In this episode, I delve into a crucial aspect of the writing process that’s often overlooked: the importance of not rushing. Drawing from my experiences as both an editor and a writer, I share insights on why giving your work time to breathe can lead to more profound, polished pieces. We’ll explore how slowing down can actually accelerate your growth as a writer, and I’ll offer practical tips on how to embrace a more patient approach to your craft. Whether you’re working on a novel, short story, or personal essay, this episode will encourage you to find value in the journey, not just the destination.
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#111 Write, Publish, Shine Episode Transcript
Introduction:
Welcome, luminous writers, to episode 111 of Write, Publish, and Shine. Today, we’re going to slow things down and talk about why you shouldn’t rush your writing. As both an editor and a writer, I’ve learned that one of the greatest gifts we can give our work is time. In this episode, we’ll explore how to pace yourself, embrace patience, and recognize the growth that comes with letting your writing evolve.
Main Content:
When we’re passionate about a story, it’s tempting to rush through it, driven by excitement or the pressure to meet a deadline. But what I’ve seen, time and again, is that work truly flourishes when we allow it the space to breathe.
As an editor at Room, I’ve watched pieces transform over time, often revisited and rewritten over months—sometimes even years. Writers tell me later how much their work changed from those first drafts. What stands out is how they realized that time, rather than rushing to the next submission, helped them hone the voice and deepen the layers of their story.
It can be disheartening when our writing feels slow or stuck. I recently had a conversation with a writer who was frustrated that her process seemed to have slowed down over the years. She used to write thousands of words in a sitting, and now she finds herself working more slowly. But what became clear in our conversation was that this shift wasn’t a sign of decline—it was a mark of growth.
Sometimes, our creative stamina changes, and that’s okay. Writing slower can mean we’re approaching our stories with more care and attention. Those 800 words you write now might hold more depth than the 4000 words you used to write in a frenzy. And that’s where the magic happens—the weight of the words, the clarity that emerges when you’re not rushing toward the end.
It’s about giving yourself permission to evolve with your writing.