Monday, January 19, 2009

The Real Deal


I'm not a fan of generic canned goods, but due to the current economic condition in this household, I've taken to buying them. Yesterday, I tried opening a can of potatoes--those little round ones that fry up so easily--and I found I couldn't get the can opener to pierce the top. A few tries later, it finally bit through.


I'm not a fan of generic writing either but do it often.


Do you ever find yourself throwing together an article and sending it off without letting it sit and boil a few days? My first draft lands on the editor's desk---and into the trash.


I've been trying hard this past year to write quality work and not a poor imitation of something it could be, even if it means I send out less.


How's your writing? Are you sending generic or the real deal?

21 comments:

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I have decided not to send out anything for the sake of sending something. If my heart is not totally in it and it's not my best, then it either sits in a "I Might Do This Later" file or hits the shredder!

Kathleen said...

Interesting how a little word like "generic" can pack such a big whallop! I'm going to have to mull this one over, mostly because I'm a huge fan of name brands, but probably guilty of indulging my own generic side.

Robin Lambright said...

I'm just impressed that you actually have articles to submit. I have not gotten that far yet.

Jenni James said...

I always think it's the real deal and until I reread it and then I'm like OOPS! LOL! My time is limited, so it's always as fast as I can get it out.. but of course, i don't write articles! that's awesome! I'm meaning more like my blog! hahaha! Or my books when i think they're finished! LOL!

Morgan Mandel said...

I'm the opposite. I spend too much time editing.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/morganmandel

Yolanda said...

I pray that I'm not...but perhaps?

Your are a blessing Miss Terri!!!!

Vickie said...

Everyone keeps asking when are you going to publish again, but I know that even though I am working on some stuff, it's just not ready.

I will have a witness in my spirit and I'll know when it's the right time.

Vickie

Angie Ledbetter said...

Ditto what Morgan said. I hang on to the stuff, revising, letting simmer, editing, revising, yada yada with my fiction. The articles, not so much.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I hope the real deal comes through most often, but I know I'm guilty of the generic stuff, too. I think we all must have moments like that.

Kathryn Magendie said...

One time I threw together an essay - I was so ashamed that I sent it out without thinking about it and editing it better...and the dang thing was one of my most commented about essays! Golden Sparkled Dancer's Cap -- huhn! You just never know - sometimes the things we pull out quickly are the most sincere.

However, when I wrote columns for a local publication, I couldn't do that always - for sometimes I'd look at them later and go, "oh, geez -that's really bad!" *laughing* It read as if I'd just wanted to get it done...not good!

Donnie said...

Surprise, It's me. Hey Donna K.. Terrie I am on my sisters computer in NC. She pulled you up for me. I like your blog. I still think you should have gone to speak at the seminar. Remember everyone can lecture. You just have to be careful not to pass out and drop to the floor in the middle of it. Bob B.

LisaShaw said...

Terri,

I'm so with you on this!

But I'm not at the point of sending anything out so I applaud you on that.

I have often trashed what I've written and hear myself say, "do over" because I don't want anything 'out there' that is not in the fullness of what represents the LORD especially when there is SO much on the market to read and sort through.

I want what I write to be what HE SAYS.

Lots of love.

Tracy said...

Well, I've found myself doing both - though I haven't actually 'sent' anything out. Sometimes a quick and easy blog post is just what I do, but other times, I really put a lot into it. This is definately something to consider though, when I am sending writing out to others. Blessings!

Melissa Amateis said...

I've been guilty of this a few times. Thanks for the reminder to write the Real Deal! :-)

Jessica Nelson said...

LOL
Uh-oh.
Yeah, sometimes I write generic though I can't bring myself to buy generic.
I blame it on my mom.

But yes, I am trying to explore broader verb choices, new storylines, etc. instead of going with what I've been used to.

Mary L. Briggs said...

I usually take forever to send anything out~and then I am not satisfied with it, just thinking I ought to get it 'out there'.

Renee Collins said...

lol, I think I can write both. I always know when it's generic, though. It drives me crazy and I can't get past that one scene. Then, I'll say to myself, "That's because it's cliche." :)

Travis Erwin said...

I haven't been doing any writng, but I hope to get back in the groove soon.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Always try to write real, but as to the "sending" beyond my blog...nothing being done along those lines right now. I'm going to email you a question.

peace~elaine

jem said...

http://jem-thoughts.blogspot.com, this is my new blog i am trying to start up. Come and check it out.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

When I'm most enthused about a project that's when I've got to step back. My delight with the subject matter often blinds my objectivity.

Returning to the project after a week or two gives me time to pray, mull over the piece, and see it through the eyes of a reader.

Great analogy.

Blessings,
Susan :)