Do you wrestle with your inner editor? Do your eyes wander over the last paragraph you wrote, and you can't rest until you've eliminated the little red squiggly under the word you mistyped? Is it easier to spend your precious writing time analyzing previous pages than writing new words?
It's time for a smackdown.
Your creative side loves to explore new worlds and uncharted territory. Your analytical side wants to fix everything and make it logical. Unfortunately, to do both at the same time makes for a schizophrenic writer.
I've gathered a bunch of resources from other writers who have tackled this issue. Maybe they haven't solved it, but some of the advice might be exactly what you need to try to keep your editor at bay--at least until your manuscript is finished and it's time to let him or her out from exile.
One thing I do when my inner editor won't keep quiet is to write in the dark. Yes, it's messy, but effective. Computer users can also choose a font color that matches your screen color so your words will be invisible. Don't forget to save, though! If you have a desktop with a wireless keyboard, move across the room from your screen. Here are some more tips:
Mandy Houk, new president of Pikes Peak Writers, shares a great visual for writers to understand what the inner editor does to our confidence.
Cassie Mae, at The Writer's Dojo, gives four practical tips for shutting off the inner editor. I really like her color idea.
I'm so glad I found the 101 Smackdown blog. Authors Clare X. Gailey and Jacquelyn B. Fletcher focus on keeping the editor quiet (until it's needed). The interview with author Kate DiCamillo was really encouraging. DiCamillo has one surefire tip that keeps her inner editor from taking over.
Andy Shack has a two-pronged approach to marking your manuscript when he notices something in need of change so he can keep writing and come back later with his editor in tow. I think his idea is worth a try.
Joe Williams at Procrastinating Writer boils down the inner editor problem to a writer's lack of self-confidence. He lists six tips for staying confident to thwart the inner editor blues.
Have you found anything useful for keeping your inner editor locked up? Or is yours particularly well-behaved?
Mine stays on my case! I'm fighting her tooth and toenail right now, but she is winning. I'm having a severe bought with insecurity - "There must be something wrong with your writing. No one likes it right now..." is what she says.
ReplyDeleteI plan to introduce my inner editor and my muse in hopes that they can come up with something interesting and effective!
Thanks for a confidence building post:)
I love the 'tooth and toenail'! I think all of us writers deal with insecurity, and from the interviews I read (even the one above with DiCamillo), becoming a successful author doesn't eliminate those fears. Best of luck with your introduction!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
THIS IS GREAT! Thanks, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful, Debbie. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteI *have* found something helpful to keep my inner editor at bay. Whenever analysis starts to lead to paralysis, I remind myself of a particular opportunity I passed up because of my lack of self-confidence. (Hold on, banging head against wall. OK, I'm back!) That thought of squandering an opportunity for such a silly reason shoves me forward when I start staring backwards for too long.
Great links!
Smooches,
Janette
You're so welcome, Kelley!
ReplyDeleteJanette, that's a great exercise! I'm sure I have a few of those stories to tell...
~Debbie
These are fantastic! I've been battling this issue lately. What I usually do is write in the morning and edit in the afternoon. What I've been doing is writing/editing at the same time. It does clog up the creative flow. I'm determined to get back to my former routine so that my writing will be fresh and spontaneous. Thank you Debbie for yet another interesting and useful post.
ReplyDeleteLeah, that's a great idea. Sometimes if an edit pops into my mind (like 'I could have said it way'), I use the comment feature to leave myself a note and keep going. But your system might be even better!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I never realized I had that problem until reading your post...now I have a name for it! I have the habit of reading and re-reading a WIP to death. And sometimes I can't begin a longer non-fiction PB until I have "all my ducks in a row." Thanks for identifying the problem, Debbie...and finding solutions!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're in the club with the rest of us, Jarm!
ReplyDelete~Debbie