Writing and editing are two seperate processes. You write, then you edit. Trying to do both at the same time leads to frustration and subpar copy.

Why?

Writing something down transforms it from an ephemeral thought into real, tangible words. Concepts in your head are in a constant state of flux. They’re living, slippery things that are all but impossible to get a firm grip on. That’s why writing them down is so powerful.

If you write something down and then immediately try to revise it what you’re really doing is trying to compare concrete words on the page with a wiggly, dynamic thought in your head. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. No, it’s like comparing an apple sitting still on a table with an orange that’s being blended into a smoothie.

The only real way to avoid making these unfair comparisons is to write everything down first, then go back and edit. That’s the only way to know that you’ve truly picked the best words to convey your thoughts.