3 Extraordinary Pieces of Wisdom That Can Make Writing A Joy

Almost a decade ago I took to writing as I moved out of corporate jobs to launch my coaching practice.

Initially, I needed to write one-page profiles required for speaking assignments. Later I required content to market my work through my website, blog and social media channels.

I struggled with writing. At the start, my writing was robotic and business-like. The process was exhausting. It took a lot for me to write a single blog post. I wanted to express myself through writing. But the process felt self-exploitative and unsustainable.

Yet the desire to express myself through writing kept me at it. Over the years, I learnt a lot about the writing process. Especially about how I could make the process joyous and regenerative. I now feel energised by writing v/s drained. The process is life-giving and not self-extractive. I write speedily and enjoy my time writing.

I’d love to share 3 rare writing insights from celebrated authors. These insights made my journey as an introverted intuitive writer simple and enriching. Hope these insights help you as much as they helped me.

WRITING NEED NOT BE A LINEAR PROCESS

Up until a few years ago, I treated writing as a linear process. For instance, if I was writing a blog post I would first write the beginning, then the middle and the end. Not only was the process messy, but my writing turned out insipid. It lacked the magic of valuable insights.

In 2018, I read Lauren Sapala’s book The INFJ Writer. I was blown away by how relatable it was. It permitted me to drop practices from English class to carve my ways to enrich my writing.

I learnt from her that introverted intuitives access creativity from the unconscious mind. No wonder I got my best ideas while on a walk in nature. The ideas came to me in bits and parts. Not in a linear or chronological way.

I would write down these incoherent bits and parts. As I engaged in activities such as walking, cooking or lazing on the couch - the incoherent parts would come together. This rarely happened while sitting at the desk during a scheduled writing session. My best ideas and writing have come off the desk.

GRAB ENOUGH STOLEN MOMENTS

For the longest time, I believed that I needed long stretches of undisturbed time to write in a quiet room of my own.

A few years ago, I read Julia Cameron’s extraordinary book on writing - The Right to Write.

She writes how as a single mother, a full-time teacher and a fiction writer she grabbed time to write.

Julia says “The “if-I-had-time” lie is a convenient way to ignore the fact that novels require being written and that writing happens a sentence at a time. Sentences can happen in a moment. Enough stolen moments, enough stolen sentences, and a novel is born—without the luxury of time.”

I’ve been so inspired by her perspective that I no longer write in long sessions. Except to edit at times. I try to grab as many stolen moments to write as life happens. Sometimes even a 10 minute writing session can feel substantial.

This has made my writing process light and not self-extracting. This, in turn has made my writing speedy and lively.

I was also sold into the notion of having a room of my own as a writer. From Julia’s book, I realised that writing can be done anywhere. From the dentist's office, the kitchen table while the onions saute. Between answering phones, a busy cafe or at the hairdresser.

While I have a room to write, I also write from anywhere, just as I work from anywhere. All thanks to technology.

This has taken the pressure off of writing. I look forward to grabbing stolen moments to write from anywhere. It’s made the writing process amazingly delightful for me.

WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE EMBODIED & PRACTICED

When I’d learn about a new idea or concept, I’d get thrilled to write about it.

Yet, the writing process would be excruciatingly painful and challenging.

I learnt from several writers how I must focus on writing about things I’ve embodied, lived and I’m now detached from.

“Maybe away from Paris I could write about Paris as in Paris I could write about Michigan. I did not know it was too early for that because I did not know Paris well enough.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, sitting in a cafe in Paris.

It doesn’t mean our writing should be devoid of imagination. This means we can create content without extracting or exploiting ourselves. It's pertinent advice especially for writing non-fiction. It’s been a game-changer for me.

It’s ensured my writing process is no longer exhausting - physically or mentally. It’s made writing a replenishing and joyous activity.

My writing has become engaging, powerful and relatable.

I allow experiences and insights to ripen over time. I then write about them. This gives me a better perspective and enriches my writing. 

MAKE WRITING FUN WITH THESE NUGGETS OF RARE WISDOM

Grabbing stolen moments & writing what I've embodied in a non-linear way has helped make my writing process nourishing. I hope that some of these practices and insights help you make your writing process regenerative and delightful.

Would love to hear from you. What practices do you follow to make your writing process a joy? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

______________________________________________________

Struggling in the hustle and grind culture? Make a start to end this struggle by redefining what success means to you.

Are you seeking to create happiness at work? Do Sign Up for The Happy Work Guide: 8 Steps to Freedom from Toxic Work.