To Write, or Not to Write

I’m finding that I can either write or edit, but not both. Different parts of my brain engage for each activity. When I’m editing a piece, my critic is in the forefront. This is when she gets to do her thing. But it takes time to get her to stop when I sit down to write. The words don’t flow when she’s standing at the edge of my brain, saying, “That could be tighter. That’s a weak word choice. You’re using the same word too often.” Ugh. Helpful during edits. Not so much during a first draft.

So here is my new plan: when editing, give myself time to refill my creative well instead of continuing to pull from my reserves. Go for walks, draw, rest. It will all help prepare me for when edits are done and it’s time to write again.