Defining Moments to Write

In a previous post about writing, I described some techniques on how to write from memory and to distinguish between understanding a memory for its meaning and the movement of a memory. Today I will be focusing on when its appropriate to write out thoughts no matter if its for self-understanding, recreation or required.

Divided Concentration

Whenever I am compelled to write about something I tend to let my mind flutter with ideas while adhering to other tasks (multitasking). What this allows is divided concentration and not over-thinking details and concepts. Although this may not sound like a reasonable process, it also acts as a process of elimination on thoughts - focus is adhered to ideas that are gut feeling. Believing in instinct is usually the best choice. After a few ideas are solid in mind, I write them down for safekeeping because it is those words that will shape the paragraphs and stanzas.

Write Daily

One of the best ways to keep the ideas and motivation going is to write something, anything daily. No, it does not have to be a few paragraphs, rather a few words scribbled down on a post-it note or napkin. In January I began a writing experiment that entailed writing instantaneous thoughts on sticky post-it notes and collecting them in a 5" x 4" notepad. I would write the date and whatever thought that was usually bothering me at the time. Looking back I find that some of my best writing inspirations come from these scribbles. For instance, on February 21st I wrote one of my favorite’s - "When will I come one moment closer to you?"

Remove Distractions

Finding that quiet moment in the day can be hard for most, with working schedules colliding with time, but it has to become a force of habit. The quietness instills a place for the mind to calm and the hand to write. Whether its at a desk, kitchen table or bedside, remove the distractions that keep you occupied and allow your mind to wonder in a comfortable place. I tend to write in the light of a small lamp as the darkness of night consumes the outer reaches of the world (too over the top?). In this place my ideas and post-it note thoughts come together to perform a harmony that is not found during the working day.

Revise Your Work

No matter if you are writing a term paper or poetic piece, keep revising the written work over and over until you feel adding more content takes away from the premise of the piece. Much like an oil painting, add layers of written content to extenuate the meanings that you want to get across. Move phrases around, use a thesaurus, a burroughsian cutup machine, or read other work - whatever it takes to enrich the content. For instance, my last poem spanned three pages of revisions and took about a month to write.

Write For Yourself

Some think that writing is more of a hassle than rewarding. I tend to believe that writing out one’s thoughts is a way which helps define our lives in the clearest sense. Only you know who you are truly. Jotting down lines in a journal or diary is not embarrassing, rather self respecting to better your mind.