Writing Down the Bones

1. Embrace First Thoughts: Write Without Editing

First thoughts have tremendous energy. It is the way the mind first flashes on something.

Unleash your raw creativity. Writing practice involves tapping into your initial, unfiltered thoughts. These thoughts are often the most honest and energetic, free from the constraints of self-censorship and societal expectations. To access this creative wellspring:

• Keep your hand moving: Don't pause to reread or edit
• Don't cross out: Let mistakes remain
• Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
• Lose control: Let go of preconceived notions
• Don't think: Trust your instincts
• Go for the jugular: Embrace challenging or scary topics

By following these guidelines, you allow your authentic voice to emerge, bypassing the internal critic that often stifles creativity. This approach fosters a sense of freedom and spontaneity in your writing, leading to more genuine and powerful expression.

2. Writing as Practice: Consistency and Commitment

Writing is not psychology. We do not talk "about" feelings. Instead the writer feels and through her words awakens those feelings in the reader.

Cultivate a writing habit. Treat writing as a daily practice, much like meditation or exercise. This consistent engagement with your craft helps develop your skills and deepen your relationship with writing. To establish a strong writing practice:

• Set a regular writing schedule
• Write for a set amount of time each day, regardless of inspiration
• Use timed writing exercises to build focus and stamina
• Fill a notebook each month with your writing

By approaching writing as a practice, you remove the pressure of producing perfect work and instead focus on the process of engaging with your thoughts and emotions. This consistent effort not only improves your technical skills but also strengthens your ability to connect with your inner voice and express it authentically on the page.

3. Trust Your Voice: Authenticity in Writing

We are very arrogant to think we alone have a totally original mind. We are carried on the backs of all the writers who came before us.

Embrace your unique perspective. While it's important to learn from other writers, it's equally crucial to trust in the value of your own voice and experiences. Your unique combination of influences, background, and perspective creates a voice that is inherently original. To cultivate trust in your voice:

• Write about your personal experiences and observations
• Don't shy away from topics that seem mundane or unimportant
• Read widely, but don't try to imitate other writers
• Allow your natural rhythm and style to emerge through practice

Remember that your voice develops over time through consistent writing and self-reflection. By trusting in your unique perspective and experiences, you can create work that resonates authentically with readers and contributes something new to the literary landscape.

4. The Power of Detail: Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Our lives are at once ordinary and mythical. We live and die, age beautifully or full of wrinkles. We wake in the morning, buy yellow cheese, and hope we have enough money to pay for it.

Elevate the everyday. The power of good writing often lies in its ability to illuminate the extraordinary aspects of ordinary life. By paying close attention to the details of your surroundings and experiences, you can create vivid, relatable writing that resonates with readers. To harness the power of detail:

• Use specific, concrete language rather than abstract concepts
• Engage all five senses in your descriptions
• Focus on small, seemingly insignificant details that bring a scene to life
• Connect the mundane to larger themes or emotions

By exploring the richness of everyday life through careful observation and detailed description, you can create writing that transforms the ordinary into something profound and meaningful. This approach helps readers see the world in new ways and find beauty and significance in their own daily experiences.

5. Overcome Resistance: Push Through Mental Barriers

Don't listen to doubt. It leads no place but to pain and negativity.

Confront your inner critic. Resistance and self-doubt are common challenges for writers at all levels. Learning to recognize and overcome these mental barriers is crucial for maintaining a consistent writing practice and producing meaningful work. Strategies for overcoming resistance include:

• Acknowledge doubts and fears, but don't let them control you
• Set small, achievable writing goals to build momentum
• Use timed writing exercises to push through blocks
• Reframe negative self-talk into more supportive language
• Remember that all writers face doubts and struggles

By developing techniques to work through resistance, you can maintain a more consistent and productive writing practice. Remember that doubts and fears are a natural part of the creative process, but they don't have to define or limit your writing journey.

6. Writing as a Communal Act: Learn from Others

Writers are great lovers. They fall in love with other writers. That's how they learn to write.

Engage with the writing community. While writing is often a solitary act, it's important to recognize the value of learning from and connecting with other writers. By engaging with the broader writing community, you can gain new perspectives, find inspiration, and improve your craft. Ways to embrace the communal aspect of writing include:

• Read widely across genres and styles
• Attend writing workshops and conferences
• Join or form a writing group for feedback and support
• Study the techniques of writers you admire
• Collaborate with other writers on projects

Remember that every writer is part of a larger tradition and community. By embracing this connection, you can find support, inspiration, and valuable learning opportunities that will enrich your own writing practice and help you grow as a writer.

7. Zen and Writing: Mindfulness in Creativity

Writing can be very lonely. Who's going to read it, who cares about it? A student asked me, "Do you write for yourself or do you write for an audience?" Think of sharing your need to talk with someone else when you write.

Practice mindful writing. Incorporating principles of Zen meditation into your writing practice can help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your thoughts and surroundings, leading to more focused and insightful writing. Key aspects of mindful writing include:

• Stay present in the moment as you write
• Observe your thoughts without judgment
• Pay attention to sensory details in your environment
• Let go of expectations and allow your writing to unfold naturally
• Practice non-attachment to the outcome of your writing

By bringing a mindful approach to your writing practice, you can develop a greater sense of clarity and presence in your work. This can help you overcome distractions, tap into your authentic voice, and create writing that is more grounded and impactful.

8. Revision: Rewriting as Re-envisioning

See revision as "envisioning again." If there are areas in your work where there is a blur or vagueness, you can simply see the picture again and add the details that will bring your work closer to your mind's picture.

Refine with purpose. Revision is an essential part of the writing process, but it's important to approach it as an opportunity for creative re-envisioning rather than mere correction. Effective revision strategies include:

• Allow time between writing and revising for fresh perspective
• Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing or rhythm issues
• Focus on enhancing clarity and impact rather than perfection
• Be willing to make significant changes if they serve the work
• Use timed writing sessions to generate new material during revision

By viewing revision as a chance to deepen and clarify your initial vision, you can approach the process with creativity and enthusiasm rather than dread. This mindset allows you to refine your work while maintaining the energy and authenticity of your original ideas.

9. Writing and Life: Integrating Your Craft

If you want to write, finally you'll find a way no matter what.

Live a writer's life. Writing is not just an isolated activity but a way of engaging with the world. By integrating your writing practice into your daily life, you can cultivate a more observant, reflective, and creative mindset that enriches both your writing and your overall experience. Ways to live a writer's life include:

• Carry a notebook to jot down observations and ideas
• Practice writing in various locations and situations
• Use writing as a tool for processing emotions and experiences
• Engage in conversations and activities that inspire your writing
• View challenges and setbacks as material for future writing

By embracing writing as an integral part of your life rather than a separate activity, you can find inspiration and material in everyday experiences. This approach not only enhances your writing but also deepens your engagement with the world around you, leading to a richer and more fulfilling creative life.

Last updated: January 22, 2025