Editing

True confession: I'm a compulsive editor.

As in, I often keep my mouth shut because the words might not come out perfectly. When I do speak, you can be sure I've spent the last 30 seconds (or 5 minutes) wording and re-wording what I'm going to say to be sure it sounds just right. It doesn't matter what the topic is, I could be telling a story about how my dog ate an entire box of graham crackers, box, wrappers, and all (true story, she's really part goat), and I'll still rehearse it first.

As in, my friends know me as the person they can turn to when they just can't quite come up with the right word, when it's on the tip of their tongues but it's just not coming to mind. Because I'm mentally following their conversation and I've usually already got that word in my head. (that, and I'm a word geek, so I know alot of them)

As in, I read other people's work, and mentally rearrange their sentences. Or correct their grammar/spelling/syntax. Or both. I know, I know. It's a sickness, really. I can't help myself. Do you think there's a 12-step program?

I think that's why I prefer to write. When you put it on paper, you have all the freedom in the world to edit, re-edit, and edit again before anyone else sees it. But therein lies the problem... I'm such a compulsive editor, I often don't start writing because I can't figure out how to start. I want it to be good the first time, even though I like the editing part. I don't really understand that about myself, but they say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. (See? maybe there is a 12-step program!).

So how do I overcome this compulsive editor inside of me? That remains to be seen, but the good news is, it's only been a week since my last post, which is aheckuvalot better than the month that languished between my last two posts. And apparently, Thursday is the day I get inspired to write. Maybe next week, I'll branch out and post on Tuesday too!