Novel drafting rule #4: No editing allowed

Writing and editing involve different cognitive processes that use different parts of the brain. When you write, you typically use your creative and imaginative processes, which are associated with the right side of the brain. This involves generating new ideas, making connections between concepts, and visualizing scenes and characters.

On the other hand, editing involves a more analytical and critical thinking process, which is associated with the left side of the brain. This involves evaluating the structure, pacing, and clarity of your writing, checking for errors in grammar and punctuation, and refining your prose to make it more effective and engaging. Editing your work during the drafting stage of the novel writing process can be counterproductive for a few reasons:

1. It slows the writing process: When you stop to edit as you write, it can interrupt your flow and slow down your progress. This can make it harder to reach your daily or weekly writing goals.
2. It can stifle creativity: Editing during the drafting process can be distracting and can take you out of the creative headspace that is necessary for writing a novel. Instead of generating new ideas and developing your story, you may become bogged down in small details that are not essential to the plot.
3. It can make it harder to see the big picture: When you edit as you go, you may get lost in the details and lose sight of the overall story arc. This can make it harder to identify plot holes or areas where the story needs to be developed.
4. It can cause you to second-guess yourself: If you are constantly editing your work as you go, you may start to second-guess yourself and become overly critical of your writing. This can be demotivating and can make it harder to stay focused and committed to your writing goals.

Because the writing and editing processes use different parts of the brain, it can be challenging to switch between them seamlessly. This is why many writers recommend separating the drafting and editing phases of writing, giving your brain a chance to rest and reset between each stage. It’s also why some writers prefer to work on different projects simultaneously, allowing them to switch between creative and analytical tasks without losing momentum.

Instead of editing as you write, it is better to focus on getting your ideas on paper first and then worry about editing later. This will allow you to maintain your momentum, stay focused on the big picture, and keep your creativity flowing. Once you have completed your rough draft, you can go back and revise your work, making changes, adding new scenes, and refining your dialogue until you are happy with the final product.

Ultimately, the key is to find a writing and editing process that works best for you and your individual writing style. Some writers may find that they can seamlessly switch between drafting and editing, while others may prefer to focus on one task at a time. The important thing is to stay flexible and open to trying new approaches until you find the one that works best for you.