the craft. overthinking.

Thinking too much is both a super power and kryptonite for a writer. The fact that we think a lot is what helps us ask questions and create fantasy lands and great stories of make believe. But it can also be our biggest obstacle to finishing.

Overthinking lives in the same world as perfectionism and procrastination, in my opinion. They’re like distance cousins. So, it’s important that it’s closely monitored.

Being thoughtful about our work is not inherently negative. Attention to detail and a standard of excellence are attributes in anything. However, when we use it as yet another crutch, that’s when it’s in the way. Specifically with writing, it’s important that we remember it will never be perfect. Our work is living and always evolving. For instance, I am not the same writer I was when I started taking blogging seriously in 2013. Thankfully. My manuscript is also not the same one that got me an agent or that the publisher bought. In both instances, they’ve gotten so much better.

And drafting is just that, a draft. It’s getting what’s in our heads onto the page. But the precision is in the editing. Editing then takes on many iterations. But there will come a time where you have to trust yourself. You can only take your ideas as far as you can and then it’s helpful to get some objective eyes on it.

After that, you have to let it go. There comes a time when the work no longer belongs to you. You let it out into the world and there’s no more thinking or tweaking you can do.

Fear is a sneaky little harlot because it disguises itself as many things. But so much that we come up against in our journey is rooted in fear. But as my friend Yetti recently said about anxiety, fear doesn’t have to be in the driver’s seat. It’s with us and that’s what it is. It can ride along with us, but it should not drive. We can’t keep allowing fear to keep us from achieving our writing goals.

You do not have to have it all together to start. You do not have to have it all together to start. Yes, I had to say it twice because I know it needs to sink in. All that thinking will not move you forward. Action does that.

Sure, sometimes it’s clunky and you have to learn on the job, so to speak. But everything worth having takes work.

Some things that have helped me with overthinking are:

Writing a lot. The more I’m in the practice of writing, the less I second guess myself.
Reading. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but other people’s work is not perfect either. If they can, you can.
Taking breaks. This does not get the credit it deserves. Fresh eyes help things click that maybe didn’t before.
Affirm that you are enough. This cures so much in writing and in life.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Britni Danielle is looking for pitches for June and July. Author interviews (no reviews), entertainment profiles and more. britni@shondaland.com.

Apartment Therapy Media is looking for an Audience Growth Intern. $20/hr, 20-30 hours per week.

CNN Business is looking for an Associate Writer for weekends. Send your resume to alexis.benveniste@cnn.com.

i_D is looking for new writers (especially those based in the US) to contribute. Please send exciting pitches on internet trends, youth culture, films, tv, and pop culture takes to Nicole Demarco at nicole.demarco@i-d.co.

Insider Inc. is hiring an Editorial Fellow at $18/hr.

Mashable is looking for more freelancers.

Buzzfeed is hiring a Front Page Editor.

Harper’s is looking for an Assistant Editor.