Your inner editor is a hard taskmaster who can stifle, paralyze, or even kill your creativity, leaving you stuck trying to write the perfect first sentence. Create first…edit second. I loved the quote Tina posted this month:
“You can’t edit a blank page.”
—Nora Roberts
Since Seekerville is celebrating a milestone birthday this year, I’ve devised 10 ways to improve your creative output and deal with that pesky inner editor.
1. Pray: First things first. When you sit down at the keyboard, pray that the words you write will fulfill God’s purpose. Pray for your future readers. Pray that every word you write will glorify Him—the Creator of the universe. Pray that you won’t be tempted to edit your words before you finish your manuscript.
2. Loosen up and learn to play again. Maybe I should define play. Better yet. Close your eyes and remember the sights, smells, sounds, and emotions of playing as a child. What’s the first thing that pops in your head? Before your memory fades, write down your experience. Ignore your inner editor telling you that you’re wasting time. Don’t worry about pretty words. Don’t think about proper grammar. (Sorry Grammar Queen.) Just write.
3. Find your special time to write. More creative in the morning? Get up an hour earlier. I set the alarm on my cell phone and leave it in the kitchen so I have to get up to shut off the blasted thing and its annoying music. Because I set the timer on the coffeepot the night before, dark, rich, French roast coffee is waiting for me to pour into my cup. My inner editor is still in bed snoring. Find what time works best for you and stick to it. It may be midnight when the house is quiet, or it may be during your commute to work on the train, or at lunchtime.
4. Engage in conversation with that voice in your head. Trust your inner angel and brainstorm your idea with her. If God called you to write, He’s got a story for you to tell. He’s prepared readers to hear what you have to say. Maybe they need to learn how to giggle and play again, to stop worrying and listen to His voice. Your writing might be the book your readers need to lift their spirits or give them a new perspective on how to deal with a situation.
6. Learn to say no and ditch the guilt. Let’s face it. A lot of us carry around suitcases of guilt about taking the time to write. You feel selfish. Your family needs you. Your church needs you. The world needs you. You feel stressed and guilty you don’t have time to write. You’ve listened to your inner editor who has told you that your writing takes away from the important things of life, and besides, you’ll never publish anything. Ha! Give yourself permission to write and learn to say no to other opportunities.
7. Ignore the voice of your English teacher. When I attended school in the Dark Ages, we learned to write a perfect paper the first time around. Now they teach writing as a process. But long ago, we didn’t have computers that corrected our mistakes. We used typewriters, and typewriter erasers could wear a hole in the paper. Whiteout made a mess. So unless you wanted to retype your paper, you wrote it perfectly. That’s why some of us are such perfectionists, and our inner editors stifle our output.
8. Write drivel on the page. To write drivel is to write nonsense, gibberish, rubbish, mumbo-jumbo, garbage. When you have writer’s block, write drivel. I don’t believe in writer’s block by the way. I think your inner editor has blocked your imagination. When you write drivel, your inner editor gets a migraine and curls up in the fetal position. Cover her with a blanket, and let her sleep while you and your creative angel finish your book. Those words may be drivel now, but when your first draft is finished, you can wake up your inner editor to help you whip your manuscript into shape.
9. Avoid procrastination. About halfway through your manuscript, you might be tempted to quit. Your inner editor is yammering in your ear, and you feel paralyzed. You might succumb to her need for perfection by editing the first half of your book, or you might stop writing and procrastinate. The lawn needs mowing, you need to run to the store for a few groceries, or you need to load the dishwasher. Stand firm with God’s help. Don’t quit. This is the time to write drivel if you must. Set a daily word goal, make it realistic, and sit in your chair at the keyboard until the work is done. Monitoring your progress every day will give you the courage to slog through the mud of hard times. Your creative angel is right beside you, cheering you on. Miss Know-It-All inner editor may be screaming in your ear that your writing stinks. Don’t believe her. Set your eyes on the goal line and keep writing.
10. Finish what you start. It’s tempting to quit when another brilliant idea for a book hits you. You feel that rush of excitement again and want to start a new project right away before finishing the first one. If you give in to that impulse, you’ll have a drawer full of starts, but none of them will have a last page that reads THE END. There’s something special and satisfying about writing those words—a feeling you’ll never experience if you quit in the middle of every book you write. This is the time to give free rein to your inner editor as you produce the second draft. You’ve finished what you started. Congratulations!
How do you deal with your inner editor while writing a first draft? Any tips for the rest of us?
Leave a comment today to be entered in the drawing to receive a free Kindle copy of my novella I’ll Be Home for Christmas, as well as a copy of my historical romance Dreams of My Heart that will release in paperback April 1. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.
