WHEN I was a kid, I had a secret belief that words and letters looked happy. Silly as that may sound, it probably would have been helpful to keep in mind those many nights in The Cavalier Daily office when it felt like another coherent sentence would never emit from my brain again. I had to wonder if I would ever finish the lead editorial in good time to the satisfaction of myself and the rest of the managing board.
More than I ever did composing the many papers of my English major career, I learned through working at the newspaper that writing is a labor -- more often than not, it's a labor of love. Nothing feels better than finishing a solid piece of work for publication, knowing (or hoping) that someone else will read it, debate it and get angry about it before dumping it in the recycling bin. Those of us who write for The Cavalier Daily develop a hefty set of clips to sell ourselves to potential employers, but the intangibles we pick up in using that chaos called language are even more invaluable and more lasting than any job we may or may not get once we graduate.
One of the most important things I had to learn was the necessity of plodding through the task at hand no matter how impossible it may feel. It's frustrating to stare at a blank screen for minutes on end. That feeling of irritation and panic, however, grows exponentially the longer you wait to do what you need to do. Sometimes a quick break can rejuvenate your creative process. Putting off the inevitable for extended periods of time, though, will only tax your ability to churn out quality writing, and occasionally the best thing you can do is sit down and type constantly for a few minutes. There's always an opportunity to go back and change what you already have.
Editing is the hardest thing a writer has to do, especially when the changes come from somewhere outside your own mind. The perfect paper, article or column is a myth, and anything you write can be improved. Often the people who suggest alterations to what you've written are the ones most invested in your talent and success, so don't fight what will only make you better.
Another related nugget of wisdom imparted on me over the course of my development as a writer is that as hard as it may be, the thing that has to go may be the one phrase you're attached to the most. I have a propensity for odd vocabulary and extremely long sentences, and while my colleagues had to pry them from me, I usually realized that if I'd gotten so preoccupied with something within my own head, it wasn't going to make sense to anyone else.
It might be easy to go down a checklist of things to do and remember as you write, but perhaps the best way to ensure that you're doing it well is to do it repeatedly. I can't say enough for how much your writing can improve by the sole act of writing more. The more you write, the better your judgment becomes. You'll unconsciously develop the capability of varying style, form and content, and, most importantly, you'll be able to judge yourself and your work with equanimity and experience.
Of course, I would never have been able to pass on these parting words of advice without the input and kindness of all my past editors who refined my untested journalism potential. Much thanks to Brian, Laura, and Justin for giving me the confidence to continue in my endeavors.
The most grateful thanks no doubt go to the other four members of my board, who I will forever value as the best critics and friends I will ever have. Chris, boy, am I glad you didn't take seriously that joke letter requesting your resignation we drafted. I couldn't have asked for a better chief -- "works for me." Kara, you put up with a lot as our lone libertarian. I always admired your intelligence and commitment to doing as much as you did behind those headphones. Josh, my ever-patient office-mate, thanks for telling me to "stay intense." I couldn't have made it through this crazy year without your love and optimism. Leah, the original prod goddess, there aren't enough words to describe how amazingly talented and dedicated you are. Thanks for always waiting for me to perfect my page: "Opinion's done!"
I couldn't end without giving my best to the 116th staff, all current and aspiring writers and editors. Pat, I can't imagine leaving the paper in more capable hands. You stepped in to help me when I needed it most, and I know you'll show that same type of consideration for everyone else you work with. Elliot, your enthusiasm has already impressed me, and I'm excited to see how you'll improve Opinion. Tim, sorry I ran out of Jordan Almonds, but the Ja-Ru is for you. Dan, this paper is going to be a well-oiled machine under you and your technological know-how. Atlas thanks you! And Monika, you've probably taken on the task-heaviest position on the board, but I can tell you're going to keep everything up to the highest standards. You all have taken on a great responsibility, and I know you're up to the challenge.
To the Opinion department, I've had the plesaure of working with most of you for my entire Cav Daily tenure. Thanks for putting up with my questions and corrections. Every one of you has truly impressed me with your writing. Maggie, perhaps the most efficient Opinion editor ever, I want to call you my "mini-me," but that would be an injustice to the new things you've brought to the job. I'm so glad you're sticking around for a culminating second term. Mike, I know I scared the living daylights out of you the first time I met you. Now, I'm proud to call you a good friend and one of the sharpest people I know, destined to be a great editor. Herb, Whitney, and Adam, be nice to your editors, and they'll teach you everything you'd want to learn.
Finally, I have to thank my family for printing out my columns and reading them, even if they were obscure, just because you loved me.
Surround yourself with the brightest minds and sincerest hearts, and you'll be surprised at the heights your writing will attain.
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