It's that time again! My December "Ask the Coach" article is live on ScriptMag. I've written this month about a tricky subject: perfectionism, and specifically within the realm of determining whether to send out work, or not. This is something many writers wrestle with, including me, so it's worth talking about how to identify when you're being a perfectionist, and real reasons not to send out work just yet.

The Question

The article is called "Am I Being a Perfectionist With My Writing??" and in it, I respond to the following reader question:

“How do I know if I’m being a perfectionist with my writing? I’ve got friends pushing me to put my spec script out before it feels ready, and I’m worried I’m just holding back when I shouldn’t be. On the other hand, I’ve seen enough under-finished work out there, I’m hesitant to send out work until I know it’s done. I want it to shine, not go straight into the slush pile.”

Exploring What Being a Perfectionist Means and What to Aim For Instead

In the article, I explore ways to identify if you're stuck in perfectionism and the dangers that brings, look at the real reasons work might not be ready to go out, and give some targets to aim for instead of "perfect."

Here's a little excerpt on that last point:

"If you’re trapped in perfectionism, begin by shifting your focus toward work that is 'excellent,' 'working,' and 'close enough' instead. (Click through to the article to read about each one of these in more detail.)

"None of these means 'perfect.' It might mean 'good enough' but in the literal sense, not in the sense of 'not good enough,' which is often code for the negative thinking we’ve internalized from parents, teachers, and the wider culture over the years.

"If your script doesn’t quite meet these criteria, it’s time to dig in and do the work. Once you’re there, it’ll be time to start querying and sending it out."

Check out the full article by clicking here ⇣

Plus, here's what I'm up to:

1. I'm still (still!) reading! I'm now finished reading all of Michael Connelly's Bosch-universe fiction books. I've also read the first three books of the Old Man's War series by John Scalzi, and while I'm waiting on the 4th to be liberated from Libby, I'm trying to talk myself into starting in on The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey, but so far have read a time travel story first. I'm now up to 62 books since my June 6 counting streak, huzzah.
2. For fun, here's what I've been watching, too. It's been pretty fun watching Pluribus and catching up on Slow Horses. Pluribus is an odd and intriguing show about a semi-self-inflicted alien consciousness takeover of Earth, and features Carol Sturka, oddly immune to the takeover and royally pissed off about it. Slow Horses is continuing series adapting Mick Herron's books for the screen. (I have to read those soon too!) My husband and I were also watching The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix but we're between subscriptions now, ha, so we'll wait to go back to that one.
3. It's time for a break! Over winter break, my family and I are planning to watch loads of movies (the LOTR trilogy is likely on the docket), play tons of board games (most likely Arkam Horror, Terraforming Mars, and Wingspan — plus a secret game they don't know we're getting yet!), and take some hikes. It should be restorative and restful, once the holiday dust has settled.

Thank you for reading, happy holidays, and happy writing!

In other news:

If you're looking for support making writing happen day in and day out — including regular writing sprints — check out my Called to Write Community, now available at a new lower rate: https://calledtowrite.mn.co

If you're looking for developmental editing support, I'm booked through mid-March, approximately. If you'd like to get onto my editorial calendar, let me know. https://jennaavery.com/for-writers

* All book links herein are affiliate links for Bookshop, which means I earn a small referral fee 
if you purchase from them, and which helps me keep my writing ship afloat. Thank you!