Many blessings and Happy Birthday Seekerville!
Walkin’ in a winter wonderland is no stroll in the park . . .
Forget asking for a pony. Sophia Tucker and her sisters have inherited an entire horse farm for Christmas. The money from selling the place should be enough for Soph to open her own veterinary clinic. Finally.
All that’s left to do is return home for one last Christmas. But there’s a catch.
His name is Matt Weatherly, a former Marine medic and childhood friend. Nurse to her late father, Matt sets to work helping the Tucker sisters bring the family homestead back to its former glory.
However, it’s anything but peace on earth when Matt considers reenlisting. Is it possible for Soph to have herself a merry little Christmas? (First published in Sleigh Bells Ring: Four Contemporary Romance Novellas, October 2016.)
Order here!
Barbara and her husband Mike live in the Nashville area, where sweet tea is a food staple, with their two Chihuahuas, Riley and Sissy, both rescued from puppy mills. Reading, writing, and research are her passions.
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This kind of springboards off of yesterday's post & how Michelle Griep words it "Kill your inner editor. Go ahead. It's not a felony". That cracked me up when I read it! I'm not writer, but time & time again I've read on here basically what you've said here; get your words on paper first, edit second (you can't edit a blank page).
ReplyDeleteI can see that for the most part, writers are on the same track and mind-frame and I really like it when I see you guys encouraging each other and sharing what works best for you. It's like a readers glimpse into an ongoing writers workshop :-) I like being a fly on the wall....haha!
Yes, writers are a strange breed, but we run in herds when we can. Seekerville is the perfect place to connect. BTW, we LOVE readers. I'd like to be a fly on your wall and study how you make the decision on what you'll read next. :)
DeleteAs far as what I read when, I'm also a reviewer and on several authors street/early read teams (especially for Love Inspired). So obviously those books come first & since they come earlier than release day, I have time to read them. I rarely find myself without a review book, but when I do, I have a whole three shelves worth of books to pick up or my library supplies me too! Whatever tickles my fancy at the time is what I pick up. I tend to gravitate to historical & then suspense with a few contemporary to keep it fresh. :-) I have many go-to authors I love and occasionally I'll find a few new-to-me writers that I will try.
DeleteLOL...readers also run in herds! I have many reader friends who recommend books and I trust their judgement. Some of them have a blog where they review books so I can learn of new ones coming out or read what they think about a book I've either read or want to read. It's a win/win all around :-)
By the way, the first thing a book must be for me to pick up, is Christian. For me, that's an obvious factor :-)
Welcome back, Kotter. I mean Barbara.
ReplyDeleteThe daydreaming part. You nailed it. Recently I have started working on a second project along with my contracted work. My daydream project. It allows me to do whatever I want and it is so freeing, which helps me with my huge internal editor fear problem with my contracted work.
Thank you for these great ideas.
Yesterday was National Pumpkin Day and tomorrow is National Chocolate Day so let's celebrate both with Pumpkin donuts with chocolate glaze.
Coffee in on!!!
Good morning, Tina! Now that song will be playing in my head all day. I've had my first cup of coffee, but I can't spell yet and my eyes are at half mast. Better get me a bigger cup.
DeleteI love that phrase...your daydream project. Can I steal that?
Tina, I also brought my pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips. Might as well, right?
DeleteKB
Daydream project--I just realized that's what I'm working on right now! It began as a vague image a couple of years ago, an idea for a character that just wouldn't let go. Now I'm playing with the story--literally!--to see where this woman will take me!
DeleteYou may steal that phrase, Barbara!!
DeleteIsn't it fun to have that joy back..no deadline joy too.
Hi Barbara:
ReplyDeleteI just have to know if you are the Barbara J. Scott who wrote: " Hemingway and Lorca: Blood, Sand, and Duende"?
I really like your ten points. We used #8 all the time as advertising copywriters. We were not allowed to have writer's block. In retail we are the 'short-order' writers. We'd have to write a whole ad while the newspaper guy stood over us waiting for his proof to take back to the paper!
Just write anything until it starts to make sense. It is like running dirty water until it runs clear.
Of course, the first thing I always did was edit the blank page to meet the editor's or contest rules layout specifications. But then I always thought of the first draft as simply editing empty pages. Why not?
Besides, my builder friends have always told me it is much easier to build new rather than renovate. Avoid the rush and just edit the blank pages.
BTW: I use a freelance internal editor and that keeps her well behaved.
Please put me in the drawing for "I'll Be Home for Christmas". We used to sing that song in the barracks overseas just to annoy the new guys. It's true!
