Write Automatically
Our conscious minds stand in the way of our ability to just write without first
engaging in a meta discussion about the writing. No, it’s not really necessary to
receiving an award, or to think about how stupid your words will seem, before you
start writing.
The goal of this exercise is to quiet and still this unhelpful mental chatter.
First, put something to write with and paper in a handy easy-to-get-to place.
Next, spend sometime doing whatever you need to relax. You might go for a walk,
exercise, do yoga, have sex, have a drink, take some drugs, or take a hot bath.
As relaxed as you can be, while still being mentally alert, start writing. (The
reason for making the writing materials available earlier is that I figured you
might be too relaxed now to get up and find them!)
Try not to control what you write. Let your words flow directly from your unconscious.
This is sometimes called automatic writing. You may be really surprised what your
unconscious comes up with when you don’t hold it back.
Write the Way You Speak
I’ve made a big point in this chapter of explaining that everyone writes the way they
speak, and that is a very good thing. (It is such as important observation that I named
the entire chapter after it.)
If you feel at all stuck in your writing, take advantage of this fact.
For me, I am often sitting in front of the computer wondering what to write. I then
usually hear a voice in my head narrating what I should say. If I can type as fast
as the voice in my head narrates, then my work is for the most part done.
Try being very still and listen for this narrative voice in your head. If you still
don’t hear the voice, try “talking” about what you need to write. You can talk to
yourself, a friend, or even pretend you are giving a speech. So long as you are careful
to write down your narration as you are giving it, your “audience” really doesn’t matter.
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