Ok, I’m guilty as charged. This blog post was due for a public appearance ever since I first discovered that blogging was in. I have no excuses other than to confess that as writers we all get occasional visits from Mr. Inner-Critic. Let me tell you something about Mr. Critic; he is a sissy! Yet most of us writers have this inexplicable love-hate relationship with this good-for-nothing fool. Just the other day “he” has once again managed to fill my poor writer head with all kinds of clutter like:
- You’re so ordinary
- You’re not good enough
- The real world is for winners
- You don’t know squat about writing
- Creativity is not your strength
- You blend in like the rest of them
- You will never be a writer so just give up
- Your writing is so blend
- Bugger off already
So, I’d go scrub the grime off the stove or wipe the dust off the kitchen counter. I’d burry my head in the sand and begin my ritual of self annihilation. Then, I thought to myself, if you’re stuck at home with a mouthy husband all you have to do is stop serving him dinner. I’m ready to write my inner critic off the page! I’m convinced that by consciously challenging and opposing that nagging voice inside, you too, can watch Mr. Critic shrivel and die. Let us call the technique writing against the critic.
As you pour yourself that morning cup of pick-me-up juice, think about your personal creative triggers. In other words what positive action can I take today that is entirely in opposition to the thought blocking critic in me. It is important to focus on the kinds of motivational prompts that are specific to your own values and personality type.
1. Write it down!
Even if you have to write about doodling on a napkin or chewing your nails in class do it! Writing a story about the 10 ways to squash a fly is still a story. If sitting at your computer in your underwear makes you cringe at the thought of dirty laundry then let that be your cue. Keep in mind that some of the most famous writers were those who dared themselves to write about nothing. This is much like running a marathon; you may get sluggish and sloppy at the start of the race but as you begin to see that finish line, watch that second breathe come to the rescue. The more patient you are with your words the more sense they will make. Remember, words have a way of giving back. Now, I’m not saying this is easy but mouthy Mr. Inner-critic is always lurking just around the corner waiting for you to surrender to “his” will.
2. Dig out that Notebook!
This one is tricky; quit starring at that computer screen! Oh and while you’re at it, get off the internet. The web is a big time waster and every time you’re tempted by it, the critic in you grins. Instead, dig out that notebook and scribble away. Doing so will authenticate the process and allow you to engage with the parts of your brain you had “forgotten in the old attic”. Using a notebook and pen will reawaken your senses and allow your creativity to flourish. In a day or two get back to your scribbles and look at them with a fresher eye; you may be surprised at what you discover.
3. Change it up!
When you’re alone with the inner-critic get out that door! Take a walk on “the wild side”; go to your Local Park or library, grab a latte at a neighborhood coffee shop. This will help keep your writing bug alive and well and your level of productivity will shoot through the roof.
4. Random Acts of Writing!
Pick a random activity like going through old photographs or reading a passage of a book. You may even have a scrapbook or a clippings box with old headlines, phrases or quotes that appeal to your sense of curiosity. Once you’ve found these treasures spread them out on the floor or a table and start putting the puzzle together. It’s a mix and match game that is sure to keep your mind going.
5. Humor Yourself!
Laughter is a great motivator! When we laugh we’re giving ourselves permission to have fun; to be less than perfect. So invite yourself to giggle at the way you avoided writing that first chapter or how your very first short story was anything but a masterpiece. Realize that it’s ok for a writer to screw it up; not only is it ok but it is vital to your future success. By noting that writing like a “loser” is just as fun as writing like a pro you will forever silence the inner-critic.