Vince
Good morning, Vince! Why, yes, I am the Hemingway/Lorca author. lol It was my master's thesis and instead of sticking it on the shelf to gather dust, I rewrote it, picked a cover, and used a Create Space template to publish it. Do you know every month I make a dollar or two on that book? People all over the world buy it off Amazon. I congratulate you for even finding it!
DeleteYou give us the best analogies. I love the one about running dirty water until it clears. So apropos.
You're in the drawing, Vince. That's too funny that you sang a Bing Crosby Christmas song to the new guys!! LOL
Hi Barbara:
DeleteI just ordered a new copy of " Hemingway and Lorca: Blood, Sand, and Duende". So you sold another one already today! I've been reading everything Hemingway for over 55 years. I was stationed where he was injured in Italy. I've visited the battlefields and monuments and of course went to Harry's Bar often.
I've read Baker's book three times and "A Moveable Feast" more than that. Have you been to "Shakespeare and Co." in Paris? And did you see "Midnight in Paris"? (22 times at the big screen). I even read Zelda's book because of Hemingway. Was also very disappointed when, "Across the River and into the Trees," came out. (I started worrying about a papa suicide back then.)
I'm reading "Everyone Behaves Badly" right now. Taking my time.
Are you going to have any heroes in your romances who are Hemingway enthusists? Talk about quirks. Unlimited.
Great to have you’re here in Seekerville.
Vince
"BTW: I use a freelance internal editor and that keeps her well behaved."
ReplyDeletehahahahaha! Love this!
Tee hee! Me too.
DeleteI loved this post. My internal editor has been a problem for me for years. Thank you for the the insight.
ReplyDeleteEveryone have a blessed day and weekend!
Blessings,
Cindy W.
You know how Shakespeare said we need to kill all the lawyers? I wouldn't go that far, but tying her to a chair might be in order. ;-)
DeleteGreat advice, Barbara! When I need to shut down my internal editor, I like to journal from my character's POV. Thanks for visiting Seekerville today!
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Jill! Plus you have the added bonus of getting into deep POV with your character.
DeleteAs a reader, I have an internal editor, too. It's a huge battle when the storyline and characters are good but the grammar and spelling are not...sometimes the free daydreaming child wins and enjoys the book regardless and other times the relentless editor wins and I sadly have to skim the book to the end (or - gasp - put the book down).
ReplyDeleteI so know what you mean. Writers are like that too. I always spot the mistakes. And I used to read a book until the end, because I thought it was the polite thing to do. Not now. If I'm not engaged after the first chapter, I'm on to next book. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI love all of these tips. Thank you for your post!
My favorites on your list are 3, 4, and 5. :) As you may have guessed, I write best in the early morning, and it's when I feel most creative. My best way to get around my inner editor is to challenge myself to 25 minute writing sprints. I get as many words as I can in 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes and then start my 25 minutes again. My inner editor doesn't have time to be too pesky then.
I do struggle with finishing projects as I tend to write multiple books at a time as a pantster. My CP, Tanya, will attest to this and she does a great job and poking me along to stay on my monthly goals, so I don't get TOO derailed by my next book idea that's begging to be written. :)
If anyone has any great advice to help me focus on only one book at a time let me know...
Happy Chocolate Day and Happy writing,
Jeanine
I think we got up at the same time, Jeanine. :) Glad you got something out of my post.
DeleteYou are one disciplined person to write in sprints and then take a break. I have a kitchen timer and tried that a couple times. The darn ticking drove me crazy!
Writers never run out of ideas. I've got a cozy mystery to write after the two books I'm writing now, and I soooo want to let the characters come out and play. I keep a daily writing schedule for each project though, and I make myself finish my word goal. That keeps me focused.
Is it really Chocolate Day? It has its own day? Tres cool!
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteLoved the reminders about daydreaming and playing. I've been thinking about both of those a lot lately. Unless I allow myself that time--guilt free--I can't keep writing. It is part of the process, but it is often overlooked, at least by me. I think because it isn't easily measured, it doesn't look like 'progress.'
Thanks! And all the very best with your new books.
Connie
Waving, Connie! Are you still a boat captain? You have the best profession for a suspense writer.
DeleteI think as we grow older, we forget to daydream and play. It IS part of the process. I do my best daydreaming during exercise or in the shower.
Wishing you all the best in your writing career!
Waving back, Barbara! Yes, I'm still a boat captain and still love it! :) Thanks for asking. It's one important way I fill the creative well. I often do my best daydreaming while walking or out on the water--though not when I'm at the helm of a boat.
DeleteAll the very best to you!
