Becoming a Writer

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.