Left Brain / Right Brain: Give Them Both the Love They Need

I’ve been working on a new novel, and I have to pause here, already, because just typing those few words is challenging.

I barely like to admit it, because once I say those words a barrage of qualifiers come crashing in. Can I say I’ve been working hard on a new novel? No. Never hard enough.

Even saying a new novel is ridiculous. The two words are redundant. And when does a new one become an old one? I can’t even say I just started because what timeline parameters make that statement true?

And now I’m already way off the topic I wanted to write about, all because I’m hyper-focused on the accuracy of one sentence.

Hello, left brain! It’s obviously the one in charge today, so my choice is to fight it or let it take the reins.

My left brain is where my inner editor lives. It’s also home to my executive secretary and production manager and organizational director. It loves to tick boxes and line things up and cross things off.

If the left brain is punching the clock, the right brain is quitting time. It’s a playground, a lazy river, a day at the beach. It likes to meander and create and be messy.

Think Felix and Oscar.

As a writer, I’ve found it helpful to get to know these two sides and learn to identify which one is calling the shots each day.

Today, for example, I wanted to finish a chapter I’ve been working on that will put me at a milestone: I’ll have 75 pages, or 25%, of my first draft written, right up to my hero’s Crossing the Threshold stage (By the way, if you’re writing a book, whether fiction or memoir, and are not working with the Hero’s Journey outline, call me! There’s an easier way!)

But my left brain has me on lockdown today. Every time I look at that blank spot in my unfinished chapter, I freeze. That grating inner voice won’t let me forget all the other tasks on my to-do list, so here I am, compelled to share with you some calendar events. Yes, this runs the risk of being boring. Announcements bore me too.

So my hope is that once I share some Very Important Dates with you, I can get back to happily staring out the window and wondering whether my character drinks coffee, or maybe she’s a tea lady. Green or black? With milk or honey? Does she have a Keurig or go to Starbucks? Would she dream of leaving the house in sweatpants, or is she a fashionista?

Hello, right brain!

How I love you.