Thank you, Debbie! You're welcome to use them as journal prompts. I thought it could be nice to write a private letter to our inner critics, then tear it up at the beginning of a session. Maybe in the one on Feb 29 (Hugs drawing session) we can do that for the first five minutes!
Oh! Our inner critic is so mean!! I’ve been deep diving quite a lot about our nervous system and how deeply affected and influenced we are by it. It is always trying to keep us in a space we we feel regulated and “safe”, and so it doesn’t want us to move into anything that feels “bad” or “unsafe”. So we are basically programmed to stay away from doing good things that feel challenging, like learning, experimenting, growing, changing. The most effective ways I get past my own inner critic are: 1. I literally set a timer for one hour, and just tell myself I will make work, good or bad” for one hour. It’s like a magic trick for me. It is my “in case of emergency” trick, that I have to use regularly!! Maybe the trick is that I let myself off the hook of making “good” work in that hour. 2. It’s tricky, but I try and use myself as a comparison, and not others. So how is what *I’ve* just done different to what I did yesterday? What do *I* want to do next? There was a point on the (children’s book) MA when I was spiralling in comparison and feel crappy about myself, when I just had a moment of: ug. I guess I’ll have to just be me, for better or worse! And ironically, it led to my biggest breakthrough on the whole course!
In my 25+ years of creative writing I have learned to love my inner critic. I know she can be annoying at first, even paralysing. Now she is a highly respected member of my inner writing team.
The reason she can feel like such an irritating pest is because as novice writers we tend to call on her services far too early! Especially the inner (wannabe) expert, who likes to pop up instantly, straight after the first sentence, is the culprit. When she expects us to produce perfect writing from the word go, the inner critic has no choice, she has a duty to jump in. It's like a reflex. It's her job.
The solution is simple. Allow yourself to write. Writing takes practice. A lot of practice! You might have heard about 'Morning Pages' (from Julia Cameron's 'The Artists Way') That's a great practice.
A lesser known tool for writers is called 'Proprioceptive Writing'. It was developed by Linda Trichter Metcalf ~ all explained in her brilliant book 'Writing the Mind Alive'. You can find instructions on the website https://pwriting.org/
This is also an excellent tool for painters or any other artist. PW stimulates and helps to develop creative expression.
This is very interesting, thank you for sharing Veronika. Here's the link for the book, there's a kindle and paperback version https://amzn.eu/d/asOX7OJ
I can recommend the book Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg, which I've just discovered and devoured. I'm going to be applying the tips and tricks in there.
Eugh going through a bad bowt of this at the moment trying to accept growing and improving hurts a bit or a lot… my daughter wrote me a note that said ‘never give up’ and I just keep holding myself up to that!
I just want to say, I’m so thankful for the audio format, it’s such a great idea. And the inner critic - yes! It’s amazing that its monologue is so similar for different people.
When my inner critic gets especially loud, I tell her... like... literally, I talk to myself... and say... Hey, I see you are here and I know you really mean well, but I can't really give you my attention right now so how about we get you really cozy and you hang out for a bit... And I get this really vivid image of her, just kind of slumping and grouchy but she typically is willing to take a nap. I know it sounds insane, but it really works for me.
The other thought I had while reading this is that typing may be triggering EDITOR MODE for you, which is by definition critical. I have had a lot of success handwriting first and then moving things to screen. It may appear more time-consuming to work that way but I think that it actually saves time. As someone who flows on paper because of your drawing practice, writing this way may trick your brain into easing up, too.
I start everything by hand. In my morning pages, then rewrite on another page. Typing it triggers my editor mode in the worst way so I put it off til last. Maybe I should start scanning my morning pages, sharpie through all the personal stuff, and make that my Substack hahaha. 😝
My inner critic comes out screaming when I try something I have never done before. It says “It will be useless”, “it will take you ages”, “you don’t know what you’re doing”. And I keep picturing it looking very bad (at the moment it’s a website design). I have a new mantra to combat my perfectionism “80%, just do 80%”. It helps me to not expect perfection. Just do “good enough” rather than nothing!
