finding a new perspective
Raise your hand if the voice inside your head while writing can be way harsh? Does it criticize and judge every word and sentence as you go? *Peers into the laptop* ME TOO!
I mean, gotta assume some hands were raised. But, then I have to assume someone is seeing this, and that little voice pipes up, "No one wants to read what you write." Ouch. Doesn't feel so good. It's definitely not an everyday occurrence (for me), but there are days when I spiral into a panic that my book isn't interesting enough, my writing isn't good enough, my characters aren't exciting enough (except you, Luna, always), on and on.
When, the truth is, there is no such thing as good enough. It simply doesn't exist. So, how do you work through days (or weeks or months) of being too harsh on your own writing? I'd love to know what you do, so please share! Here's what helps me find a fresh perspective when my current one is feeling super negative:
Call yourself a writer, even if you're whispering it to yourself. Say those words. If you're writing, you're a writer. Whether or not you're published or amassing readers, you're still a writer. Admitting it is the first step to judging yourself less...because...
It's not for you to judge your writing. Don't worry if people wanna buy it, read it, make a Netflix series of it (easier said than done, alas). The only thing you can control is what you write, not how it's received. So enjoy the process, put a whole lot of love and passion and work and personality into it. Be your biggest fan, not critic.
Write as much as you can. Be that person who sends super poetic emails (WHY NOT). Write creative birthday card greetings. Journal. Just write, a lot.
When all else fails, flip your perspective. Literally. Hang upside down off the sofa, hop into handstands, find some monkey bars and flip around. The point here is to do something fun to take your mind off of the daunting writing at hand. It's okay to do something fun and silly for yourself. Come back after with a smile or monkey bar windblown hair and try again.
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