Imagine yourself driving with one foot pressed on the accelerator and the other slammed on the brake, simultaneously. The result: A revved up engine and squealing tires, but very little forward movement. In other words, there's a lot of energy expended with near zero progress.
That's what happens when we attempt to create and edit at the same time.
Think of writing as the accelerator, editing as the brake. When you perform both roles at the same time, hours can go by with little useful copy to show for it. You write a sentence, and before the curser can flash, you've edited, creating a vicious cycle that stifles creative flow and productivity.
If you write for a living, this cycle will eat into your profit (essentially lowering your effective hourly rate) and, if left unchecked, jeopardize your dream altogether.
How do you silence your internal editor during the drafting process -- and boost productivity? Here are five tips.
1. Use a stop watch or egg timer.
Set a time limit for writing the draft. Make it a game by challenging yourself to hit certain times.
2. Commit to NO editing.
Don't worry about having precise facts. If you need to insert a quote or stat, don't take time to look it up. Note it in your draft by using parentheses, brackets, all caps or whatever method to help you remember to, for example: [insert quote/ research/ etc. here].
3. Allow for free flow of thoughts.
Don't feel confined to starting from the beginning of the draft. If ideas about specific points come quicker to you, start there. Begin with the areas of the project where ideas are flowing effortlessly. This will give you a sense of progress and confidence that will serve you well with the other portions of the project.
4. Press on through negative thoughts.
You'll inevitably think, "This sucks," or "I can't believe I'm writing this crap!" Keep going.
5. Think of yourself as a sculptor.
The purpose of your draft is to give you the raw material (the block of wood) with which you can then use a chisel or knife to shape into a work worthy of praise and compensation. Wait until you have the raw material to work with (the draft) before starting the sculpting (or editing) process.
How About You?
Do you wrestle with an internal editor that slows your writing? What strategies help you overcome it?
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About the Author: Sean M. Lyden is a nationally recognized feature writer and columnist on sales, marketing, automotive and technology topics. As a ghostwriter and copywriter, Sean has served clients such as General Motors, SunTrust Service Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Embedded Linux Consortium and Shaw Industries. He’s also co-author of the book How to Succeed and Make Money on Your First Rental House (Wiley, 2003). Follow Sean on Twitter.
© Sean M. Lyden, 2011, All Rights Reserved
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