Having discussed “Eye” checks and “I” checks earlier, let’s look today at “Reality” checks.
First, of all, once a document is written, check it. Ask yourself: “Has what I’ve written stayed on track?”
The reality is, the document you started to write may well have “evolved,” and you’re left with a semi-finished product that’s ... well, different.
“Different” may be good or bad – that’s for you to determine. But you’ve hopefully recognized it now, and that’s what reality checks are all about.
Now, edit, revise and rewrite, and then run the next reality check. Ask yourself: “Is what I’ve written worth someone else’s time to read it?”
It’s a shame that this question can’t really be answered until you’ve written, checked, edited, revised and rewritten the document – which still, after all, isn’t a finished product. But do it anyway, and steel yourself to the consequences: You may have to trash the whole kit and kaboodle and start again from scratch.
(Think of this as a Green resolution: It’d probably save a lot of paper if every “writer” ran this particular reality check.)
Polish up, because now it’s time for another reality check. Ask someone else: “Is what I’ve written worth your time to read it?”
That particular reality check can be a real ego crusher. Healthy, but potentially harsh. A sort of “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” sort of test.
But the last reality check is the toughest of all. Ask yourself: “Is what I’ve written going to make money for me?”
Whether you’re selling a freelance magazine article, or writing brochure copy for the boss, America remains the Capitalism Capital of the World. Somebody’s got to make a buck on your work, or you’re just spinning your wheels in the mud.
[For personal writing assistance, go to www.fixadocument.com]
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