by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
I’ve spoken with a lot of writers who have trouble disconnecting their INTERNAL EDITOR when they're working on an early draft of a manuscript.
This overly helpful person lives inside most of us and comes in handy when we’re putting the finishing touches on our manuscript. But when we’re in the midst of a creative surge, that same person can short circuit our progress.
Today's post will give you the tips you need to turn off your internal editor.
First you should know there’s a scientific reason for that roadblock. The creative act of writing your first draft stems from the right side—or creative side—of the brain. Later in the process, when polishing begins, the left side takes over. Here are some of the characteristics of each side.
Right BrainFirst you should know there’s a scientific reason for that roadblock. The creative act of writing your first draft stems from the right side—or creative side—of the brain. Later in the process, when polishing begins, the left side takes over. Here are some of the characteristics of each side.
- Visual in process, focusing more on patterns and images.
- Generally intuitive, led by feelings.
- Is the epitome of multi-tasking, able to process ideas simultaneously.
- Progresses from the big picture to the details.
- Lacks organization, utilizes free association.
Left Brain
- More verbal, needs to find specific words to express ideas.
- Analytical, led by logic.
- Takes things step by step, one idea at a time.
- Organizes details first before moving to the big picture.
- Very organized, utilizing lists and detailed plans.
Mixing up the
process—trying to use both sides of the brain at the same time—can lead to a
tangled mess and a major roadblock. All of this information is good to know,
but what if our left-brained, Internal Editor won’t go away? How do we make her
be quiet? Unfortunately, there isn’t one way that works for everyone, but here
are some tips that should help.
Tips
All of these can help, but I’d like to know what tricks you use to keep that INNER EDITOR quiet.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Thank you for these great tips. I am signed up and ready to write. :-)
ReplyDeleteMelissa, best of luck as you begin today! Blessings, E
DeleteThanks for the advice. My internal editor can be so demanding!
ReplyDeleteMine too! Blessings, E
DeleteThank you for these. Sometimes when I fear my desire to use the perfect word will keep me from getting the most important thoughts down, I choose to write three different quick 'practice' summaries of what the troublesome paragraph should reveal. I don't have to use any of these, but they sometimes sharpen the internal focus and let me move forward.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with that too (getting sidetracked). Your solution is great! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, E
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