“If you were meant to be a writer, you would have written a book by now.”
“You’re lazy. You don’t have enough discipline. You don’t have enough talent.”
“You’re not a real writer.”
“You’re lazy. You don’t have enough discipline. You don’t have enough talent.”
“You’re not a real writer.”
It’s interesting the things we’d never say to our loved ones but are happy to say to ourselves. Negative self-talk is not going to make the writing process any easier. It’s not going to make it any more enjoyable. If we want to make lives writing, it should be ones we love.
If you have a tendency for self-flagellation, it’s time to try a thought journal. Fold each page into two columns. In the first, write down each negative thought. On the opposite side of the paper write a positive thought that counters it. It’s important to counter every thought, even if you don’t believe your positive spin. There’s a whole field of psychology dedicated to this process, and all those academics are in agreement – if you repeat the positive often enough, you’ll believe it.
Although it may feel weird at first to write this down, it actually takes skill and practice to counter negative thoughts mentally while you’re experiencing them. Thought journals make the process easier. Below is an example of my thought journal, written this morning when my novel wasn’t flowing.
If you have a tendency for self-flagellation, it’s time to try a thought journal. Fold each page into two columns. In the first, write down each negative thought. On the opposite side of the paper write a positive thought that counters it. It’s important to counter every thought, even if you don’t believe your positive spin. There’s a whole field of psychology dedicated to this process, and all those academics are in agreement – if you repeat the positive often enough, you’ll believe it.
Although it may feel weird at first to write this down, it actually takes skill and practice to counter negative thoughts mentally while you’re experiencing them. Thought journals make the process easier. Below is an example of my thought journal, written this morning when my novel wasn’t flowing.
Self-protection is hardwired into our psyche; it is as automatic as breathing. If every time you think about writing you feel guilt/shame/disappointment, you’ll associate it with those feelings and your brain will avoid writing at all costs in order to protect itself. So be kind to yourself. Focus on your achievements, even if they’re small. Join a writing group that’ll act as your cheerleading squad when you doubt yourself. Find positive quotes/affirmations/advice that inspire you. Counter those negative thoughts – and feel good about your writing!
More suggestions for those who need help being nice to themselves:
http://writerswrite.co.za/10-remedies-for-the-horrible-things-writers-tell-themselves
* The Meereenese Knot is when you’ve written your characters into a corner plot-wise and you can’t work out how to get them out of it.
More suggestions for those who need help being nice to themselves:
http://writerswrite.co.za/10-remedies-for-the-horrible-things-writers-tell-themselves
* The Meereenese Knot is when you’ve written your characters into a corner plot-wise and you can’t work out how to get them out of it.
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