Slow Writing

Wiradjuri writer, Tara June Winch, gave this advice as judge to entrants to Australia’s SBS Emerging Writers:“When you read your story aloud, when you edit and read it again and again, your work becomes the fire pit reflected in your eyes.‘ To read more about the competition View here.

The winner of last year’s competition said this: ‘Leave enough time to have your story read aloud by at least one other person before you submit it.’ She suggested that person be someone you trust, and that you even think about putting the story away for a period of time. To let it rest.

This might seem a bit extreme, but it was music to me. Like a freshly-made cheese or new bottle of wine that needs maturing, a story can be transformed when allowed time and patience. I must admit to leaving some of my pieces ‘in the drawer’ for years, telling myself they’re awaiting their ‘moment’. Sometimes that’s true.

Apparently, W H Auden was still editing his poems until the day of publication. He’d even pencil changes into the actual book before handing it over to some lucky person in the audience, who could become the unwitting inheritor of literary history. Slow writer that I am, I find this story about the great master himself to be immediately cheering.

Fast. Slow. Everyone has their methods. Tara June Winch (bless her heart) reminds us that whichever-way we choose to write, it’s alright. Leaving the story to marinate overnight – metaphorically speaking – allows flavours and ideas to permeate, making the story even better the next day.

This approach is not for everyone, but if it is, then let’s embrace it. It’s comforting to know that it’s all alright.