I suppose with gators in the water, daydreaming while piloting a boat could be dangerous. LOL Oooo, I could brainstorm a plot with that. When we lived in southern California, my hubby and I would take our sand chairs and umbrella down to the beach and watch the waves roll in and out. Sheer heaven for daydreamers!
DeleteThese are such great points! Procrastination is one I deal with, but I’m getting up an hour earlier his week and it is helping. I need to daydream more but my day job doesn’t allow for that. I used to drive back and forth from work and daydream, but that was rather dangerous. I couldn’t even remember the drive!!! I definitely need to carve out time just to dream. Bookmarking this post for encourGement as I go forth writing on the blank page. Thank you!,,
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl! It's amazing what you can accomplish in an hour.
DeleteI've been guilty of daydreaming while driving...a lot. I'm trying to reform. Now I pray, but I think that's just as distracting. Good thing our brains go on autopilot. Don't tell Sgt. Geoff at church though. He might stick me in a basic driving course. LOL
Thank you for permission to day dream. I'd almost forgotten days of laying in the grass and making up stories about the clouds. Those times were relaxing and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI went to a workshop recently where I was supposed to do a quick writing and then share with a partner. Both our writings were full of cross outs from that nasty little inner editor who was working away. The other person even commented about our scratches. It's time to send the editor on a long vacation and put some words on the paper. Thank you for the inspiration.
Weren't those the best times when we were kids? All we wanted to do then was grow up and do amazing things. Now as adults, all we want to do is recapture the joy of daydreaming again.
DeleteYou know why you had all those scratch outs? Because you knew at the end you'd have to show it to someone. That's what freezes us up. We all want to be liked on the playground.
I'll help you pay for the tickets. I think our inner editors would enjoy a cruise.
Love this post! Your writing style shines through. This is what spoke to me: If God called you to write, He’s got a story for you to tell. He’s prepared readers to hear what you have to say. I never thought of God preparing those readers to read what He's given me to write. I've always said write and see. Write what God's given you and see where He takes it. He can't take a blank page and He can't publish a nonsubmitted book. There is work to do on my part. I've said if God wants something worded a certain way it's because He knows now who will read it later and knows what they'll need to hear. But I never thought about God preparing readers now for then.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Your writing style shines through. This is what spoke to me: If God called you to write, He’s got a story for you to tell. He’s prepared readers to hear what you have to say. I never thought of God preparing those readers to read what He's given me to write. I've always said write and see. Write what God's given you and see where He takes it. He can't take a blank page and He can't publish a nonsubmitted book. There is work to do on my part. I've said if God wants something worded a certain way it's because He knows now who will read it later and knows what they'll need to hear. But I never thought about God preparing readers now for then.
ReplyDeleteHere's an example, Sally. Our book Sedona Storm got into the hands of a young woman who traveled cross country to stay with her sister when her boyfriend kicked her to the curb. She was pregnant, and she planned to have an abortion the next day. To pass the time, she asked her sister if she could read the book on her coffee table. Turns out she read it straight through, then came downstairs and told her sister, "If this is the Jesus you believe in, this is the Jesus I want. I've decided not to get an abortion." That child was born and is now a young man. God had prepared her heart to hear what we had to say.
DeleteNever underestimate the power of God's ability to take your words and scatter those seeds where they'll flourish. He has prepared the reader's heart. Your job is to write. :)
That is so good!! God knew when that book was being written that that woman would read it and when she'd read it. And that it'd be in the coffee table at that time for her to see it.
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI've looked forward to your post all week!
Turning off my inner editor is a struggle. I'm a middle school language arts teacher by day, and even though we do teach students to write a rough draft, I've never been able to master the concept. I never made the connection to typing papers on a typewriter in high school and college, but that could be where inner editor struggles all began.
Thank you for all the tips. I look forward to applying them to my writing and finally quieting my inner editor.
Hi Rhonda! So good to see you this morning.
DeleteIsn't it funny that you can give your students permission to make mistakes in a first draft, but hold yourself to a higher standard? That dratted inner editor.
I felt like God invented the PC just for me so I could type and then correct my mistakes before I printed my draft.
Now send that inner editor to the principal's office!
Haha!! I love it! I'm going to print out a sign that says "Send that inner editor to the principal's office!" and hang it above my desk.
DeleteGreat idea! We should all have that printed on a mouse pad. LOL
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI love your last one-finish what you start! You will never write a book if you don't finish it.
Best of luck with your books.
Thanks, Rose!! It's taken me a lot of years to learn that lesson. I feel like a late bloomer. lol
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Barbara! And thank you for the fabulous tips! I think I struggle most these days with #2 remembering how to play and #5 daydreaming. I hope soon to get back to reserving Sunday afternoons to mellow out, let my mind wander, and refill the well!
