Every creative hits a block at least once in their career. It might be extreme to say that every passion has an expiry date, but it certainly has a maturing stage.
It’s not you; it’s me
I experienced my block roughly two weeks ago. I can’t pinpoint exactly why it happened; it was probably a mix of factors. It’s been a while since a new client entered the rotation. The freelance editing work I was doing felt almost … routine. Like a true job, not a passion. Naturally, I started questioning my editing skills.
Am I a good editor? Or at least good enough?
What if this client dumps me for another (better) editor?
What am I doing with my life?
In the immortal words of Dolly Parton: ‘It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.’
Is it me you’re looking for?
I have three bookshelves in a row opposite my desk. They house mostly fiction (my guilty pleasure is collecting different covers of The picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde). So, while wallowing in my un-inspiration, I looked over my shelves.
One book caught my eye: On writing by Stephen King.
Now, Mr King is hands down my favourite author. If there is anyone I would take creative advice from, it would be him. So, you would think I’ve read this one already. But I hadn’t. Not in the 10 years that I had the book.
Reflecting on it now, I like to think it’s been waiting for me. A little creative insurance policy I didn’t know I had or needed.
True love after all
It didn’t take much to win me over. His pickup line is perfect: ʻOne rule of the road not directly stated elsewhere in this book: “The editor is always right.”’
Of course, we know that’s not actually the case, but it’s still charming.
For those who don’t know, On writing is a wonderful blend of memoir (or ‘CV’ as King calls it), writing lessons (building your toolbox) and examples. But this isn’t a book review. It’s an affirmation.
Page after page, it was like sitting down and having a casual coffee conversation with him. I loved the absolute passion with which he describes writing and editing; his complete honesty when describing his struggles and insecurities; his generously sharing his editing tips; and the utter joy of reading them and thinking, ʻMe too!’ or ʻI have to try this in my work.’
A quote from the book that actually made me cry is: ʻWe are talking about tools and carpentry, about words and style … but as we move along, you’d do well to remember that we are also talking about magic.’
And isn’t that why editors do what they do? We use words to inform, inspire, encourage, teach and entertain. Editing is a kind of magic. And I had simply misplaced mine for a little while.
In a committed relationship
Inspiration and encouragement come in many forms. Mine was On writing. Yours will be different. Because the truth is, editing can be isolating. It feels as if you have to do everything yourself, so unknowingly getting stuck in a bubble is easy.
This makes having a support system – a community – non-negotiable. Not just for expanding your editing knowledge, but for building meaningful relationships with peers. They’ve been where you are. They know.
It can be the kind and knowledgeable PEG members, a Facebook group, or a colleague you have coffee with once a month. Make that commitment. Fall in love with editing again.
References:
King, S 2012 [2000] On writing: A memoir of the craft. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
603 words
