Don’t blow the creative flow with self-harming self-editing.

 Enjoy this short, encouraging tutorial on how self-editing while you write hurts your project and you. These are a few ways that self-editing hurts the creative process:

• Self-editing invites imposter syndrome. 

• Self-editing AS you write slows the creative flow of ideas.

• Self-editing is a negative, self-critical experience. 

• Self-editing is critical, and writing is creative. When you go from creative writing to editing your writing, your brain switches gears, so you lose efficiency. To understand more about this, research “context transition” or “work batching.”

I have GOOD NEWS, TOO! You absolutely should self-edit your work when you finish something substantial, like a scene, a chapter, or a section of a book. You may also wait until you’ve written the first draft. Many authors do. Actually, many authors write their first drafts on PAPER so that the temptation to self-edit is reduced. 

MORE GOOD NEWS: When you revise (self-edit) a large piece of work, you train your brain to avoid those mistakes in the future, so you do improve your writing skills while you improve your written work.

Remember, nothing beats a professional editor. That is the best money a writer can spend. BUT, send your editor your best work. Write freely, get into the flow, fearlessly enjoy the creative process. Then go back to word one and self-edit to “The End.” That order of operations will help you present your best work to a professional editor and keep negativity out of your writing journey.

Don’t blow the creative flow!

We have beautiful, sturdy notebooks that travel well and are great for brainstorming, book planning, free-writing, and journaling. Visit the Crippled Beagle Publishing Bookstore to browse.

Happy fearless writing!

Xoxoxo

Jody

Write to be happier!

When I talk to people about what and why my clients write, I often bring up the topic of happiness. Writing is a physical, mental, emotional, and often spiritual exercise that brings about countless benefits to the writer, even if there is NO reader. Recently, I encouraged members of the Regal Beagles Writing Club (most of whom are busy professionals with endless domestic to-do lists) to actually put their writing projects FIRST every day. Why? Because procrastinating a creative task that brings you joy can not only stall that project but also create sadness and resentment. If you meet your needs, you are better able to meet the needs of others. And we, my creative friend, NEED to write!

Even if you write for only 15 minutes in the morning before you "take on the day," you are giving your soul a sliver of joy that may carry you through to the next time you sit down to write. Why should something as important as telling your story be put on hold? Also, why should you neglect the opportunity to be happier all day long? 

I recently listened to a Mel Robbins podcast episode featuring Shawn Achor, a research genius whose information will delight you! He presents four methods for increasing happiness, and TWO of them involve writing. Are you surprised? I'm not. 

You can listen to the episode here: "Happiness is an Option for You: 4 Easy Habits That Make Your Life Better, Based on Research"

 If you want to write a book but don't know how to get started, I have a great tool. Click HERE to download my quick guide "5 Steps to Start and Keep Writing Your Book."

 Happy writing for happiness!

xoxoxo