over. You may be wondering how I wrote this piece at all (honestly, I’m not even sure!)

Here’s the thing: it’s okay to want your writing validated. Don’t we all? It’s also important to remember that your editor looks good when you look good – and that they’re there to ensure your message is clearly expressed. An editor’s changes are meant to help, not to hurt. Never take it personally.

Just because you see red all over your paper, doesn’t mean your hair looks bad today.

Another valuable writing lesson I’ve learned is that just because you’ve written 10,000 words does not mean you wrote something fantastic. It really is quality over quantity; cliché, but true. And I know that professors are constantly reminding you of the “5000 word minimum.” This doesn’t happen in the real world, so pound it out if you must for class, but I am a firm believer that more words don’t always mean better content.

I have come to the obvious realization that writing will be something I will do for the rest of my life. It’s best to get over my sensitivities now than to let them consume me any longer. Alas, the most difficult thing about writing is simply getting started (I’ve been meaning to write something for Symmetry for a long time) but the best thing to do is just put something down and keep going.

A smart someone once told me: write drunk, edit sober. You know what? I think that’s pretty solid advice. Wine anyone?