On Allowing the Work to Rise

by Jan Priddy

One of the earliest bits of advice I received about writing—other than using correct punctuation and cutting adverbs—had to do with holding on to work. Write the draft, take it as far as you can, maybe even to where you think it’s done. Then set it aside. Come back a few months or at least wait a few weeks and read it again. Rethink the piece, revise.

Like bread dough, writing needs time to rise undisturbed.

I am here to tell you that this is excellent advice. When you ...