BLOGWORDS – Friday 24 June 2016 – TIPS to SILENCE YOUR INTERNAL EDITOR

Hullo, All, and welcome! Today’s post is borrowed* from writer pal, the lovely Edie Melson, and was originally posted on her blog, The Write Conversation. http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2013/07/tips-to-silence-your-internal-editor.html
A huge thanks to Edie for letting me share her words!
TIPS to SILENCE YOUR INTERNAL EDITOR
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 silence 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 Brain
- 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.

- Don’t give in to temptation. Our Internal Editor gets stronger the more frequently we give in to her demands. If she thinks you need a certain word before you can finish that sentence, stay strong. Type XXX and go on. Later, during the rewriting process, you’ll have plenty of time to find the right word. This goes for anything that demands you slow the creative process. At this point in your manuscript speed is your best friend.
- Set a daily and weekly word count goal. This can often sidetrack the Internal Editor because of her need to meet a goal. Sometimes, in her drive to succeed she can even become an ally.
- Make lists in a separate notebook. Use your computer for the story, but if the need for details overshadows the creative urge, make a quick note in a notebook. Don’t let yourself get bogged down, but let the free association part of your right brain give you ideas to explore later with your more logical left side.
- Don’t give in to fear. Many times our Internal Editor is driven by fear. Fear that this draft isn’t good, won’t work or just doesn’t make sense. Remind yourself that this version isn’t written in stone. Sometimes just giving ourselves permission to write what Anne Lamott calls the sh*%&# first draft is all we need to derail our Internal Editor.
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,
Edie
Thanks again, Edie, for allowing me to share your words of wisdom!

Edie Melson is a leading professional in the writing industry. She’s a sought after writing instructor; and her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others.
She’s a prolific writer, publishing thousands of articles over the years, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. Edie is a regular contributor on the popular Novel Rocket and Inspire a Fire websites, as well as social media mentor for My Book Therapy and the social media director for Southern Writers Magazine.
In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has recently been updated and expanded and re-released as Connections: Social Media and Networking Techniques for Writers.
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle, is Edie’s heart project. This devotional book for those with family members in the military debuted on Veterans Day, 2011.
Look for her two newest books for military families debuting in January 2014: While My Son Serves and While My Husband Serves.
She’s a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, including Blue Star Mothers, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, The Christian Pen, and American Christian Fiction Writers.
Edie has been married to high school sweetheart, Kirk, for 30+ years and they’ve raised three sons. You can also connect with Edie on Twitter – @EdieMelson and Facebook.

* borrowed because I’m getting ready for my bit trip! (see First Friday Feature, 3 June) And because, well, networking and that’s how that works!
Tips to Silence Your Internal Editor, Edie Melson, The Write Conversaton, Stories by Design, Friday Feature, Right Brain Left Brain, While My Soldier Serves, Fighting Fear, Connections
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