Kill Your Darlings
Welcome to the thirty-fifth edition of “In Touch”. As always, I would love to continue the conversation so please hit “reply” and let me know what you think.
Story of the Week: Kill Your Darlings
When I sat down to write this week’s newsletter, I had a very different story in mind to share with you. I was very excited about it and I felt sure that you would like it too.
As I have done since 2015, on completing it I sent it to my trusted editor for corrections. For the first time in seven years, he came back to me and said, “I don’t think you should send this. I don’t understand the analogy you’re trying to draw and, by the way, you’ve been sharing too many football-related stories lately!”
I was flabbergasted. I tried to reason with him but to no avail. Of course, nobody could actually stop me from sending it out but, a long time ago, I learnt the hard way that it is essential to listen to feedback, especially from people whose opinions I trust. So, although he had surprised me, I knew that I needed to take into consideration what my editor and friend had said. I could not question his credibility and expertise, nor could I doubt that his intentions were good beyond question.
We are all sometimes forced to rethink an idea or even cancel a project about which we are enthusiastic. And as hard as it may seem at first, being obliged to stop something may actually provide us with a great opportunity to become inspired, do something different, or even improve ourselves.
In his memoir ‘On Writing’, the world-famous author Stephen King says: “Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” This week, I followed King’s advice and accepted my editor’s recommendation.
Always listen to those you trust, even if it temporarily shakes your confidence. You are still free to follow your original gut feeling but, in most cases, the outcome of a discussion with a trusted advisor might prove to be a very positive one.
Words of Wisdom
Do not rely only on your ideas:
“Feedback is a gift. Ideas are the currency of our next success. Let people see you value both feedback and ideas.”
Jim Trinka and Les Wallace
A Question to Ponder, dear friend.
“What is the most valuable feedback you have received?”
Hit reply and let me know.
Announcements
- Next Monday, the 23rd of May, we are hosting a special episode of Jump-Start Monday with the General Manager of Sarantis Greece. Looking forward to seeing you there. Click here and add the event to your calendar.
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Best Regards,
Michael R. Virardi
www.michaelvirardi.com
