For C-day, I introduced you the third most dangerous creature to your muse.
Today, I’m introducing you to the first two.
They’re terrible. Terrifying. And they’ll ruthlessly efficient in making your words churn to a stop. Problem is, the shovel-solution won’t work. Well it would, but it won’t help you write. Because… well… you’ll be passed out.
And you’ll wake up with a concussion.
The reason is that your two worst threats live inside you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to:
Name: Inner Censor
Race: Inner voice
Class: Destroyer of creativity
Language: Censorship
Description: The inner censor functions by making you doubt that anything you’ve written should see the light of day. “Take out that curse word!”, “The story is too violent.”, “Do you really think anyone would read this?” are common cries by this voice.
Then there’s its little friend.
Name: Inner Editor
Race: Inner voice
Class: Creator of doubt
Language: Questions
Description: Inner editors thrive on weaknesses on your writing. The more you listen, the louder the voice becomes. “This character is two dimensional.”, “This plot point is weak.” and “There’s not enough conflict” are common cries.
Why would inner voices be so dangerous?
More than half the time they speak, they’re right. Or at least, right enough that you might want to listen to them. And then… you “fix” your book.
Which more often than not weakens the story. I mean… Imagine if Suzanne Collins made The Hunger Games less violent. Wouldn’t quite pack the same punch, would it? Or J.K. Rowling. “You’re writing a series starting as MG that goes over into YA. ARE YOU INSANE???”
The inner editor’s threat seems smaller, but time and time again, I used to destroy my story’s soul in first draft because I “fixed” stuff my inner editor pointed out.
So what do you do with these frenemies? It’s actually difficult. And it depends on your writing method. I lock them up until after my rewrite. That way, I can focus on discovering the story without worrying about anything else.
Once revisions start, though, I let the censor and editor out. And then I listen to their complaints. I measure them on their merit. Some, I actually do take into account and I adjust my story accordingly after edits. Others, I just say: sorry… but I disagree. And then I ignore it.
Usually, the bits I did change is enough to keep them at peace during edits.
Still, I suspect everyone deals with their internal frenemies in their own way. So, veteran novelists, please share your methods so the new kids can pick up some tips?
And new kids, feel free to ask questions. I’ll do my best to answer. And vets, you’re welcome to answer them too.
The Five Year Project 