I want to just say, thank you for pushing through your inner critic and showing up! We all have no idea what gremlins you have to contend with. So thanks for batting them away and fighting them off to continue to show up for us! 💕 (You’re one of the first newletters I subscribed to here, and I really admire how you constantly show up and try and offer up so much for your community!)
A few years ago I did an online residency with Debra Stein and one of our activities was to personify our inner critic. I animalfied (that's not a real word but i'm leaving it) mine. I discovered my inner critic was a little nearly blind common garden mole. They live mostly in the dark and are solitary creatures. They're also cute too! Mine always tries to keep me safe by burrowing deep in the tunnels, in the dark. And last year, it finally convinced me. I stayed in my tunnel, in darkness, listening to the seasons change and the grass grow. Basically just watching everyone do their thing while I wished to be doing my own thing. Lots of false starts and unfinished projects. This year I aim to change this and know that my mole is going to be hanging out, always whispering. In fact, it told me not to even join this discussion. But, I wanted to share. I can't be solitary anymore. If that makes any sense? Thank you for making this post and the thoughtful questions! :)
That makes perfect sense, Christina. I love your interpretation of Deb's activity! A tiny blind garden mole so cute and lovable, wanting to protect you the best way they can. I'm so glad you're here and shared your experience. I LOVE your work! Your expressive characters and colors make me happy. The world needs to see it! <3
Thank you for the kind words Beth! I’ve been so inspired by your Substack and seeing your work on instagram! So thank you for sharing your thoughts and work and knowledge! It’s been very motivating and encouraging! Sorry for all the exclamations, but they’re necessary. lol 😆
To my inner critic, stop comparing your art and writing to others. You experience uncertainty and disillusionment with your work when you do this. Stop discarding your work every time you decide it’s not “good enough”. Start a project without hesitation; after all, how will you succeed if you don’t try? Remember you became involved in art because you enjoy using it as a means of self-expression. Don’t forget the delight you had when you were a child, creating the most imaginative stories. My inner critic is most loud when I am surrounded by other artists, other writers. I look around and then look at my work and I’m filled with embarrassment. How could I ever believe that I am deserving of the title of “artist” with this sort of work presented? It’s hard to ignore my inner critic, because they completely take over my thoughts. I recently joined an art class and I absolutely love it. However every time we have an art project come up, I shake with fear in presenting my work to the class. It feels as if everyone is a talented artist, and I’m an unskilled student who took the wrong class. My inner critic is right about one thing. In order to succeed, I must continue improving my craft and putting in a lot of effort. Actually, I believe it to be the only wise counsel my inner critic can impart.
Great insight Beth! I liked reflecting on your discussion questions. ❤️
Destinee, this comment speaks to me on multiple levels! I can feel myself turn beet red in classes when it's time to read my work aloud. I feel like my brain is so overcome with self doubt that it goes totally blank sometimes.
It sounds like you have such a keen self awareness and it's so encouraging. It gives me so much hope and inspiration! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. 💖
Those are good questions 😜🤷♀️
Thank you, Debbie! You're welcome to use them as journal prompts. I thought it could be nice to write a private letter to our inner critics, then tear it up at the beginning of a session. Maybe in the one on Feb 29 (Hugs drawing session) we can do that for the first five minutes!
Oh! Our inner critic is so mean!! I’ve been deep diving quite a lot about our nervous system and how deeply affected and influenced we are by it. It is always trying to keep us in a space we we feel regulated and “safe”, and so it doesn’t want us to move into anything that feels “bad” or “unsafe”. So we are basically programmed to stay away from doing good things that feel challenging, like learning, experimenting, growing, changing. The most effective ways I get past my own inner critic are: 1. I literally set a timer for one hour, and just tell myself I will make work, good or bad” for one hour. It’s like a magic trick for me. It is my “in case of emergency” trick, that I have to use regularly!! Maybe the trick is that I let myself off the hook of making “good” work in that hour. 2. It’s tricky, but I try and use myself as a comparison, and not others. So how is what *I’ve* just done different to what I did yesterday? What do *I* want to do next? There was a point on the (children’s book) MA when I was spiralling in comparison and feel crappy about myself, when I just had a moment of: ug. I guess I’ll have to just be me, for better or worse! And ironically, it led to my biggest breakthrough on the whole course!
