Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Your Dual Nature as a Writer
The writer is a dual personality. In him, the unconscious flows freely.
The writer's duality. Writers possess both a creative, unconscious side and a critical, conscious side. The unconscious is the wellspring of creativity, providing raw material and inspiration. The conscious mind acts as the editor and craftsman, shaping and refining the work.
Balancing act. Successful writing requires harmonizing these two aspects:
- Allow the unconscious to flow freely during initial creation
- Use the conscious mind to direct, criticize, and discriminate
- Learn to suppress one side or the other as needed
- Avoid letting the conscious mind interfere prematurely with the creative process
2. Harness the Power of Your Unconscious Mind
For the root of genius is in the unconscious, not the conscious mind.
Tapping creative potential. The unconscious mind is the source of originality, insight, and artistic vision. It contains our deepest memories, emotions, and experiences, which can be transformed into powerful writing.
Trusting the process. To access this wellspring:
- Allow time for ideas to incubate
- Practice free writing without self-censorship
- Pay attention to dreams and sudden inspirations
- Cultivate periods of solitude and reflection
- Learn to recognize and nurture your "artistic coma" – periods of seeming idleness that are actually deep creative gestation
3. Develop a Regular Writing Habit
If you fail repeatedly at this exercise, give up on writing. Your resistance is actually greater than your desire to write, and you may as well find some other outlet for your energy early as late.
Consistency is key. Establishing a daily writing routine is crucial for developing your craft and overcoming resistance. This habit trains your mind to be ready for creativity on demand.
Early morning writing. Try this exercise:
- Wake up 30-60 minutes earlier than usual
- Write immediately, without talking or reading anything first
- Write anything that comes to mind, uncritically
- Gradually increase your word count over time
- Persist with this practice to build fluency and overcome mental blocks
4. Learn to Write on Schedule
At four o'clock you are going to write, come what may, and at four o'clock write you must! No excuses can be given.
Developing discipline. Being able to write at will is a crucial skill for professional writers. It overcomes the myth of waiting for inspiration and builds a reliable creative process.
Scheduled writing exercise:
- Choose a specific time each day for a short writing session (15-30 minutes)
- Treat this appointment as sacrosanct – nothing should interfere
- Write anything, even if it feels forced or uninspired
- Vary the time each day to build flexibility
- Persist through resistance – this exercise reveals true commitment
5. Cultivate Self-Awareness and Honesty
If you can discover what you are like, if you can discover what you truly believe about most of the major matters of life, you will be able to write a story which is honest and original and unique.
Know thyself. Genuine, powerful writing comes from a deep understanding of your own beliefs, experiences, and worldview. This self-knowledge is the foundation of originality.
Developing self-awareness:
- Regularly examine your thoughts, feelings, and reactions
- Question your assumptions and biases
- Explore your core beliefs about life's big questions
- Be willing to confront uncomfortable truths about yourself
- Use your writing as a tool for self-discovery and growth
6. Read Critically as a Writer
To read effectively it is necessary to learn to consider a book in the light of what it can teach you about the improvement of your own work.
Active reading. Develop the ability to analyze and learn from other writers' techniques, styles, and choices. This critical reading enhances your own craft.
Reading as a writer:
- Read each work twice – once for enjoyment, once for analysis
- Make notes on effective techniques, dialogue, descriptions, etc.
- Analyze how the author handles plot, character development, and pacing
- Study both strengths and weaknesses in others' writing
- Apply insights gained to improve your own work
7. Find Your Unique Voice and Style
Every piece of writing which is not simply the purveying of straightforward information - as a recipe or a formula is, for example, is an essay in persuasion.
Authenticity matters. Your unique perspective and way of expressing it is what will set your writing apart. Avoid imitating others; instead, focus on developing your natural voice.
Discovering your voice:
- Analyze your early morning writing for recurring themes and styles
- Experiment with different genres and forms to find what feels natural
- Pay attention to the rhythms and patterns in your speech
- Write about subjects that genuinely excite or move you
- Be willing to be vulnerable and express your true thoughts and feelings
8. Practice Deliberate Observation
Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost.
Sharpening perceptions. Writers must cultivate a heightened awareness of the world around them. This provides a constant influx of fresh material and insights for writing.
Observation exercises:
- Spend 15 minutes a day observing your surroundings in detail
- Describe familiar objects or scenes as if seeing them for the first time
- People-watch and imagine backstories for strangers
- Keep a notebook to jot down interesting observations
- Practice using all your senses to fully capture experiences
9. Use Wordless Recreation to Stimulate Creativity
If you want to stimulate yourself into writing, amuse yourself in wordless ways.
Recharging creativity. Constant exposure to words can be draining for writers. Engaging in non-verbal activities allows the mind to rest and refreshes creative energy.
Wordless recreation ideas:
- Take long walks in nature
- Listen to instrumental music
- Visit art museums or galleries
- Engage in physical activities or sports
- Practice meditation or mindfulness
- Pursue a hands-on hobby like gardening or woodworking
10. Master the Practice Story Technique
The exercise must end with a completed piece of work, no matter how long you labor at it.
Bridging theory and practice. The practice story technique combines all the previous lessons into a practical exercise that develops your skills as a writer.
Practice story steps:
- Choose a simple idea from your morning writing
- Spend several days thinking about and developing the concept
- Set a specific time to write the story
- Write the entire story in one sitting, focusing on completion
- Put the story away for a few days
- Return to the story with fresh eyes for critical analysis
- Repeat this process regularly to hone your craft
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FAQ
What's "Becoming a Writer" about?
- Author's Insight: "Becoming a Writer" by Dorothea Brande is a guide to understanding and overcoming the psychological barriers that prevent writers from reaching their full potential.
