Tony Tips Tuesdays: Write with Your Heart, Edit with Your Head

When it comes to writing, the process is often described as a delicate balance between creativity and critical thinking. It’s a dance between uninhibited passion and meticulous precision. Today’s Tony Tips Tuesday dives into this very balance, exploring how writers can harness their emotions during the drafting phase and then bring in logic and structure during the editing phase. After all, great writing is not merely about what is said, but how it resonates with readers—and resonance comes from the heart, while clarity comes from the head.

Let’s break this concept down into two parts: the heart-driven draft and the head-driven edit.

Part 1: Writing with Your Heart

1. Embrace the Flow of Creativity:

When you begin writing, let your imagination run wild. This is your opportunity to be completely free in your expression. Don’t worry about grammar, sentence structure, or whether your ideas make perfect sense just yet. The goal is to get your thoughts down on paper without inhibition.

Writing with your heart means tapping into your emotions, memories, and deepest thoughts. Whether you’re working on a novel, a blog post, or even a business report, there’s always a place for authenticity. Passion, after all, is what gives a piece of writing its soul.

Tip: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and write nonstop. Don’t edit. Don’t pause. Just let the words flow.

2. Find Your Voice:

Your unique voice is what sets your writing apart from others. Voice is not just about word choice or style; it’s about perspective and personality. When you write with your heart, your voice naturally emerges because you’re not censoring yourself. You’re letting your true self shine through.

Think about the writers you admire. What draws you to their work? Chances are, it’s their voice—their ability to convey emotions and ideas in a way that feels personal and real.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to write in a way that feels true to you, even if it doesn’t fit conventional norms. Authenticity matters more than formality in the first draft.

3. Let Emotion Drive the Story:

Emotion is the lifeblood of any good story. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, your readers want to feel something. Writing with your heart means putting yourself in your characters’ shoes, reliving personal experiences, or imagining what it’s like to walk in someone else’s world.

Tip: Ask yourself, “What do I want my readers to feel?” Then, write with that goal in mind.

4. Don’t Fear the Mess:

First drafts are supposed to be messy. They’re raw, unfiltered, and imperfect—and that’s okay. Too often, writers get stuck trying to make everything perfect from the start. But perfection is the enemy of progress. Embrace the mess and remind yourself that the first draft is just the beginning.

Tip: Give yourself permission to write badly. You can fix it later. For now, just focus on getting your ideas out.

5. Write for Yourself First:

During the initial draft, you should be your own audience. Write what excites you, what moves you, and what you feel passionate about. If you’re genuinely engaged with your writing, that passion will come through to your readers later on.

Tip: Ask yourself, “What do I care about?” Write about that. When you write with your heart, you’re more likely to create something meaningful.

Part 2: Editing with Your Head

Once you have your heart-driven draft, it’s time to switch gears. Editing is where logic, structure, and precision come into play. Now, you’re shaping your raw material into something polished and professional.

1. Take a Break:

Before you dive into editing, give yourself some distance from your draft. This helps you approach your work with fresh eyes and a clearer mind.

Tip: Set your draft aside for at least a day, if not longer. When you return to it, you’ll be able to spot issues more easily.

2. Focus on Clarity and Coherence:

Editing with your head means ensuring that your writing makes sense. Are your ideas clearly presented? Does your argument flow logically? Are there any gaps in your story or reasoning?

Tip: Read your draft aloud. Hearing your words can help you catch awkward phrasing and unclear passages.

3. Polish Your Prose:

Editing is your chance to refine your language. Look for ways to tighten your sentences, eliminate redundancy, and choose stronger words. This is where you can focus on grammar, punctuation, and style.

Tip: Use active voice whenever possible. It makes your writing more direct and engaging.

4. Cut What Doesn’t Serve the Piece:

Sometimes, we write things that we love but that don’t actually serve the overall piece. Editing with your head means being willing to cut those parts. Remember, every word should have a purpose.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether to cut something, ask yourself, “Does this add value?” If not, let it go.

5. Get Feedback:

No writer is an island. Getting feedback from others can help you see your work in a new light. Find someone you trust to give you honest, constructive criticism.

Tip: When receiving feedback, don’t take it personally. Remember, the goal is to make your writing better.

Balancing Heart and Head

Great writing comes from a balance of heart and head. You need the heart to create something worth reading, and you need the head to make it readable. Here are a few final tips on achieving that balance:

1. Know When to Switch Gears:

There’s a time for writing with your heart and a time for editing with your head. Knowing when to switch gears is key. When you’re drafting, don’t let your inner editor stifle your creativity. When you’re editing, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.

Tip: If you find yourself editing too soon, remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Likewise, if you’re struggling to cut something during editing, remind yourself that you can always save it for another piece.

2. Trust the Process:

Writing is a process, and every step has its purpose. Trust that by writing with your heart and editing with your head, you’ll create something you can be proud of.

Tip: Celebrate each step of the process. Finishing a draft is an accomplishment. Completing an edit is an accomplishment. Writing is hard work, and every step forward deserves recognition.

3. Be Kind to Yourself:

Writing can be an emotional rollercoaster. There will be days when it feels easy and days when it feels impossible. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout the process.

Tip: When you’re feeling stuck, take a break, do something that inspires you, and come back to your work with fresh energy.

Final Thoughts

At the heart of great writing is a blend of passion and precision. By writing with your heart, you bring authenticity and emotion to your work. By editing with your head, you bring clarity and structure. Both are essential, and both require practice.

So, the next time you sit down to write, let your heart lead the way. And when it’s time to edit, let your head take the reins. Together, they’ll help you create something truly remarkable.

Remember, writing is a journey. There will be twists and turns, ups and downs. But if you stay true to yourself, trust the process, and balance your heart and head, you’ll find your way.

If you’re looking for an exciting read filled with action, inspiration, and compelling characters, check out my novels in the S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™: Angelo™ and Angeline™ Chronicles. It’s available for autographed copies at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop. Dive into a world where light battles darkness, and heroes are born through courage and faith. Thank you for your support!

Happy writing, and see you next time for another Tony Tips Tuesdays!