From Point A to Point B

It is generally a good idea to have a complete plan when we begin a project. We have an idea of what we want to say and where we are going. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes, we are able to identify Point A and Point B but aren’t sure exactly how to get there.

My advice, in this instance is to go ahead and write what we know. Once it is down on paper, the path from the one to the other may become clear. If not, we have our starting and ending points and can set this aside for a later date. It may be that we simply haven’t given thought to how to connect the dots. On the other hand, maybe we thought the two points would be enough to make our case. Once we actually write it out, we find this is not the case. Either way, we may be able to fill in the blanks at another time.

I’m an advocate for writing everything we can about a subject and then pruning the unnecessary information afterward. I’m probably wrong for thinking in this way, but I don’t believe in stifling creativity when it is flowing freely. The worst case scenario, in my opinion, would be that we may write enough to complete three works instead of just one. There’s nothing wrong in that.

I suppose it depends on what we’re working on. If we have specific guidelines for what needs to be accomplished, this overwriting can get us into trouble. We need to adhere to posted guidelines for any job that we tackle of a professional nature. Never presume that you know what’s better for a publication than the editor. You’d never see another offer of work from them again. Once you’ve established yourself, you might be able to make suggestions. Until then, hold your tongue.

If the project is one of our own choosing, the more words we write, the merrier we’ll be. We may have just written the first three installments of a serial.