Dear Writer,

Today I am reminded why we write and that the how of it is irrelevant when it comes to doing the deed. Sure, there are a great many qualities effective works do and do not possess (most of which we all tend to agree on), but it’s worth remembering first and foremost that ours is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. There’s more than one way to save the cat.

Personally, I delight in encountering pieces of writing that ignore tradition as well as expectation and even pride myself on churning out such experimental works from time to time. Say what you will about loud, hair-raising writing that stomps around and breaks things, including usage “rules,” but such works—nutty as they may be; the nuttier the better, if you ask me—feel truer to life than straightforward, formulaic writing that stays in its own lane and risks nothing more than, say, ending a romantic relationship. In any case, as passionate as I am about whatever I’m working on, and no matter how much time I’ve invested in a given project, that evil, wheedling voice of self-doubt still creeps into my head sometimes.

Whatever you’re working on, no matter the genre, subject matter, length, or however long you’ve been working on it, don’t let anything get in your way of finishing it—especially yourself! The truth is, the biggest hurdles we face in finishing projects, each of us, is ourselves. For example, today I intended to finish a new short story but instead find myself writing what you’re reading now. These things happen. As a consolation, I have resolved to finish this piece instead.

As for the how of this piece:

While working on the aforementioned short story I’m tentatively calling “Shells,” I found myself researching the usage rules in regard to “That” and “Which” for the zillionth time. Of course, the rules hadn’t changed overnight and I was still correct in my usage, but it occurs to me now how often I doubt myself about minor, trivial matters like this—and how often I doubt myself in general. Whereas, had I kept my eyes on the prize and not doubted myself, perhaps I would have finished the other project today like I had planned.

So it goes.

Do not doubt yourself, Dear Writer. Believe in yourself. Trust your instincts. We needn’t be afraid of making mistakes. Such is life. Do what you set out to do: just finish the thing! Write now and edit later; when it comes to writing, there’s no better advice than that. Keep your eyes on the prize. You’re on the write path.

Ope