Ha ha I liked the bit about the sauna! Definitely a voice you shouldn’t listen to… and this is a nice way to defy it!
Thank you! I never invite it to comics class, but sometimes it tags along uninvited! 🙀
😂you can tell it from me it’s got a lifetime ban!
Hi Beth, I liked the concept of your image and the perspective you drew it from, also your letter made me smile. Very good, collect a gold star.
Thank you, Christopher. 💐😺 I love smooshing materials on a page and making a glorious mess haha.
In my 25+ years of creative writing I have learned to love my inner critic. I know she can be annoying at first, even paralysing. Now she is a highly respected member of my inner writing team.
The reason she can feel like such an irritating pest is because as novice writers we tend to call on her services far too early! Especially the inner (wannabe) expert, who likes to pop up instantly, straight after the first sentence, is the culprit. When she expects us to produce perfect writing from the word go, the inner critic has no choice, she has a duty to jump in. It's like a reflex. It's her job.
The solution is simple. Allow yourself to write. Writing takes practice. A lot of practice! You might have heard about 'Morning Pages' (from Julia Cameron's 'The Artists Way') That's a great practice.
A lesser known tool for writers is called 'Proprioceptive Writing'. It was developed by Linda Trichter Metcalf ~ all explained in her brilliant book 'Writing the Mind Alive'. You can find instructions on the website https://pwriting.org/
This is also an excellent tool for painters or any other artist. PW stimulates and helps to develop creative expression.
This is very interesting, thank you for sharing Veronika. Here's the link for the book, there's a kindle and paperback version https://amzn.eu/d/asOX7OJ
thank you!
This is the only book I have TWO copies of in my bookshelf. One for lending to fellow writers, the other to keep close at hand.
Hi Veronika. Thanks for sharing about Proprioceptive Writing. I'm curious, how does it differ from a journaling practice like Morning Pages?
take a look at the website. I think it's all explained there.
There are many differences. If you can't find the info I'm happy to explain.
(In a rush now, more soon xx)
Hi Veronika, did you know about this opportunity for creative writers to win cash prizes and restacks ? https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/an-essay-contest-it's-january-1st-2050
Whether you enter or not, please restack via all your other media. Peace, Maurice
Thank you Maurice, I'll check it out
Let me know your reaction, please. Peace, Maurice
I think it's a beautiful idea! Thank you again for pointing it out 💕🙏
I can recommend the book Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg, which I've just discovered and devoured. I'm going to be applying the tips and tricks in there.
Thank you, Sara! I've just placed a hold on it at the library. 📚💖
I love that you acknowledge that the critic is a cat!
When I added that, I thought "only really cool people will get this joke." And I was right! Haha thanks for reading, Adam!
Such an honest letter! I loved the point about how social media amplifies our inner critic. Its so true.
Thank you Meaghan! If I spend an extra hour a week looking at social media, my inner critic will morph into a pack of wild hyenas. No joke.
Same, 100%
Eugh going through a bad bowt of this at the moment trying to accept growing and improving hurts a bit or a lot… my daughter wrote me a note that said ‘never give up’ and I just keep holding myself up to that!
What a thoughtful kiddo!
Beth, I'll comment on this later. Just remember that you're great & You don't suck! How can I get straight to the post about the art swap info?!!
Awww thanks! I added the link to the contents page - it’s at the bottom! https://open.substack.com/pub/bethspencer/p/directory-of-posts?r=yx03w&utm_medium=ios
Oops🤭 and thanks❤
I just want to say, I’m so thankful for the audio format, it’s such a great idea. And the inner critic - yes! It’s amazing that its monologue is so similar for different people.
"You’re holding me back from making the mistakes I need to make"
Puh-REACH 🙌
Being comfortable with taking weird risks and failing is like step 2 of being an artist. Thanks for the reminder!
Beth! ❤️❤️
When my inner critic gets especially loud, I tell her... like... literally, I talk to myself... and say... Hey, I see you are here and I know you really mean well, but I can't really give you my attention right now so how about we get you really cozy and you hang out for a bit... And I get this really vivid image of her, just kind of slumping and grouchy but she typically is willing to take a nap. I know it sounds insane, but it really works for me.
