Let It Sit

When Laura asks me to make my world-famous Bolognese sauce I start two days ahead.  I take my time.  I add the main ingredients and then a little bit of this and a little bit of that, simmer it (for a LONG TIME), and then I let it sit to allow the flavors to coalesce and set.  When served, it has become a thing of beauty and ALWAYS gets discussed.

Now, I’ve been writing for a long time.  I do newsletters (over 300), blogs, magazine articles, presentation and video scripts, two books, and one a best-seller translated into 9 different languages.  I might now get to use the label “writer”.  I’m always learning.  I subscribe to many writing newsletters, always trying to glean something to help me grow.  One thing I have learned is the Bolognese Secret;  let your writing rest.

I manage my days by themes and Wednesday is WRITING.  The third Friday of every month I have to have my blogs, newsletter, and videos off to Colin and the Dallas crew for post-production work. 

Though Wednesday is writing day, Wednesday is NOT “done writing day!”  After I go through my process of scribbling, sketching, color-coded storyboarding, and then actually writing the piece, I let it rest.  I give it some time just like my sauce.  With time ideas shift, insight grows and you view the piece with a slightly different eye.  You often times make big changes, but most of the time I find the adjustment subtle.  I ALWAYS amend, shift, and modify.  I add “eyes” from other people.  The written piece suddenly transforms into something better.

So here is the Bolognese secret, let your ideas rest a little.  Stir them again.  Simmer the concept and I guarantee that you will end up with everyone asking for a taste!