Blank Pages Versus Bad Pages: Overcoming Writer’s Block When The Editor Brain Is At War With The Writer Brain
Writer's block often arises when writers struggle to separate their creative "writer brain" from their critical "editor brain." This internal conflict can hinder the drafting process, as the urge to edit prematurely stifles creativity. It's essential to recognize that rough drafts are inherently imperfect, serving as the foundation for refinement. Embracing the notion that "you can always edit a bad page, but you can't edit a blank page" encourages writers to prioritize getting words on the page without immediate judgment. By allowing the writer and editor roles to function separately and sequentially, one can overcome writer's block and foster a more productive writing process.
Hello readers and writerly friends!
If you’re a returning reader, welcome back and if you’re new to the blog, thanks for stopping by! In this post, we’ll be discussing how writing and editing at the same time can become a writing roadblock. Obviously, the “writer brain” and the “editor brain” aren’t official psychological terms but that’s how I personally like to think of it when I catch myself actively editing and rewriting lines I’ve just drafted. You can also think of it this way: when you’re writing, you’re wearing you writer hat; when you’re editing, you’re wearing your editor hat. You can’t wear both at the same time, though. Well, I suppose you technically can wear two hats at once, but neither will be effective and you’re going to look and feel quite silly doing so. Instead, simply don the writer hat and hang up the editor hat until its time to move on to the editing stage.
“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” —Jodi Picoult
One thing writers will tell you is that writer’s block is alive and well in most of us, but the reality is that those who claim to experience writer’s block haven’t build up to proverbial muscle memory of writing without editing and it is easier to repeatedly fall victim to bad habits than to take time out to build new ones. Everything comes down to this: writer’s block is defeated by writing. Simple as that. So, why am I telling you all of this? Because once you realize that bad pages are better than blank pages, it will get exponentially easier for you to write despite writer’s block, and eventually it won’t be an issue for you anymore.
What Is Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block, as per Merriam Webster, is the problem of not being able to think of something to write about or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc. However, in recent years, the noun has become synonymous with the problem of not being motivated to write, or not being in the right head-space to do your best writing. Subsequently, this has been the definition of writer’s block I’ve come to know well, as it was the version that plagued me.
Blonde woman in a grey sweater, looking at blank pages in an unlined notebook. Photo by John Schnobrich.
Rough Drafts
See, here’s the issue with writers that cling to that second definition—everyone’s rough draft is supposed to be ROUGH. There’s a reason that’s why we call them rough drafts. Even New York Times’ bestselling authors and prolific writers create rough drafts. It is foolish to think that your best writing would come from your very first, second or even third drafts. This is why writing is a process and not temporary—it takes time, and usually several iterations to get to the best, most polished version of the work.
Writing and Editing
The reason so many writers struggle with cracking out that crusty rough draft and that’s because they have a hard time separating their writer and editor brains. These two modes of thinking are exactly as they sound—the writer brain is the creative one credited with using the creative process and is the one usually struck by the muse and the editor brain is the corrective one that is often employed during the editing and polishing process. The thing is—these two thought processes can’t coexist. This is why it is important to separate the two when you sit down to write, because it is nearly impossible to be creative when you’re using your editor brain, and it is likewise nearly impossible to effectively edit with your writer brain, since the two are diametrically opposed.
Blank Pages Or Bad Pages—Which Is Worse?
Blank pages are meant for the writer brain and bad pages are meant for the editor brain, specifically in that order. You must write first, then edit later if you want to effectively move through the writing process and better your craft. If you’re only ever stuck on blank pages because the editor brain won’t get out of the way, you won’t grow as a writer and the stories inside you will suffer because of it. However, if you can learn to write despite the writers block, by separating the two modes of thinking, you will find it increasingly easier to pick up the pencil (or keyboard) each time, and your rough drafts will get better over time.
And that’s it for my hot take on Blank vs. Bad pages and how the wearing both the writer hat and editor hat simultaneously can cause writer’s block! What do you think? Have you ever had writer’s block? Do you agree with this argument? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Written by Payton Hayes | Last Updated: March 17, 2025
Editing Misconceptions: Editors Aren’t Monsters
Editors are often perceived as overly critical individuals fixated on finding every possible error in a manuscript. However, this portrayal is misleading. Editors play a crucial role in refining a writer's work, offering constructive feedback to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Their goal is not to criticize but to collaborate with writers, helping them realize their vision and produce the best possible version of their work. Understanding this collaborative dynamic can alleviate apprehensions writers may have about the editing process and foster a more productive author-editor relationship.
Black eyeglasses beside a notebook and candle. Photo by Marissa Grootes.
Hello readers and writerly friends!
If you’re a returning reader, welcome back and if you’re new to the blog, thanks for stopping by! In this shorter blog post I’m explaining some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the world of manuscript editing. Many people tend to think of editors as the snobby grammar police with their red pens, monsters bent over their keyboards ravenously devouring manuscripts in search of every possible formatting or grammatical error.
Okay, maybe that’s not quite the image that comes to mind or everyone, but editors are often painted in a less-than-flattering light, because many aspiring authors just don’t know how to take constructive criticism. However, these depictions are just simply not true. I was a writer before I ever became an editor, so I am distinctly aware of how hard it can be to share your work. It’s your passion project, your lifelong dream—your book baby. It’s precious to you, and the idea that you’d entrust it to someone else’s eyes is nearly unthinkable. It’s also brave and an essential step in the writing process and your growth as a writer.
Editors are not in the biz to tear your manuscript and your dreams to shreds. Yes, there might be some uncomfortable things that need to be addressed in the process of editing your manuscript, but editors aren’t here to just shoot you down, they’re here to help you.
Think of it this way, for an effective editorial process, writers must view their editors as their partners. Editors are like those friends that tell you about the lipstick on your teeth rather than letting you walk around with a red smudge on your pearly whites all day. Those friends are looking out for your best interests and your editor is doing the same for you and your writing.
You may not always want to hear the comments editors make, but ultimately, we’re here to help you. We want to see you succeed. We want you to be able to connect with your readers. We want to watch a beautiful creation emerge and to see your passion project come to fruition.
Editors are often perceived as overly critical individuals fixated on finding every possible error in a manuscript. However, this portrayal is misleading. Editors play a crucial role in refining a writer's work, offering constructive feedback to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Their goal is not to criticize but to collaborate with writers, helping them realize their vision and produce the best possible version of their work. Understanding this collaborative dynamic can alleviate apprehensions writers may have about the editing process and foster a more productive author-editor relationship.
What did you think about this hot take on editors? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below!
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Written by Payton Hayes | Last Updated: March 17, 2025