Silencing the doubts

Pink blossom, Ballastone Inn, Savannah, Georgia.

The prompt for Write on Wednesday is about how we writers handle our inner editor - in other words, banish the unwanted doubts that come to call on a regular basis.

My Aug. 26, 2006 poem Monster of Mayhem explores my feelings about doubt. But since I wrote that poem, I am kinder to myself. I studiously ignore the naysayers around me who fret about whether or not I'm doing enough - simply because they are not allowed to read my work-in-progress. I concentrate much of my energies on writing, while expanding my horizons. New doors have opened and windows of opportunity have been created. My focus has shifted, but I remain focused, with deadlines and challenges that only I can meet. And I simply don't have time to entertain that inner critic or those worriers around me who don't understand the writing process.

I am my own worst critic and I know persistence is key - following an inner vision that burns like a steady flame, driving me onwards. I must keep writing every single day, even if only a few words or thoughts scribbled in a notebook. When not writing, often I'm thinking about writing - working out various scenarios in my head. So when the critics appear - real or internal - I dismiss them. I tell them to just go away, because I am too busy creating to listen. As the Tao Te Ching says, "Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner." Of course it is impossible not to care about people's approval. But I can't let others dictate what and how I write, lest my work suffer.

As for the internal editor, that's another matter entirely. That editor tells me what to keep; what to toss that might distract from the storyline - or what might work better elsewhere. That editor helps hold my attention to the subject at hand, rather than splinter off on unnecessary tangents. Every writer needs two good editors - both the inner editor and an external one who can view one's work objectively. The old saying "two heads are better than one" particularly resonates when it comes to writing. Sometimes an editor sees something the writer has missed - or suggests a point that needs expanding or a situation requiring further explanation. Often the collaboration between a writer and editor is what makes the stories flow.

Ingrid Betancourt rescued!

And here's a real-life story that's hard to beat for pathos and drama: French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans held hostage by FARC rebels have been rescued! Colombian authorities say no one was injured in today's mission.

As FARC's highest-profile hostage for more than six years, Betancourt is said to have serious health problems. The French government has made securing her release a priority, with President Sarkozy stressing the urgency for Betancourt to receive medical treatment. Tonight Betancourt's son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt, told the Associated Press in Paris that his mother's release was "if true, the most beautiful news of my life."

Comments

[Liz]

merci bien for this post... I am keeping it close to my chest, to ward off that critic (inner and outer), and remember why I create. Faith, it often ends up coming back to faith, doesn't it...

[Redness]

I'm my own worst critic too, but lately I think it's part of striving for perfection. Your quote "Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner." is brilliant. Thank You Tara, every visit here is par excellence ;)

[Gemma]

Love your pics, reflections and comments. Your ideas are always fascinating!

In this post, I totally agree with your choice of persistance as a means of dealing with the inner editor demon!

[Tammy]

I'm very excited about your work in progress Tara. You have a passion for writing that I have had the pleasure of reading. Even if it is only your blog posts I have enjoyed getting to know you. I can only imagine your work outside of your blog.

You go girl! I can't wait to read your novel. :) XXXXXXXXXXXX

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

Yesterday was a fantastic day !
Liberty ...

[Gillian]

Those FARCin rebels. Yay for Betancourt!! I must go read about this, I know not of these matters. See how you open eyes around the globe young lady!!!
I've been travellin, so I've been missing your blog!!! Hope you are well...banish that EGO, that inner critic. You are all powerful and a brilliant writer. You can do anything. I know it!
xo

[Jeanne Rhea]

I so enjoy your writings. Your writings are the meat and potatoes and your photos are icing on the cake.

[Becca]

A great post, Tara, with good sound advice about handling the internal (and external) critics that can hound us and hamper our creative progress. It's especially valuable advice because you have learned to deal with this process professionally, something many of us have not yet had to do.

I particularly enjoyed these lines from your poem:

I hold on tight to inner reserves of faith and well-being.
Doubt is confused by persistence, by the simple act of writing every day
even if the phrases remain inside my head, waiting for their moment to shine.
Doubt is puzzled by open rebellion; by my refusal to be deterred.

Thank you for sharing this encouragement to stand fast and stare down the doubt!

[tangobaby]

This is such a great post for me to keep in my mental back pocket. Right now I feel like I am pretty good at keeping Doubt and Criticism at bay, but I also know that can change very quickly.

I agree with you that it's so important to do a little something every day. Consistency has kept me going on the days when I just thought it wasn't worth it any more.

My editor has gotten nicer to me over time. Maybe she has more faith in me now. ;-)

[Christine]

When I teach creative writing to adults who have long harbored secret dreams of writing, I tell them that it is important to "bludgeon to death the inner opera." This may seem violent, but my point to them is that this inner opera -- comprised of critics, naysayers, doubters, drama queens, etc. -- is truly doing violence to our dreams and our hearts, and we must respond with the same ferocity. And I like the idea, also, of seeing ourselves as artistic warriors. It truly is a battle to put your art first in this consumerist society, and it is truly a battle to put your loves and dreams first in a culture that tells us our primary function is to fear.

[jeanie]

I admire your discipline. It's clear that you have placed your writing high on your priority list -- moving it more into the "calling" category than simply another thing you enjoy doing. In my WOW piece, I also addressed the editor and the critic. I know that's an important relationship to me -- and I'm seeing how it fits with you as well. I do want to learn from you about telling your critic to go away! That's good advice!