“Write drunk, edit sober” ~ Ernest Hemingway

“Write drunk, edit sober.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

One of the biggest challenges facing a lot of writers including myself is to “let it all hang out” as we are writing. In fact, as I started writing this post, I found myself falling into that typical trap of editing my words as fast as I could type them. Any writer or editor will agree that doing so is a sure-fire way to cut off creativity and stifle ideas and passion. How can you create magnificent work when your internal editor is always censoring you?

Well, metaphorically speaking, we need to allow our internal editor to behave drunk as a skunk, and let all of its inhibitions and preconceived ideas about what is right and wrong disappear. Loose enough to let the words flow without judgment. Exhilarated enough to put a proverbial lampshade on its pointy little head and dance wildly on the table until midnight, if need be.

Then, the morning after, or even a day or a week later, we, the writer/editor, must put on our professional writer and editor hat and edit like crazy.

Of course no one, except perhaps Papa Hemingway, is really advocating getting literally smashed while you write. Clearly, the advice is meant to encourage the writer to loosen up his or her inhibitions and inspirations without caring what anyone  thinks. Then, after placing some distance between yourself and the piece, come back and look at it with a fresh and more critical eye.

Hemingway’s counsel reminds us that the most memorable writing is authentic writing, with no brakes stopping the flow. Not easy to do, but something that makes a big difference.

What do you think? How do you open up your muse? I’d love to hear comments. As always, thanks for visiting Murphy Writes.

Cheers!