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!
Leave a Reply