- Focus on Psychology: The book emphasizes that the root problems of writing are personality issues, not technical skills, and addresses confidence, self-respect, and freedom.
- Practical Exercises: It provides exercises to help writers connect with their unconscious mind and develop healthy writing habits.
- Timeless Advice: Although first published in 1934, the advice remains relevant for writers of all levels today.
Why should I read "Becoming a Writer"?
- Overcome Writer's Block: The book offers strategies to overcome common psychological barriers that hinder writing.
- Develop Writing Habits: It provides practical exercises to establish a consistent writing routine and improve fluency.
- Gain Confidence: Brande's insights help writers build self-confidence and trust in their creative abilities.
- Timeless Wisdom: The book's principles are applicable to writers at any stage of their career, making it a valuable resource.
What are the key takeaways of "Becoming a Writer"?
- Dual Nature of Writers: Writers must balance their creative, childlike side with their critical, adult side to produce art.
- Importance of Routine: Establishing a regular writing schedule is crucial for developing discipline and fluency.
- Harnessing the Unconscious: Writers should learn to tap into their unconscious mind to access deeper creativity and originality.
- Self-Analysis: Regular self-assessment helps writers understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique voice.
How does Dorothea Brande suggest overcoming writer's block?
- Morning Writing Exercise: Brande recommends writing first thing in the morning to tap into the unconscious mind before external influences take hold.
- Scheduled Writing Sessions: Writers should commit to writing at a specific time each day, regardless of circumstances, to build discipline.
- Self-Observation: Writers should observe their habits and thoughts to identify and overcome mental blocks.
- Trust the Process: By following these exercises, writers can learn to trust their creative instincts and reduce anxiety about writing.
What is the "dual personality" concept in "Becoming a Writer"?
- Two Sides of a Writer: Brande describes writers as having a dual personality: a creative, childlike side and a critical, adult side.
- Balance is Key: Successful writing requires balancing these two aspects to harness creativity while maintaining discipline and structure.
- Training Both Sides: Writers should train both sides of their personality to work in harmony, allowing for spontaneous creativity and thoughtful critique.
- Avoiding Conflict: When these sides are at war, writers experience blocks and frustration; harmony leads to productive writing.
How does Brande recommend harnessing the unconscious mind?
- Early Morning Writing: Writing immediately upon waking helps access the unconscious mind's rich resources.
- Mind Stillness Practice: Practicing mental stillness can help writers tap into deeper creativity and insight.
- Artistic Coma: Allowing periods of idleness and reflection can lead to breakthroughs in creativity.
- Trust in Intuition: Writers should trust their unconscious mind to provide inspiration and solutions to creative challenges.
What exercises does Brande suggest for developing writing habits?
- Morning Pages: Write freely each morning to build fluency and connect with the unconscious mind.
- Scheduled Writing: Set a specific time each day for writing to establish discipline and routine.
- Self-Observation: Regularly observe and analyze personal habits and thoughts to improve writing practice.
- Creative Visualization: Envision story ideas and characters to stimulate the unconscious mind and enhance creativity.
What role does self-analysis play in "Becoming a Writer"?
- Understanding Strengths: Self-analysis helps writers identify their natural talents and areas for improvement.
- Identifying Weaknesses: By recognizing weaknesses, writers can take steps to address and overcome them.
- Developing Unique Voice: Self-reflection aids in discovering one's unique perspective and voice in writing.
- Regular Assessment: Periodic self-assessment ensures continuous growth and adaptation in writing practice.
What are the best quotes from "Becoming a Writer" and what do they mean?
- "Genius is as common as old shoes." This quote emphasizes that everyone has creative potential; it's about accessing and using it.
- "Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost." Encourages writers to be observant and open to experiences, as these fuel creativity.
- "The unconscious is the great home of form." Highlights the importance of the unconscious mind in shaping creative work.
- "You can write about anything which has been vivid enough to cause you to comment on it." Suggests that personal experiences and insights are valuable sources of originality.
How does Brande address the issue of originality in writing?
- Personal Perspective: Originality comes from presenting the world as only the writer can see it, based on their unique experiences.
- Avoiding Imitation: Writers should avoid imitating others and instead focus on their own insights and voice.
- Honesty in Writing: Being honest about one's beliefs and perspectives leads to authentic and original work.
- Trust in Uniqueness: Every writer has a unique contribution to make, and embracing this leads to originality.
What is the significance of the "artistic coma" in writing?
- Period of Reflection: The artistic coma is a period of idleness and reflection that allows the unconscious mind to work on creative ideas.
- Essential for Creativity: This state is crucial for accessing deeper creativity and producing original work.
- Controlled Detachment: Writers can learn to induce this state to enhance their creative process and overcome blocks.
- Balance of Activity: Balancing periods of intense work with reflective idleness leads to more productive and inspired writing.
How can "Becoming a Writer" help both new and experienced writers?
- Foundational Skills: New writers can learn essential skills for developing a writing routine and overcoming psychological barriers.
- Advanced Techniques: Experienced writers can refine their process by harnessing the unconscious mind and enhancing creativity.
- Universal Principles: The book's principles apply to writers at any stage, offering timeless advice for personal and professional growth.
- Encouragement and Insight: Brande's insights provide encouragement and practical strategies for writers facing challenges in their craft.
Review Summary
Becoming a Writer is widely praised as an insightful and practical guide for aspiring writers. Readers appreciate Brande's unique focus on the psychological aspects of writing, including exercises to tap into the unconscious mind and overcome creative blocks. Many find her advice timeless and applicable to both novice and experienced writers. The book is commended for its honesty, motivational approach, and emphasis on discipline and regular practice. Some readers note its age but still find it highly relevant, often preferring it to more modern writing guides.
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