On Being a Perfectionist Writer

by Henry McLaughlin @riverbendsagas

It's rough being a perfectionist in an imperfect world.

It’s rough being a perfectionist in an imperfect world. It’s a wonder we can make it through the day.

In a perfectionist’s world, every driver would operate their car exactly the way I want them to. (Ooops, ended a sentence with a preposition. Oh my!)

I cringe when a critique partner finds a sentence splice. Or spots a sentence dangling its participle for the entire world to see.

I missed a comma or put one where it doesn’t belong? Whatever made me think I could write?

My hero has blue eyes on page 3 and green eyes on page 150. It’s a historical novel so I can’t use the contact lens excuse.

Do you freeze at the thought of submitting your
writing for critique?

When I first started writing, I froze at the thought of submitting my work to a critique group. The Apprentice course at Christian Writers Guild had me more jittery than a gallon of coffee. And I was paying for them to criticize me!

And we all know the deadly side effect of perfectionism—procrastination. At times, this means I won’t start because conditions are not ideal.

Or I won’t start chapter two because chapter one isn’t perfect. But I don’t touch chapter one because I can’t put my finger on what’s wrong with it.

Or I won’t submit my manuscript until it’s perfect. Well, it’s never perfect enough. So it dies the slow death of constant tinkering.

Wisdom is knowing that perfect just isn't possible.

I know of writers—writers with talent—who left critique groups because of criticism. They took the criticism to mean their writing wasn’t perfect. Therefore, they weren’t perfect.

Now, through taking risks, I know perfection is unattainable in this world. Especially in my writing. And that is okay. Perfection comes when I get to heaven.

Although, I still think other drivers should operate the way I want them to.

Do you struggle with perfectionism? How do you overcome it?

Don't forget to join the conversation!

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Author Henry McLaughlin, @riverbendsagas shares tips for perfectionists #writers on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Struggling with writing perfectionism? Henry McLaughlin, @riverbendsagas has tips to help on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest. He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.