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas novellas--yours looks like a good one!
Hi Glynna! Thanks for your sweet words. I decided a few years ago to kick back and enjoy my Sunday afternoons. Usually I follow a few links Tina posts in the WE and read the articles/blog posts. They always spark new ideas. Every writer needs a virtual sandbox to play in.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips, Barbara! I think guilt is what plagues so many new writers before they start getting paid for their words. There's always a meal to cook, something to clean, laundry piling up, or a runny nose to wipe. And then there's the do-it-right-the-first-time mentality. I can SO relate to that! I never thought about the typewriter aspect, but you're right. It was a huge hassle to make corrections on typewritten pages.
ReplyDeleteDebby Mayne!!!! Squeal. So miss you dear. Great to see you in the Village.
DeleteGood morning, Debby!! Sounds like the move to NC is going well.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about guilt. I carried a boatload on my shoulder and always seemed to be apologizing that I wanted time to write.
I learned to type on a manual, and before they invented the Selectric typewriter, I could actually type 60 wpm on an old Smith Corona. No wonder I have arthritis in my hands. I can barely sign my name in cursive these days. ;-)
I started writing on an old black Underwood. I really learned to pound! Went to Smith-Coronas, first manual and then AT LAST electric, oh brave new world. Would Never Go Back.
DeleteHow did we ever do it--the sticking keys, the ribbons that faded, the erasures & white-out, the carbon paper???? YAY for computers & word processing software!!!!
DeleteDouble yay!!!!
DeleteI wonder if writers in different genres control their inner editors differently? Like an Amish author sends the inner editor to the barn to milk the cows? Or a suspense writer kidnaps their inner editor and ties her up in a mountain cabin? Or a romance writer introduces her to that guy who keeps asking her for a date?
ReplyDeleteJust thinkin' out loud here.
Haha! You made me laugh.
DeleteGood!
DeleteBarbara, these are great tips! For my process, I tend to plan out the big pieces of the story first. Then, I determine to write that first draft as fast as I can (my fast draft). I give myself permission to just write. No editing allowed. Otherwise, my internal editor gets up in my face. THEN, after the first draft is written, I begin to listen to her. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the process I've adopted, Jeanne. I need to know those major plot points and the important middle moment that turns the story upside down, and then I write, pushing through toward my goal. Sometimes what I thought was pure dreck, turns out to be my best stuff. Then I let my inner editor edit to her heart's content.
DeleteBarbara, thanks for these great tips. Ditching the guilt is never easy. Maybe I should include that in my prayer.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Definitely include it in your prayer! I don't think God piles the guilt on when we're writing. I think the Accuser is responsible for those thoughts.
DeleteMy internal editor is annoying (kind of like Grammar Queen) but she does have helpful things to say now and then. I have learned selective hearing where she's concerned and she's OK with that as long as I let her out full force once I'm ready to edit. She has to learn her place, you know. Thanks for a great post Barbara.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by, Cindy! Did you graze on the goodies at the refreshment table? Tina made fresh coffee and pumpkin, chocolate-frosted donuts. Oh. my. word.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Grammar Queen has a role to play later, but I restrict her to the park bench when I'm playing on the swings. She hovers too much. Afraid I'll fall off and skin my knees. I tune out her voice, too, especially when I use the wrong modifier in a first draft. Puleeze! Spare me. [rolling my eyes] ;-)
I beg your pardon!!! If I am relegated to the park bench, it had better be a lovely day, and I'll certainly be expecting a buttery croissant and a steaming cup of Earl Grey!
DeleteLove you, GQ. Just saying!
DeleteWould you like cream in your tea, GQ?
DeleteJust a tad, if you please. And two lumps of sugar as well. Since I am suffering such cruel abuse today, I shall need the fortification.
DeleteThank you for these tips, Barbara! I am filing this away to go back to again and again!
ReplyDeleteSuper! I hope I encouraged you to control that inner editor.
DeleteGreat post, Barbara. Procrastination is definitely worst for me as well as listening to my inner editor. I am struggling with my final scene, but getting closer to writing The End.please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteYou're in the drawing, Sandy! Here's a tip...type THE END anyway. See if that frees you up to finish your scene. I don't know why, but I always feel that last scene has to be perfect in the first draft. Not really. Write it as best you can and then let the whole manuscript marinate awhile. When you unleash your inner editor on the second draft, she may suggest a totally different ending. Sometimes she right. Sometimes she's not.
DeleteSometimes *she's* right. And sometimes I can't type!
