Melissa Barker-Simpson

The Perfectionist

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I’ve just been reading a blog buddy’s post (www.laurafreelance.com) and in it she mentions what it’s like to be a perfectionist. I’m sure a lot of us can relate to that. I certainly can.

I have examples of the pressure I can put on myself in all areas of my life, but in terms of writing I’m my own worst enemy. I know I’m a good writer, I consider it a gift, but my fear is that I’ll never be a great writer.

There have been times when I’ve read a particularly good book and can’t help comparing myself. It’s made me want to quit altogether once or twice! Ultimately I can’t give up because writing is a part of who I am – without it I wouldn’t know how to be.

What I have learnt is to stop putting so much pressure on myself and accept that though I’ll never be a Hemingway, some of my stuff is pretty readable! Support from my peers has certainly helped, especially those on fanstory.

Thanks for reading

Until next time

Mel

4 responses to “The Perfectionist”

  1. Kioko Avatar
    Kioko

    Hi Mel,
    I agree that sometimes it’s the drive to be perfect that sometimes hinders us. I think the fear that no one would like what I write has kept me for writing for so long. On the flip side, sometimes a little competition is great. I think I have the best friend that I do because of the healthy competition that we had when we were kids. I just found out that her goal is to write a book this year, so my 2011 goal is to write a book. Here’s to a touch of perfection and a ton of competition!

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Good Luck with that 🙂 that’s nothing more gratifying or more hard work than writing a book. It’s the stages I think, working to shape it, that’s the most difficult task. The most important thing…try to have fun with it!

      Reply
  2. Laura F Avatar
    Laura F

    I’m such a horrible perfectionist, that even with things I know I have no chance of even being decent at (like sports), I’m still convinced I can be the best at.

    That’s sad, so sad.

    And I’m so bad at seeing things in absolute terms. If I read a book and realize if I’d written the description of the scene as well as the author, I’m convinced that I suck and I’ll never be an author as well.

    Oh, I need to get to a support group.

    Great post, Melissa!

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      You and me both! I think we all go through that. Sometimes when we imagine how easy it is for another person that’s just our ego playing tricks…it’s never easy. That paragraph that sounds so eloquent, so clever, probably caused quite a bit of stress. Not that I don’t acknowledge the skill involved, I do. Writing may be fun but a lot of the time it’s hard work 🙂

      Reply

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Hello,

I’m Melissa

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