Get Started and Correct as You Go

Lessons on Writing and Overcoming Perfectionism from Ziad Rayess:

In his book "Shortcut for a Better Life", the writer Ziad Rayess mentions: Social projects, cultural documentation initiatives, or even business projects that may seem, at first sight, important and necessary are often proposed for discussion. But they’re usually forgotten, or they aren’t given enough attention to be completed and taking shape. Or no one ever works on all the aspects that are crucial to implementing them or showing them in the best light. But because these projects die so early on, I think it’s important to appreciate the perfection required and compare it from the beginning with how necessary that perfection is. It should not be a reason for the project’s failure. It’s fine to evaluate and make updates in late stages. The initiative to write my first book, My Experience: For a Better Life, came within the same context. I knew it would require evaluation and correction later, and after some simple review, I came up with some notes and conclusions, which might motivate others to write their own book:

1. Writing provides great motivation for reading.
2. Writing requires peace and quiet, which can only be found in the early morning. This means the writer must make sure to wake up early before entering the clamor of everyday life.
3. Because the topic of the book promotes some values and self-development, the author must commit to them first and foremost.
4. If you make sure to devote time to writing, it will automatically lead to reduced interest in watching TV or looking at social media.
5. Fact-checking encourages the author to use search engines and informational websites like Google and other resources, making the author more cultured and knowledgeable.
6. Dealing with publishers is a skill in and of itself.
7. Being described as an author or writer gives you an air of respect, high regard, or extraordinary respect among others, as if you’re a different person now. But however prominent an author is, they’ll be accepted and recognized by some and criticized by others.
8. The title, the introduction, the table of contents, the publisher, the cover design, and the “About the Author” section are all important elements that play a role in attracting readers, or the opposite.
9. There’s a lot of talk about ebooks, and they’ve definitely gained great standing in the book world, but paper copies still have their own world and audience among readers.

In addition to the above, I’ve found that grammar-savvy readers will be bothered by grammatical mistakes in a book, which may distract them from the content. But you don’t have to be a littérateur or an outstanding linguist to write. Writers will find that the more they write, the better their writing will be, which helps in this area. But the most important thing is to have an excellent topic or life experience to present to others.

An author’s success depends on many factors, most importantly the content, then the strength of the publisher. There is a very low chance of success, perhaps less than 2%, but many writers still keep writing one edition after another, and their books aren’t successful until the fifth or tenth edition.

There are many people who have important content and a topic that must be written about and published, but they’re waiting for it to be perfect or are working up the will to get started. My advice to them is: get started and improve as you go.

Finally, I’m reminded of what one speaker said: “Perfectionism has killed so many great works, just as laziness and procrastination has killed so many unique writings.”

Conclusion:

Writing a book requires commitment, effort, and a passion for the topic. Perfectionism can kill great works, and procrastination can prevent unique writings, as Ziad Rayess points out. The importance of perfection must be understood by writers, who must then commit to it from the start while understanding that improvements and updates can be made in later stages. Ultimately, an author's success depends on a number of variables, including the content and the publisher’s standing. However, the most important thing is to have an excellent topic or life experience to present to others. Thus, Rayess advises aspiring writers to get started and get better as they go. Writing is a powerful tool that can encourage reading, support personal growth, and broaden one’s worldview.