The other thought I had while reading this is that typing may be triggering EDITOR MODE for you, which is by definition critical. I have had a lot of success handwriting first and then moving things to screen. It may appear more time-consuming to work that way but I think that it actually saves time. As someone who flows on paper because of your drawing practice, writing this way may trick your brain into easing up, too.
🤓📚❤️
I start everything by hand. In my morning pages, then rewrite on another page. Typing it triggers my editor mode in the worst way so I put it off til last. Maybe I should start scanning my morning pages, sharpie through all the personal stuff, and make that my Substack hahaha. 😝
My inner critic comes out screaming when I try something I have never done before. It says “It will be useless”, “it will take you ages”, “you don’t know what you’re doing”. And I keep picturing it looking very bad (at the moment it’s a website design). I have a new mantra to combat my perfectionism “80%, just do 80%”. It helps me to not expect perfection. Just do “good enough” rather than nothing!
I want to just say, thank you for pushing through your inner critic and showing up! We all have no idea what gremlins you have to contend with. So thanks for batting them away and fighting them off to continue to show up for us! 💕 (You’re one of the first newletters I subscribed to here, and I really admire how you constantly show up and try and offer up so much for your community!)
I love the idea of getting to 80%. Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing this great mantra!
A few years ago I did an online residency with Debra Stein and one of our activities was to personify our inner critic. I animalfied (that's not a real word but i'm leaving it) mine. I discovered my inner critic was a little nearly blind common garden mole. They live mostly in the dark and are solitary creatures. They're also cute too! Mine always tries to keep me safe by burrowing deep in the tunnels, in the dark. And last year, it finally convinced me. I stayed in my tunnel, in darkness, listening to the seasons change and the grass grow. Basically just watching everyone do their thing while I wished to be doing my own thing. Lots of false starts and unfinished projects. This year I aim to change this and know that my mole is going to be hanging out, always whispering. In fact, it told me not to even join this discussion. But, I wanted to share. I can't be solitary anymore. If that makes any sense? Thank you for making this post and the thoughtful questions! :)
That makes perfect sense, Christina. I love your interpretation of Deb's activity! A tiny blind garden mole so cute and lovable, wanting to protect you the best way they can. I'm so glad you're here and shared your experience. I LOVE your work! Your expressive characters and colors make me happy. The world needs to see it! <3
Thank you for the kind words Beth! I’ve been so inspired by your Substack and seeing your work on instagram! So thank you for sharing your thoughts and work and knowledge! It’s been very motivating and encouraging! Sorry for all the exclamations, but they’re necessary. lol 😆
To my inner critic, stop comparing your art and writing to others. You experience uncertainty and disillusionment with your work when you do this. Stop discarding your work every time you decide it’s not “good enough”. Start a project without hesitation; after all, how will you succeed if you don’t try? Remember you became involved in art because you enjoy using it as a means of self-expression. Don’t forget the delight you had when you were a child, creating the most imaginative stories. My inner critic is most loud when I am surrounded by other artists, other writers. I look around and then look at my work and I’m filled with embarrassment. How could I ever believe that I am deserving of the title of “artist” with this sort of work presented? It’s hard to ignore my inner critic, because they completely take over my thoughts. I recently joined an art class and I absolutely love it. However every time we have an art project come up, I shake with fear in presenting my work to the class. It feels as if everyone is a talented artist, and I’m an unskilled student who took the wrong class. My inner critic is right about one thing. In order to succeed, I must continue improving my craft and putting in a lot of effort. Actually, I believe it to be the only wise counsel my inner critic can impart.
Great insight Beth! I liked reflecting on your discussion questions. ❤️
Destinee, this comment speaks to me on multiple levels! I can feel myself turn beet red in classes when it's time to read my work aloud. I feel like my brain is so overcome with self doubt that it goes totally blank sometimes.
It sounds like you have such a keen self awareness and it's so encouraging. It gives me so much hope and inspiration! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. 💖