Becoming a Writer

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:

1. Choose a simple idea from your morning writing
2. Spend several days thinking about and developing the concept
3. Set a specific time to write the story
4. Write the entire story in one sitting, focusing on completion
5. Put the story away for a few days
6. Return to the story with fresh eyes for critical analysis
7. Repeat this process regularly to hone your craft

Last updated: November 19, 2024