DeleteHi Barbara, Thank you for this encouraging post. I love the idea of allowing our minds to play.
ReplyDeleteMy inner editor is a first rate nag. She nags me while I write and even follows me to the barn to nag me about things like comma use when I'm trying to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. There are times I'm not entirely sure who she's working for, and I'm tempted to see if Tina's free-lance inner editor has any openings.
And I hate it when my nag interferes with my reading time. Aww, come on- after all the mistakes I've made? Leave it alone.
Every now and then I have to summon the hutspa to say what I always forbade my children to say, "Shut Up!! Just shut up!"
And please don't enter me in the drawing. I got so excited to see that your book included a horse farm that I went right to Amazon.
Blessings
LOL Your post made me laugh out loud! Do you suppose you call your inner editor a "nag" because you like horse stories? Sorry, I couldn't resist.
DeleteYelling "SHUT UP!!!" works for me. I think it's perfectly justified when that inner editor yammers on about comma placement. Sheesh. What does she think? Your reader will throw the book at the wall if you accidentally use the wrong punctuation mark? Besides, grammar changes. You know all those commas we were taught to use? Now you're lucky if the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition, allows you to use one.
Thanks for buying the novella! I hope you'll love the horse farm setting.
When I am writing, I only allow myself to correct an error if it is on the same page I'm typing. For the others I jot note to correct later. This way I keep writing and moving forward
ReplyDeleteYou are one smart woman, Wilani. I never jot down notes, unless it's something major, and yep, I forget what I wanted to change. ;-)
DeleteAh, The Inner Editor. I've had varying experiences with Her. (Isn't it great how Seekerville personifies everything?) I have the most trouble with her when I'm doing something like Speedbo or something else that demands a product in a certain length of time. But I'm still unpublished, so any deadlines I put on myself are mine. If I don't like something, I'm free to internal-edit it until I do. The danger I have to guard against is getting bogged down, and sometimes I have to make myself leave something and move on.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Barbara. May be back later.
Kathy Bailey
Good morning Barbara.
ReplyDeleteProcrastination and worrying about getting the words/scene right can take all the joy out of writing. Love all but suggestions, but learning to play and dream again are my favorites.
Love the title of your book.
Every December I find myself humming that song, but I only know, "I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams." I sing that line over and over.
Hi Connie! Yep, I think you've let your inner editor overstay her welcome. Learning to play again and daydreaming may be the keys to your success. :)
DeleteGood morning, Kaybee. I see you've met your inner editor as well. Yes, she can be especially pesky when you're on a deadline, but since I started my career at a med-size newspaper, she wasn't allowed in the newsroom.
ReplyDeleteThe writing bog is a dangerous place. You can wander around, looking for solid ground, until you sink under the quicksand. I have a few novels that met a watery grave like that.
Please come back later. I'll be here!
What a great day in Seekerville!!! Barbara, I've been looking forward to your visit all month! Couldn't wait to read your thoughts on muzzling our pesky internal editors--and you KNOW what an outspoken one I deal with on a daily basis!
ReplyDelete(See, I can't even write a blog comment without editing myself. Just deleted several words and tried again.)
And after 30+ years of pursuing a writing career (yes, beginning on an IBM Selectric typewriter), my habits are pretty well ingrained. I labor over each word, sentence, and paragraph. If the flow isn't right or a bit of dialogue or action doesn't seem to be working with the story, it gets rewritten or I can't seem to move on.
Is there a cure??? Or should I go with the idea that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"?
Jumping up and down and waving, Myra! Yes, I know you have an outspoken inner editor. I don't know how you live with her! Since you've written so many books now, I say if it's not broke, don't fix it.
ReplyDeleteOr...you could give yourself permission to kick off your shoes and dig your toes in the sand...just for 10 minutes or so, you understand. It wouldn't REALLY be writing, just playing. You remember how to play, don't you, Myra? It's really fun. ;-)
Oh, yes, that's doable! (And yes, I do remember how to play!)
DeleteReady, set, go!!
DeleteHave to go kill some darlings, back later.
ReplyDeleteKB
Great tips, Barbara. I've tried them all at one time or another! :)
ReplyDeleteThe other night I needed to break through and had a glimmer of an idea of what I needed a scene to show, but it was going to take some research and I just wanted to get some of it down and move on. So... a lot of that scene is blah, blah, blah. Literally! lol
And, later, after some brainstorming with some of my Seeker friends, it's a good thing I didn't take hours on that scene. While it's still viable, I think, what I thoughtwas the important part of the scene, isn't really the point of the scene at all.
So, I'm learning to write drivel and keep moving forward!
