Is perfectionism holding you back?

Today's guest is USA Today bestselling author Laurie Elizabeth Flynn.

When it comes to drafting, perfectionism is poison.

For many authors, perfectionism is a double-edged sword. It might propel you to create your best work, but it can also hinder your ability to finish — or even begin — a project. Sometimes, you might get so caught up in the fear that your words won’t be good enough, they never even make it onto the page.

Write freely and edit later.

Don’t let the pursuit of perfection hold you back. Remember that first drafts are meant to be messy, and you can’t edit a blank page. Give yourself permission to write badly, and trust the process. The sooner you’re able to surrender some of that control, the more authentic and enjoyable your writing will become.

In today’s interview, USA Today bestselling author Laurie Elizabeth Flynn shares her thoughts on overcoming perfectionism, letting go of what you can’t control in publishing, and refilling the creative well when you’re feeling creatively drained.

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OUR SPECIAL GUEST TODAY IS…

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

USA Today Bestselling Author

Laurie’s latest novel, TILL DEATH DO US PART, is available now!

What is the most memorable writing tip or technique that you have heard, and how did it influence your process?

I firmly believe that there is no right or wrong way to write a book, and what works for one person may not work for another. That said, using the Pomodoro method has been hugely helpful for my own process. While drafting, I set my timer for 15 minute writing sprints, during which time I'm only allowed to write (not edit, not check social media, not heat up my coffee!). After the sprint, I'll take a short break and start again. This has helped me a lot because I tend to get in my head and overanalyze whatever I'm about to put on the page before it even has a chance to exist. Doing a timed sprint forces me to put my words out there, knowing I can always go back and edit later.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in your publishing journey?

Honestly, probably my own perfectionism, which is something I continue to face! I'm my own biggest critic, and sometimes the fear that my writing won't be good enough stops me from getting the words on paper to begin with. I have to constantly remind myself that a first draft only needs to exist, and that I can't edit what isn't there. I let myself write my first draft without self-editing, because for me, momentum is the most important element of drafting.

What is one thing you wish you had known about the publishing process before going through it yourself?

That there is so much you can't control, and the only thing you really can control is the words you're writing. If you focus your energy and creativity on writing the best book you possibly can, it will allow you to let go of the things you can't change, and get back to what you love most — the writing itself.

How do you balance finding time to write and managing other obligations and responsibilities?

I have four young kids, so this is a constant balancing act for me! I try to wake up a couple hours before the kids so that I can write uninterrupted. Also, I find that I've gotten a lot better at writing in the cracks of time that I do have available. Even one 15-minute sprint is better than nothing!

I keep lots of notes in my Notes app regarding my current and future project ideas, so that it feels like the books are never far from me, and I'm always "checking in" with them, even when I'm doing other things.

What's one writing "rule" or commonly followed piece of advice that you decidedly break?

I absolutely love prologues, so most of my books have them! And as a reader, I love a tantalizing prologue too. I think they can work extremely well if they offer a hint at what's to come in an original, effective way.

How do you personally get over writer's block?

If I'm feeling creatively blocked, I try to source out the reason why. If it's that I'm afraid of "messing up" my book, or that what I'm writing isn't good enough, I try to write through those feelings, reminding myself that any words on the page are better than none, and that I always feel better after making progress on my book, even if I feel stuck. I give myself permission to write badly, knowing it can be edited later.

But if I feel creatively drained or exhausted, I don't force myself to write. I prioritize my mental health and let myself refill the creative well in different ways. This might include reading books that I've been excited about, or catching up on shows or movies, or going for walks and getting together with friends. Usually, I find that if it's a break my brain has been after, I come back feeling refreshed and inspired, and with lots of ideas about my book.

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