Mean Rotten Inner Critics

Well Tine, since you brought up the subject of mean nasty inner critics who exist only to insult us and make us feel like dirt, rest assured, I have one of those too. I find that it helps to envision, and even name this woman, (or man) and then when she's standing right in front of you shaking her head and wagging her finger in your face telling you that you suck, you look her right in the eye and tell her to shut the **** up! This really does help, especially if you do it regularly, and mean it. If my critic needs placating I tell her she can speak up later, in the revision process, but only if she behaves herself. The first draft is daydreaming on paper, it's playtime and the child in us needs to be free to have fun and create without criticism. So, sit your butt in the chair, relax, and have fun!