Drivel is good, Pam! Seeker friends can give you a fresh perspective, can't they? I won a critique of my first page from Ruthy, and she nailed the issue I was having. Boy, is she good. :)
DeleteBarbara, I just want to hug you. This was so timely for me and your advice is dead on. :) Thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love it when God does that, Sharee!
DeleteBarbara, thank you for this great post. I begin my day with prayer. I love to lift up my family and friends before the Lord.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Amen!
DeleteIf only I was a writer. I would be printing this out and all of the other great tips that have been offered during this birthday celebration.
ReplyDeleteThank you and Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
But you're a reader! And writers cherish and value their readers more than gold.
DeleteGlad you're celebrating with us, Connie.
Hi Barbara, Welcome back to Seekerville. What a great day you're having. Thanks for the helpful hints. I do need some of those--like finish what you start. LOL I ran into a glitch on one of my novels and it is just sitting there. YIKES. So thanks again for the great tips. Have fun today.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra! Thanks...love Seekerville. It IS a good day. Of course, I'm still wearing my night shirt since don't want to miss anything. In the next 15 minutes, I do need a lunch break.
DeleteI've got a novel like that...a CIA suspense. It has set so long that cell phones and the Internet have been invented. Maybe if I leave it alone for another decade, I can call it a historical romance. lol
Barbara, you write both contemporary and historical, what's your favorite from a writer POV?
ReplyDeleteThat should be a simple question, Tina, but it's not. Contemporary is fun, but then life is more complicated in the present. Historical is fun, too, because I love to research all the details a writer needs to make it authentic. I want to write it all!
ReplyDeleteWell you are fortunate to have the skill to do it all. :)
DeleteI don't think it's a matter of skill. I'm an eclectic reader, so I suppose that's why I'm an eclectic writer. :-)
DeleteOh, I beg to differ. It is skill. I read everything. Big gritty suspense fan, historical, time travel, YA (a lot of YA) contemp romance, WF, inspy fiction. I could never write historical or Amish of any form. You are talented. Deal with it.
DeleteAn encouraging post, Barbara! Thank you. With a background in journalism (for many many years), my inner editor is never far away. I'm looking forward to reading how other people deal with theirs :-)
ReplyDeleteNancy C
I spent 12 years as a newspaper reporter and editor. My editor's always hanging around in the background, but I lock her in the closet for a few hours to get a little peace. lol
DeleteI love it when my buddy Barb comes to visit... and armed with wisdom, too.
ReplyDeleteSuch good advice. Thank you, Barb! And thanks for being around for the big 10-0!!!!!
I brought you a party hat.
And streamers!
Whoo-hoo! I love party hats and streamers!! Can you believe you've been doing this for 10 years, you guys? And every day is a treat...literally. You always bring treats, Ruthy. Got any chocolate in your pumpkin bucket?
DeleteLove this, Barbara - thank you! I signed up for your newsletter (waiting on confirmation email) and look forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Seekerville!!
Thanks for signing up for my newsletter, Laura! My Webmaster & designer (now doesn't that sound important? lol) designed my newsletter template, so hopefully, you'll get the confirmation letter soon. I can't remember whether we ran a test, she says gnawing on her fingernails. I'll contact her to make sure.
DeleteA very relevant post, especially with NaNoWriMo right around the corner. I have such a hard time with my internal editor, thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteI hope they help, Nicki. The only way to meet the challenge of NaNoWriMo is to ignore your inner editor. Set a goal for X number of words a day and go for it!
DeleteBarbara, with your experience, you are the perfect person to discuss this topic! Your ideas are helpful. Number 1 and number 10 are especially important to me.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of my creative angel by my side!
I’d love to read a post on how you setup your Facebook group and how you plan to use it. Interesting and fun idea!
Thank you, Barbara!
Great question, Sherida!
DeleteBarbara, such great tips from a pro! Thanks for sharing them with us today. I love how you outsmart your inner editor.
ReplyDeleteJulia Cameron, in The Artist's Way, talks about baby steps as in when we're just starting out on a project. She warns about destroying those baby steps with too my criticism, especially the pesky negative voice!
I often think of my first draft as baby steps. It's a start, hopefully in the right direction. With work, the rough edges can soften into a stronger story.
I was in Nashville last month and enjoyed your city. Love the historic homes! Belle Meade and The Hermitage especially! Such beauty!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sherida. Prayer is my foundation. There is absolutely no way I could do what I do without God's help. And asking for help from those people who know more than I do.
ReplyDeleteWhen I signed with Mountain Brook Ink for my historical romance series, I was asked to set up a Facebook group because evidently an author page doesn't show up in the newsfeed like a group. Who knew?
