Killing Perfectionism

"Perfectionism will snuff the flame. Period. Give it up. It's cheating us out of hearing your genuine voice."

~ Beth Moore

So here we are, smack in the middle of NANOWRIMO, and I've got absolutely nothing to say. No brilliant plot twists. No larger-than-life characters wreaking havoc in my mind. I'm talking squat here, people.

I could blame this ugly blue funk on life circumstances that have recently whapped me upside the head, but that wouldn't be honest. Usually when crap happens, I just kill off a character and go on my merry way. So, what's different about this time?

I think I'm stuck in perfectionism.

Yeah, I know. Those of you who know me just threw your hands in the air and yelled, "What the heck? You? Perfectionist? No way!" Newsflash: sometimes, actually, yes I am. And for a writer trying to make headway on a rough draft, perfectionism is a HUGE road block and the bane of many a writer.

What to do?

Writers write. Before I open up my WIP Word file today, I'm going to pull out a Sharpie and some 3x5's, then I'll jot down these reminders and stick them on the wall in front of my face...

• You're not Steinbeck, so don't try to be.
• Enjoy the ride, bumps and all.
• Don't over think it.
• You don't have to keep what you write today.
• You can't edit what you don't have.
• Just WRITE!

There you have it. Feel free to use these and any others to kick yourself in the behind.