It seems like our inner critics have gone above and beyond lately to make us doubt our writerly abilities.
They spew criticism we would never tolerate from friends and family. They micromanage our writing in ways that are only permissible from people who sign our paychecks. If a critique partner dared to talk to us about our work this way. . .I shudder to think of the bloodshed involved.
Yet this brutal inner critic’s voice that knocks us to our knees, sobbing, is the very one we cater to. It’s definitely the loudest, drowning out the encouraging voice of the muse, along with the much more interesting ones of our characters.
The inner critics know we listen to every word they utter, but even worse, they know we believe them.
They are like weather forecasters who predict it will be sunny for the weekend and then it rains the entire time. Even then, we continue to have complete faith the next time we hear, “We’ll have sun and a high of 80″, even though a hurricane is flattening the trees in the front yard.
Inner critics make us react the same way. Yet how do they manage it?
Here’s just a few of their methods:
Non-motivational quotes
“With this manuscript, failure is not an option. It’s a certainty.”
Sarcastic commentary
“Snore, bore, and chore. Alex, I know this one. What are three words to describe this manuscript?”
Doubt-mongering
“Do you really think it’s any good? I mean, I like it, but I’m not sure I like it like it. It’s not anywhere near as good as all those other books you buy. You know, those ones that actually got published. And it’s not like you’ll never get published. It’s just that there are a lot a lot a LOT of really good writers out there to compete with. I’m just sayin’.”
On days when I’m feeling charitable (maybe once or thrice a year), I could argue that the inner critics are merely trying to protect us, from harm, or ridicule, or heartbreak.
But if that’s true, then why are THEY the ones heaping us with harm and ridicule and heartbreak?
There’s plenty to be learned from our inner critics. But first we need to rehab them, so they can be useful, productive members of the writing team.
Anybody can point out problems. It takes somebody creative to provide solutions.
First off, let’s not take the inner critics at face value anymore. They have to get specific with their concerns. When they say, “this sucks”, they need to explain what in particular is causing them heartburn. Pin them down and make them deliver some practical advice we can apply to our manuscripts. No more blanket statements allowed.
Next, insist that the inner critics wait their turn. If their relentless condemnation keeps us from producing anything, they won’t have anything to whip into shape later, right? The role of inner critic is an important one, but it is dependent on proper timing. So write, then critique. It doesn’t work the other way.
Finally, don’t be discouraged if this inner critic rehab doesn’t work perfectly the first time you try it. It might take a little time since the inner critic is an old dog, and you know how they are with new tricks. But hang in there. Revisions aren’t perfect the first go-round either. But isn’t the finished result worthwhile?
So let’s share some of the lines our inner critics spit out and see what we can do to rehab them. By the end of today, we ought to have some factory-reconditioned, refurbished, better-than-original inner critics to work on our manuscripts.
I originally wrote this last year, but the Inner Critic needed another visit to rehab. Hope yours benefits from this too!
You have no idea how much I love your website as an aspiring writer. You tend to have the best advice at the most perfect time. Just yesterday I threw out one book idea that I started because my inner critic was telling me it was a disaster and instead of picking at it, I figured that I just had to stop and come up with a better idea. Looking back though, it was great idea and instead of throwing it to the wind, I should have focused on what specific parts my inner critic was saying looked horrible to the precious eyes of readers everywhere.
Posted by: Britt | July 25, 2011 at 07:47 AM
Britt, I'm so glad to hear that my site is helpful to you. :) And I tend to write, and post, about the things that are bedeviling ME at the moment, so I'm also glad that the timing is perfect for you too.
I like pinning the inner critic down and making him/her be specific. Otherwise too many things DO get thrown away when maybe it just needs a fresh look, or a little more exploring to make it work the way we intended.
I've got my fingers crossed for you with your new idea. And it sounds like your inner critic is gonna help now. Woo hoo!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | July 25, 2011 at 09:07 AM
test?
Posted by: carrie spencer | July 25, 2011 at 05:32 PM
I just read an article where Lynsay Sands said she writes her entire book in 2-3 weeks! Obviously that"s when her inner critic takes a vacation.....=)
Posted by: carrie spencer | July 25, 2011 at 08:39 PM
2-3 weeks? Wow. I've done NaNo a couple of times, where I've gotten the first draft done in a month--and it works because I'm racing through the words faster than the inner critic can. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | July 27, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Yes, the specificity is what exposes the inner critic as being the type of person I wouldn't stand next to at a party, never mind invite into my life. Great tips there, Donna!
Posted by: Jan O'Hara | July 27, 2011 at 07:47 PM
LOL, Jan -- how true! The inner critic is someone I'd never associate with in real life, yet I've managed to partner up with them when I write. I need to do some major editing and revising!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | July 27, 2011 at 09:30 PM
This site is like a clssaroom, except I don't hate it. lol
Posted by: Eddi | August 13, 2011 at 03:09 AM