BROADCASTS.com

When you are in your writing zone, you are using the right side of your brain. This is the creative part of your brain.\xa0

Whereas when you are outlining, researching, and editing you are using the left side of your brain. This is the logical part of your brain and also where your inner critic resides.\xa0

Therefore when you try to write and edit at the same time, your inner critic can easily shut you down. For example, your inner critic might say, \u201cYou\u2019re not spelling that right. Who are you to write a book when you don\u2019t even know how to spell? This is horrible. You might as well stop now and not even try to write this book.\u201d And on and on it goes.

We\u2019ve all been there. So, let\u2019s not let our inner critic get the best of us. Amen?

5 ways to quiet your inner critic and stay in the writing zone:\xa0

1. Highlight an area that will need more editing or research later. You can do this by using a different color or highlighting the text. If you\u2019re writing with paper and pen (or pencil) you can draw an asterisks or arrow next to it.
2. Turn off spell check. Spell check can be a constant distraction because it shows you where your potential spelling and grammar mistakes are as you write. It is important to self-edit your work, but I don\u2019t recommend doing it when you\u2019re in the writing zone. So if this distracts you, turn it off while you\u2019re writing.

Here\u2019s how in Microsoft Word: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/turn-spell-check-on-or-off-e2805461-77d4-4832-b006-061163c8d01a\xa0

Here\u2019s how in Google Docs: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/57859?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en\xa0

1. Use a text editor or distraction free writing tool that doesn\u2019t highlight potential edits like your typical word processor.
2. Turn off your computer screen. Yes, some writers say they actually do this when typing to avoid the distractions. I\u2019m not sure I could write this way, but I wanted to at least mention it.
3. Talk to your inner editor. Let the editor part of your brain know that you will get back to the editing later. Right now you are writing and need to focus on one task at a time.\xa0

\u201cWhen Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, \u201cSilence! Be still!\u201d Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.\u201d Mark\u202c \u202d4:39\u202c \u202dNLT

We need to tell our inner critic \u201cSilence! Be still!\u201d - the Greek word here implies putting a muzzle on a dog. Put a muzzle on your inner critic

Free WRITING WHEEL Download

Learn 5 Proven Writing Strategies You Can Use Today to Get More Writing Done

• Get instant access to a 17-page PDF\xa0
• Learn 5 strategies to help you finish the writing God has called you to do.\xa0\xa0
• Discover how to personalize each strategy to use what works best for YOU.
• Download writing tools to help you overcome the barriers that keep you from making progress in your writing.\xa0
• And much more!

Download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel/\xa0