Adult Steps 4 – Turn Off Your Internal Editor While Writing Your First Draft

Hello (well I am British!) Today we’re diving into a topic that many of us struggle with – turning off our internal editor while writing the first draft. You know who you are; you’re the one who can’t help but obsess over every word choice and sentence structure as soon as it hits the page. Well, fear not! I’m here to guide you through some tips and tricks on how to silence that pesky inner critic and let your creativity flow freely during those first drafts.

First things first: why is turning off your internal editor so important? Simple – it allows you to focus on getting the story out of your head and onto the page without any unnecessary distractions or interruptions. It’s like building a sandcastle; if you keep poking at it, trying to make each grain of sand perfect before moving on to the next one, you’ll never finish the project. But if you just start laying down those grains and worry about smoothing them out later, well, that castle will be standing tall in no time!

So how do we achieve this magical state of flow where our fingers dance across the keyboard without any judgement or self-doubt? Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set realistic expectations (No one is perfect on their first draft): Remember, your first draft isn’t meant to be perfect – it’s just a rough sketch of what’s to come. Embrace the fact that there will be mistakes and imperfections in this initial stage. In fact, some of those “mistakes” might end up being the best parts of your story!
2. Create an environment conducive to writing: Surround yourself with a writing environment that encourages creativity and productivity. This could mean finding a quiet spot away from distractions or creating a cozy nook filled with inspiration. Make sure you have all the tools you need, like your favourite pen or keyboard shortcuts on your computer, so you can focus solely on the words flowing through you.
3. Establish a routine and stick to it: Consistency is key when it comes to turning off that internal editor. Set aside dedicated time each day for writing, and try to stick to this routine as much as possible. Over time, your brain will start associating those hours with creativity rather than criticism, making it easier to let go of perfectionism during the first draft.
4. Free-write – just write without stopping or editing: One powerful technique for silencing that inner editor is free-writing. This involves setting a timer and writing nonstop for a set amount of time without stopping to edit or judge your work. You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you let go of those self-imposed constraints!
5. Focus on progress, not perfection: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, so remind yourself that writing something is better than writing nothing. You can always revise later. Use affirmations like “Done is better than perfect” or “Progress over perfection” to motivate you during those initial drafts.
6. Mantras for motivation: Speaking of motivation, mantras can be incredibly helpful in keeping your internal editor at bay. Try repeating phrases like “Trust the process,” “I am a writer,” or “This is just the first draft” to stay focused on the task at hand and silence that nagging inner critic.
7. Embrace imperfection – learn from your mistakes: Finally, remember that every mistake you make in your first draft is an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of beating yourself up over a misplaced comma or clunky sentence, take it as a chance to improve your craft. After all, even the most seasoned authors have their fair share of imperfect first drafts!

Some guidelines

1. Set realistic expectations: Understand that the first draft is meant to be raw and unpolished. It’s where ideas flow freely without judgement or criticism. Remind yourself that editing comes later, so focus on getting the story down for now.
2. Create a writing routine: Establishing a consistent writing routine can help train your brain to switch into creative mode when it’s time to write. This could be a specific time of day, location, or even a pre-writing ritual like stretching or meditating.
3. Visualise your story: Before you start writing, take some time to visualise the story in your mind. Seeing the scenes play out can help engage your creative side and make it easier to write without self-editing.
4. Use placeholders: When you come across a section that feels difficult or you’re unsure about, use placeholders like [INSERT FUNNY JOKE HERE] or (DESCRIBE EMOTION) instead of stopping to edit. This way, you can keep the momentum going without getting bogged down by perfectionism. My favourite is to use <<tk>>
5. Trust yourself: Remember that you are a writer, and every writer has gone through the process of writing imperfect first drafts. Believe in your ability to improve during the revision stage and focus on telling your story now.
6. Practice mindfulness: Try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help quieten your inner critic. This can create a mental space where you feel more comfortable letting go of perfectionism and focusing on creativity.
7. Use tools to your advantage: Utilise writing tools that allow you to separate editing from drafting, such as Google Docs’ “Suggestion Editing” mode or software like Scrivener which has a “Compose” mode specifically for first drafts.

Remember, turning off your internal editor is not about ignoring mistakes but rather allowing yourself the freedom to create without judgement.

5 Common mistakes to avoid

1. Overthinking sentence structure and word choice: While it’s essential to write in clear language, don’t get bogged down by perfecting every sentence during the initial draft. Focus on getting your ideas out, and refine them later.
2. Failing to establish a consistent writing routine: To turn off your internal editor effectively, set aside dedicated time for writing without distractions. This will help you train your brain to switch into creative mode when it’s time to write.
3. Not allowing yourself room for experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try different perspectives or styles in your first draft. You can always edit and revise later, but giving yourself the freedom to explore creatively may lead to fresh ideas and unique story elements.
4. Over-analysing character development: While it’s crucial to create well-rounded characters, don’t get too caught up in their backstories or motivations during your first draft. Focus on moving the plot forward and filling in details later.
5. Lack of patience with the writing process: Remember that turning off your internal editor is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself, and don’t expect perfection from every sentence you write. The key is to keep pushing through and trusting that you can refine your work during revisions.

5 Key takeaways

1. Set aside dedicated time for writing: Choose specific times or days when you will write without distractions. This helps train your brain to switch into creative mode during those designated periods.
2. Allow room for experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try different perspectives, styles, and approaches in your first draft. You can always edit and revise later. Experimenting may lead to fresh ideas and unique story elements.
3. Focus on the plot: While character development is crucial, don’t get too caught up in their backstories or motivations during your first draft. Focus on moving the plot forward and filling in details later.
4. Be patient with the writing process: Remember that the ability to turn off your internal editor takes time to develop. Don’t expect perfection from every sentence you write; the key is to keep pushing through and trusting that you can refine your work during revisions.
5. Practice free-writing: Start each writing session by free-writing for ten minutes, jotting down anything that comes into your head without worrying about quality or perfection. This helps loosen up your mindset and encourages creativity.

Conclusion

So there you have it – some practical tips on how to turn off that internal editor and let your creativity flow freely during those crucial first drafts. Remember, every great story starts with a humble beginning, so don’t be afraid to embrace the messiness of the process. Happy writing!