Category: Dilly Dallies on the Dailies

Writing a first draft is always a battle between creativity and my inner critic. That voice in my head constantly questions whether my sentences make sense, whether my ideas are worth exploring, or whether I should even bother writing at all. But over time, I’ve developed a page scheme—a set of strategies that help me push forward, silence my doubts, and get words onto the page. This page scheme isn’t about perfection. It’s about overriding hesitation, keeping momentum, and trusting that the real magic happens in revision, not in the first draft.

Page Scheme #1: Embracing My Personal Chaos

My mentor once suggested a lack of ‘ego-strength’ hindered my writing. Lately, in my prayers, I’ve come to see this as a struggle between fear and faith, a battle intrinsic to the writing process. The instant a clumsy sentence appears, my inner critic descends, whispering doubts about the value of words, especially in our hyper-connected age. Writing, I’ve learned, requires a kind of prayerful energy, a sustained motivation—what I now understand as ‘inner, lasting drive’—a gift God gives, a gift I must steward responsibly.

To counter this, I’ve embraced a liberating approach: ‘If my sentences are awkward or repetitive, I can let them be.’ My page scheme is simple: write without pause, without rereading, without editing. Some days, the results are pure nonsense. But I’ve discovered a strange comfort in chaos, knowing that these raw, unfiltered words, however imperfect, can be shaped into something meaningful later. I believe this chaos is a part of the process God has set before me.

Page Scheme #2: Writing in Timed Sprints

I’ve noticed that when I have unlimited time to write, my inner critic gets louder. I find myself agonizing over word choices and rewriting the same paragraph over and over. To avoid this, I use a page scheme that forces me to focus: writing in timed sprints.

I write for two hours max, because this is how long it takes me to process a 1000 word essay at least. In spite of my desire to just write on and on, I am past brainstorming once I set my skills to word search, sentence structuring, and paragraph development. No overthinking, no stopping to fix things – just difficult to do – but I move forward, bypass self-doubt and get my ideas down.

Focusing on momentum rather than perfection, I demand from myself a last period within two hours. This method keeps my inner critic from interfering since it does not have enough time to take over.

Page Scheme #3: Separating Writing from Editing

In a previous reflection on writing, I introduced the concept of the ‘page boss’—that internal editor eager to correct every perceived flaw. This ‘page boss’ must be sidelined during the initial writing process, allowing for uninhibited exploration on the page. While crafting, the boss remains in its office, respecting my creative space.

However, upon completing a full draft, the ‘page boss’ is invited back, ready to refine and correct. The raw version, inevitably lacking crucial elements for a cohesive whole, is rarely acceptable as is. But the writer in me welcomes the editor, humbly submitting to the necessary rewrites—but only after the initial outpouring of words is complete.

Page Scheme #4: Creating Rituals That Sets My Mind to Writing

So I follow a routine: sleep early, wake up at dawn, pray and read the Bible, sit-ups, walk, breakfast, clear-up my desk, set up the computer, write – sorry, it takes a long time, but see, this works for me. If I just sit down and expect myself to start writing immediately, my inner critic often jumps in first. But if I follow a page scheme that includes a ritual—something that signals to my brain that it’s time to write—it’s much easier to get into a creative flow.

I also try to write in an airconditioned office space, never at home. So actually the routine above include the morning rituals of dressing up and commuting. Over time, my brain has learned that these small rituals eliminate distractions because my mind is set towards writing, and all my energy leads to the page.

Page Scheme #5: Setting a Deadline

Deadlines exist for a reason—to prevent the chaos of cramming and the disappointment of missed opportunities. With over thirteen years in a publishing house, another thirteen as a freelance editor, and my current role facilitating writing fellowships, I’ve learned to deeply respect deadlines for the sake of my own sanity. Every writing project with a clear goal—writing for a reader, not just for myself—demands a structured timeframe.

Deadlines are particularly crucial for grant applications, marketing campaigns, seasonal publications, and the layout and design process. Artists, like writers, require time to conceptualize and create. By establishing clear timeframes for each stage, I minimize detours and keep my inner critic at bay.

Trusting the Process and Moving Forward

Overriding my inner critic isn’t about silencing it completely; it’s about discerning when to disregard its voice. My first draft isn’t a quest for perfection—it’s simply a step towards completion.

By embracing my inherent chaos, employing focused writing sprints, separating drafting from editing, and adhering to clear deadlines, I can overcome self-doubt and translate my thoughts into words. Every essay, poem, short story, or novel I’ve written, even in their seemingly final forms, carries the marks of an imperfect draft. Yet, I persist, even as my inner critic attempts to impede my progress or halt it altogether. This page scheme serves as a constant reminder that writing is a process, and that revision is where the true work unfolds—a point on which even my inner critic agrees.