So, one of the writing groups I belong to on LJ had a post about the 'inner editor.' Basically, the post mentioned how we all have one and it tends to get in the way of writing as we try to keep up creative steam. This just got me thinking and really turned around the way I approach things, so I thought I'd share what my experience was. In case anyone is similar.
Basically, my inner editor is a perfectionist. I've decided it's a he, so I will refer to the IE as 'he' (or IE) from here on. Basically, he picks apart my writing. More so since I started really delving into editing. Sometimes as I edit, I'm hyperconscious of all the things I've done wrong to the point that I lose the meaning of the words and just see the issues. Then I lose my faith in my abilities and the steam to write.
That said, the IE is great for when I need to take a real harsh look at what should be fixed in my writing. The editing process has been great education for me and I appreciate that I can look at my work and cut thousands of words without getting teary-eyed when the words just don't fit with the story. For this, I thank my inner editor.
But as I write, he goes 'you use that word way too much. stop it!' or 'you need to find other ways to show not tell!' or what have you. And really, what I need to do is just write all the way through and tell the story. If I stop to edit and nitpick, I lose steam. And I end up endlessly editing passages that might be cut entirely. Which is counterproductive.
So now, I've just locked poor IE in a closet as I write my first drafts. I still feed him bread and water and I promise he can come out to tear my writing apart after I finish the first draft, but he needs to stay quiet and let me write first.
*disclaimer: I really do not believe there are other voices/personalities in my head. It's just a way to look at the perfectionist tendencies in me and get past that and don't worry, you're just as sane as I am
Basically, my inner editor is a perfectionist. I've decided it's a he, so I will refer to the IE as 'he' (or IE) from here on. Basically, he picks apart my writing. More so since I started really delving into editing. Sometimes as I edit, I'm hyperconscious of all the things I've done wrong to the point that I lose the meaning of the words and just see the issues. Then I lose my faith in my abilities and the steam to write.
That said, the IE is great for when I need to take a real harsh look at what should be fixed in my writing. The editing process has been great education for me and I appreciate that I can look at my work and cut thousands of words without getting teary-eyed when the words just don't fit with the story. For this, I thank my inner editor.
But as I write, he goes 'you use that word way too much. stop it!' or 'you need to find other ways to show not tell!' or what have you. And really, what I need to do is just write all the way through and tell the story. If I stop to edit and nitpick, I lose steam. And I end up endlessly editing passages that might be cut entirely. Which is counterproductive.
So now, I've just locked poor IE in a closet as I write my first drafts. I still feed him bread and water and I promise he can come out to tear my writing apart after I finish the first draft, but he needs to stay quiet and let me write first.
*disclaimer: I really do not believe there are other voices/personalities in my head. It's just a way to look at the perfectionist tendencies in me and get past that and don't worry, you're just as sane as I am