8
Writer’s Regret
Have you ever had the experience of regret at having said something 
that was really ridiculous, insensitive or even plain wrong?
Or – if you are a writer – have you ever had the following experience?
You’ve written something that got published, and happened to read it again (if you even do that – isn’t that like listening to your own voice on a recording? Ugh!).
You thought to yourself:
“What was I thinking? This material is completely…er..annoying.”
It just doesn’t measure up.
I wonder what causes people to have “writer’s regret.”
Is it a failing to think the idea through completely to vet whether the topic is highly relevant, universal and even honest?
Is it a sense of perfectionism that pervades writers and their psyches?
Or is it just not being able to distance oneself from one’s writing – once it is written?
I think either of the above may come into play during the writing process, which includes the writing and the aftermath.
As writers we have to learn to let go of our words – they are words we put down there, either on a blog or a published format. For whatever reason those words are being read, and it is actually not our business to analyze our words once they are out there – especially when changes cannot be made.
The fine line between self improvement and self criticism is a fine one. While we don’t want to be complacent, we also don’t want to find ourselves second guessing our writing, our choices and our style.
Something to think about.
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=26532&picture=tape-measure
I can’t say I recall any time I’ve regretted my writing but I’m sure I have. Nice food for thought!
Well, let’s see what happens after you finish your play that you’re working on (kidding!) haha. Thanks for your comment Lisa (as always..) 🙂
well, one of the blogger i’m following was saying: ‘write it.. leave it for a week, then read it again, before it publish.’
at least it will make you rethinking.
Good advice, Ryan. I’m not so good at following that advice, but I’m getting better!
me too. still working on that:D
That’s good advice.
I don’t think I’ve regretted publishing anything except blog posts and book reviews on Amazon. Occasionally, I go back and rewrite them or even delete them. Usually, it’s because I’m too hasty or didn’t think things through or acted on incomplete information.
sometimes it happens because the topic one writes about touches a specific chord within, and the written word reflects thoughts and feelings embedded there, at the moment–more spontaneity involved. upon reflection, however, additional perspectives contribute and possibly a more 3rd person objective is present….
Very astute. Thanks Chavi for your insights…