Writing into the Dark and The Pursuit of Perfection

 I can’t express enough how much I adore Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s approach to writing. I've been considering doing a few posts about these two and how Their work has helped me. Their books Writing into the Dark and The Pursuit of Perfection have been absolutely liberating for me.

Writing into the Dark transformed the way I approach my writing process. The idea of discovery writing—allowing the story to unfold as I go, without obsessing over an outline—has freed me from the pressure of having everything figured out before I even begin. It’s about trusting the process and embracing the unknown, which makes writing feel more organic and exciting.

Then there’s The Pursuit of Perfection. It’s a reminder that the quest for perfection can actually hold us back. Instead of endlessly polishing and trying to make everything “perfect,” the book emphasizes the importance of finishing and sharing our work with the world. That resonates deeply with me because I’ve struggled with perfectionism before, but now I know that putting something out there, even if it’s not flawless, is a crucial part of the journey.

I return to these books every year, maybe even every six months. They're absolutely invaluable.

Together, these books get me in the mood to write, not with fear or hesitation, but with curiosity and excitement. I feel more empowered to let the stories flow naturally and share them with others, embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of the creative process. Thank you, Dean and Kristine, for showing me that writing can be both a discovery and a celebration.

They are helping me to eventually publish my own non-fiction work: A Universe Unto Itself.