The Art of Self Editing: Making Space for Better Ideas

I’m a staunch New Yorker. I come from a place where people tell it like it is. Not to offend, but to make sure everyone’s on the same page—living fully in the moment. None of that tiptoeing around social niceties that often leave us stuck in a haze of “should haves” and “maybes.” Life’s too short for that. Let’s live it—right here, right now.

That said, I can also admit when a little self-editing and reflection are a good thing. In other words, not everything on our minds needs to be said—or written.

The same principle applies to our creative work. Sometimes, we have to make the hard call: letting go of a beloved character that isn’t working, trimming that chapter that doesn’t quite move the plot forward, or even scrapping an entire story. As painful as it might feel, these decisions can open doors to something better.

When you find yourself stuck in a rut, that’s your signal to shift. Trust your gut—it’s trying to tell you something: this isn’t working—do something else.

And that “something else” doesn’t have to be monumental. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside for a cup of coffee. I think as writers we often get caught up in the doing of the process, forgetting that creativity isn’t a machine—it’s a living, breathing force. It moves in mysterious ways, flowing when it’s allowed the space to move. It can’t be forced, but it can make waves. And those waves often come in unexpected forms, at unexpected times.

It’s hard to admit when something isn’t working. Harder still to let it go. But it’s okay. Stepping back, listening, and allowing space for the unexpected can often lead to the best ideas—ones we never saw coming.

Creativity is messy, and our ideas are precious. But when we’ve tried everything and a project still isn’t coming together, it’s okay to let go. Trust the process. Because often, when we do, something even more brilliant emerges from the creative chaos.