The Art of Writing and Editing: A Personal Perspective

Writing and editing are two interrelated, yet distinct, processes that shape the final product of any piece of writing. While some prefer to delve into the details during the writing phase, I find that a strategic approach to editing can immensely enhance the quality and flow of my work.

The Writing Process

When I start writing, my primary focus is on conveying my thoughts and ideas as they come to me. I do not get caught up in the minutiae like spelling, punctuation, or word choice until I have completed a substantial portion of the draft. This method allows me to maintain a steady and consistent flow, enabling me to capture the essence of my message quickly.

The Importance of Early Editing

Once the initial draft is completed, I revisit the beginning of the document and embark on the editing process. This second step involves rewording, refining, and cleaning up the content. By leaving these tasks for a later stage, I can focus on the overall story and narrative, ensuring that the message is clear and engaging. This approach has served me well for over five decades, since I first began writing as a child.

Editing During the Writing Process

While many advocate for draft-focused writing followed by extensive editing, my preference is to integrate editing into the writing process. This allows me to make immediate corrections and improvements, which in turn helps to maintain the continuity and momentum of my writing. However, this approach requires careful consideration, as some overly enthusiastic topics may demand more immediate attention.

Strategic Editing Approaches

For topics that require a deep dive, I find that checking and revising after a few paragraphs helps to maintain the train of thought. In contrast, for less engaging or typical topics, I prioritize a swift completion and then revise extensively later. Leaving the editing for a few hours or days offers a fresh perspective, allowing for more effective and accurate revisions.

Adjusting Based on Context

There are specific moments when editing becomes essential, such as when a later chapter uncovers a new direction or exposes a plot hole. In such cases, I do not hesitate to revisit previous sections to align with the updated narrative. However, not every piece requires a full-scale revision. I often mark the places that need further refinement with comments in brackets, using a different color for clarity.

The Efficiency of Real-Time Editing

Real-time editing during the writing phase can significantly save time that would otherwise be spent on unnecessary revisions. By addressing common issues such as the overuse of filler phrases like “There are” and “It is,” I streamline my writing. For example, “There are many people who say…” becomes “Many people say…” and “It is important that we…” becomes “We must….” Similarly, redundant words like “some” and “any” can be eliminated for a more concise and impactful text. The use of weak modifiers such as “very,” “really,” and “actually” can dilute the message, so I avoid them whenever possible.

By integrating these editing techniques into my writing process, I can produce content that is not only engaging but also efficient and free from redundancy. This approach not only enhances the quality of my work but also streamlines the overall writing process, making it both productive and satisfying.