I attended my first Writer’s Digest Conference this past weekend in New York City. It was an interesting mix of topics ranging from improving your craft to branding and more. Lots of options for newbies and veterans alike.
I noticed a recurring theme with the variety of sessions that I attended. Writers were consistent in their suggestion to the audience members to “find your own voice”, be authentic, use your personal experiences to filter through your writing. The business end was more cautious – be authentic but not so much that you lose market share. Sigh…mixed messages. Be authentic…..BUT…..everyone knows anything after BUT is bullshit. Guess I’ll just keep offending people and not make money writing for now….double sigh.
One workshop was titled “Shut Your Monkey! How to Control Your Inner Critic and Get More Writing Done.” It was facilitated by Danny Gregory. He wrote a book about it in case you are so inclined….https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Your-Monkey-Control-Critic/dp/1440341133
It was an interesting topic which sadly afflicts a majority of humans. That inner voice that says you suck, you’re stupid, are you really going to eat that? The asshole that lives inside your head and spreads doubt like pixie dust in a Disney movie. Apparently most humans (except psychopaths) have this negative voice that we constantly shush. Danny Gregory calls his a monkey…..I prefer to think of mine as a prairie dog. I never know where that bitch is going to pop up. She’s kind of cute and kind of annoying and damn unpredictable. What’s your monkey?
Was that my out loud voice? 
The title threw me off for a second, and I really did not know what to expect. This article says a lot, my monkey is a rabid raging lunatic sometimes… I always doubt, I always wonder, and if I think it’s good It’s usually a disaster !! If I think it’s crappe, it’s a hit! Oh, my 🐒 ‘s name is Scarlett. Go figure.
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Always nice to have you visit. Scarlett, be kind to Paul!
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I like the image of a prairie dog. Mine would be a pissed off cat, for some reasons she would be clawing at my legs and then for apparently no reasons at all.
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That is the nature of cats.
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So true . . . I just call it by the very bland name of “inner editor” and she is RUTHLESS – and tells a pack of lies. Except when she’s right of course. Share my world
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I attended the same conference in NYC and even went through the dreaded “Pitch Slam.” As always, these experiences leave me with a strange feeling of both inspiration and terror. Still, glad I went!
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Congrats on surviving the Pitch Slam. That is my goal for next year. Good luck with your writing.
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The inner critic is such a jerk. I wish she would shut up more. Just sayin’
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I loved your recent post – http://lifewiselady.com/troll-stole-my-content-how-stop-it/
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