“I don’t believe in bad ideas, just bad execution” (actor and writer Issa Rae). When it comes to my own writing, I believe in both. No idea is inherently bad, but it may be bad for me. How do I know? My interest soon fizzles; the well of characters and scenes dries up well short of a quarter-cupful. Or I park the thought in my idea folder, but months or years pass without it beckoning. I don’t delete it; it may eventually call. It is likely a good idea for someone else. But I accept that it’s a bad idea for me, for now, maybe forever. Bad execution, on the other hand, IS inherent to the creative process. Which is why we revise, seek feedback, and continue to polish the work until we do justice to an idea that takes hold of us and won’t quit. More thoughts about writing at REFLECTIONS.
