Pixar Challenge: Rule #18

Pixar’s Rule #18

You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

I think this rule is for the obsessive compulsive perfectionist in all of us.  We write and rewrite.  Of course we need to edit and revise, but we don’t need to pick a story apart until we are left with bare bones.  The juice is in the meat—leave some.  You have to know yourself and your personality so that you recognize when you’re being obsessive.  You need to know yourself enough to say, “Okay, I need to back off.  This is really good.” You have to pull out some confidence.  You have to know YOU. So don’t go back and cut and cut and pick until you don’t have any of the good stuff.  Just set it down and walk away.  There has to be that point that you don’t change anything.  It great, so don’t go it back to good.

Testing Not Refining.  I think you should test to see if the work is stands true.  But you don’t have to cut until there are absolutely no flaws.  Flaws can be enduring.

Do you know yourself?

Also, all of you should check out the posts from my blogging friends who are doing this challenge with me! The first posts go up today. Links to Kate Brauning, Talynn Lynn, Mary Pat, and Alex Yuschik’s blogs are located on the side bar. 

We’d love to see comments on our post and share anything you enjoy.  Thank you for reading!