I had already asked a pro to redesign my website and come up with a look that would be warm, friendly, and welcoming. A place where friends could chat freely.
A bookstore and coffee shop (Books & Scones) seemed the perfect setting. It's been fun to take on the role of proprietor. Back in the book nook, we discuss...books...but also share prayer requests and talk about what's on our hearts.
I hope that answers some of your questions. I'm still a work in progress. lol Thanks for stopping by this afternoon!
Thank you! Your shop is indeed warm and inviting. What a fun idea! And scones? Perfect!
DeleteBarbara, thanks so much for this wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I never thought about the fact that how I grew up writing papers without a computer might affect my tendency toward being a perfectionist. Even in college with an electric typewriter, it was a nightmare to pop in those correction cartridges! LOL
I love all your suggestions! There are several I'm going to try to adopt. I love the fact that internal editors saw logs early in the morning! haha I need to take advantage of that!
Right, Missy? I remember writing a novel on one of the early electric typewriters and pulling my hair out when I made a mistake. In those days, I retyped the page instead of trying to use whiteout.
ReplyDeleteEarly morning works for me. It takes a couple cups of coffee for me to wake up, let alone my inner editor. LOL
I tell myself if I can get this scene finished so I can move on, I'm one step closer to that really funny conversation I have planned for the next chapter.
ReplyDeleteSince I've been sitting in the saddle (aka chair) since 5 a.m., Villagers, I'm headed to the barn to feed my horse and untie my prisoner, my inner editor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful day!!! I've enjoyed chatting with all of you.
Adios and Blessings!
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteGreat list of ideas. Write drivel stuck out to me. I'm dyslexic and that makes for some hilarious sentences. I never see it as I write, but when I do a first read through, I mesmerize myself with what my subconscious mind has typed. This is my form of drivel. :) Thanks for the post!
I enjoyed the article today. Great ideas for writers. Someday I will write my book that I have wanted to do for years.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thanks so much for taking time from your authorial and editorial schedule to share with us today. You are much appreciated. And thanks for being part of our birthday celebration. It wouldn't be the same without you!
ReplyDeleteProbably everyone's gone home. I'm late to the party. :) But if you peek in later, Barbara I enjoyed reading this after a long day. What encouragement to those of us who constantly are pulled in so many directions by life and our short attention spans. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'll be Home For Christmas, sounds so very nostalgic! I am sure it is just a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thank you for the reminder to pray before sitting down to write that first draft. For me, I'm focused on the book with the first draft. It's the editing where I procrastinate more, probably because I have to have my inner editor on. Thanks for the great tips.
ReplyDeleteprocrastination. gets me too!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I especially appreciate "finish what you start." I think I'll take the weekend to finish a few almost-completed projects! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a writer, but enjoyed your post - Barbara, thank you!! Some of your tips could be applied to other professions also.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read your books!!
Great advice! I like to finish what I start. The problem is my internal editor is really negative when I write. (I think my editor is really Satan trying to stop me from writing the story God gave me.) Thanks for your helpful tips. God bless!
ReplyDeleteBARBARA!!! Cannot BELIEVE I missed your blog yesterday, but the day got away from me with company, so forgive my tardiness!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you put prayer first, my friend, because so often people list this as the final point when it should always be our first resort.
And #3 reallllly hit home with me! I find I write best and most fluidly first thing in the morning when I wake up. The problem is, I feel strongly about giving God the first part of my day (kind of like time tithing), so I wrestle with this a lot. I will admit that when I am struggling with writer's block or a plot that is stumping me or am beating a deadline down, I will write first thing in the morning because it is so productive for me.
But ALL the points are excellent, my friend, so THANK YOU!!
You asked "How do you deal with your inner editor while writing a first draft? Any tips for the rest of us?"
What I've been doing lately is just pushing through till I get to the end of the chapter like a finish line in a race, not allowing myself to stop and edit during the writing period. Then the next day when I pick up again, I start at the beginning of that chapter or scene and read through/edit to get myself acclimated to the story again. I was glad to hear that's what Tamera Alexander does, too, so now I don't feel so guilty about giving credence to my internal editor at the beginning of each writing day. :)
GREAT POST, Barb!!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
I’m a reader , not a writer but I think you could apply these tips to anything you know tpyoubshould keep on plugging away at! Thanks paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteHey Barbara,
ReplyDeleteTHIS is a keeper! Excellent words right here. Thank you so much.
And gracious, we're nearly neighbors! We and our menagerie call Crossville home. :)
We can rendezvous one fine day perhaps!!
Special sniffs and greetings from our home to yours and congratulations on your successes. Many more!