Project to Published: Shutting Down Your Inner Editor (Great for nanowrimo)
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Shutting Down Your Inner Editor
One of the biggest problems I have with myself is my tendency to question how good my last bit of writing was and if I could have made it better. Because of this, I sometimes switch to my 'inner editor' mode and I begin to go back through and edit everything I have written. Now don't get me wrong - editing is vital when it comes to writing, especially when it is a professional career. But on the other hand, switching to your inner editor during the middle of writing is not only counterproductive, but it could completely kill your inspiration of the moment.
Organization is very important when I write. I like outlining and I make it a point to write everyday at the same time, with a word count that I am aiming for. I have goals and I like to stick to them. My inner editor is a part of my organization process, but I only let the editor in me out at a certain time. Personally I prefer to do so after the first draft of my manuscript has been finished. This allows me to write without feeling pressured and I like to think it provides me with a higher quality manuscript in the end because I can go through my own work as a whole. It also allows me to write faster.
I would submit that for anyone, especially a first time writer who is plagued by an inner editor that pops up, it would be best to write out your first draft without pausing for editing. Some might disagree with this, but shutting down your inner editor will prevent you from thinking too much about mistakes and allow you to focus on what is important - writing.
Your inner editor is important but so is getting the writing inside of you out and onto paper. Don't cut yourself short by getting distracted. Think about it - when do you do your best? Is it when you are having fun and not thinking? Or is it when you are constantly stopping, looking back over what you just did and seeing mistakes you might have made? Allow yourself to do your best and in so doing, you will allow your inner editor to do his or her best when it counts - afterward.
Do you ever hit road blocks because of your inner editor?
Shutting Down Your Inner Editor
One of the biggest problems I have with myself is my tendency to question how good my last bit of writing was and if I could have made it better. Because of this, I sometimes switch to my 'inner editor' mode and I begin to go back through and edit everything I have written. Now don't get me wrong - editing is vital when it comes to writing, especially when it is a professional career. But on the other hand, switching to your inner editor during the middle of writing is not only counterproductive, but it could completely kill your inspiration of the moment.
Organization is very important when I write. I like outlining and I make it a point to write everyday at the same time, with a word count that I am aiming for. I have goals and I like to stick to them. My inner editor is a part of my organization process, but I only let the editor in me out at a certain time. Personally I prefer to do so after the first draft of my manuscript has been finished. This allows me to write without feeling pressured and I like to think it provides me with a higher quality manuscript in the end because I can go through my own work as a whole. It also allows me to write faster.
I would submit that for anyone, especially a first time writer who is plagued by an inner editor that pops up, it would be best to write out your first draft without pausing for editing. Some might disagree with this, but shutting down your inner editor will prevent you from thinking too much about mistakes and allow you to focus on what is important - writing.
Your inner editor is important but so is getting the writing inside of you out and onto paper. Don't cut yourself short by getting distracted. Think about it - when do you do your best? Is it when you are having fun and not thinking? Or is it when you are constantly stopping, looking back over what you just did and seeing mistakes you might have made? Allow yourself to do your best and in so doing, you will allow your inner editor to do his or her best when it counts - afterward.
Do you ever hit road blocks because of your inner editor?
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