Two Writing Myths Dispelled
Write what you know and, more importantly, just write
Two beliefs often undermine would-be writers. First, they believe that all significant thoughts belong to someone else–a person with more experience or degrees to their name. Second, they are intimidated by published work, the finished product.
Both are valid. However, let me debunk them, eliminating two more excuses to begin writing. I also offer techniques to help get you started.
You have more to offer than you think
“In the minds of geniuses, we find–once more–our own neglected thoughts.” Michel de Montaigne
It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from or where you are; your mind is an ocean of experiences, our thoughts the waves that stir its depths. We already have what we need inside of us. We can gain more insights independently than from the minds of others.
Moreover, consider your unique perspective, especially if you are new in your organization. You offer a keener vision into certain aspects compared to senior leaders. Although leadership has likely been in your shoes before, it is easy to forget what it's like. Times change. What was once an accurate perspective ten years ago no longer applies. We need the wisdom of experience coupled with the fresh perspective of new entrants.
Deliberate reflection (and writing) will unlock what you already know. Trust yourself. Use prompts if you don’t know where to start–just start somewhere.
Writing is rewriting what you’ve already rewritten
“Producing writing is not so much like filling a basin or pool once, but rather getting water to keep flowing through till finally it runs clear.” Peter Elbow
We know what we see in print wasn’t the author’s first draft. However, this is difficult to grasp when we don’t see the struggle or the author’s initial thoughts. This is where books like Stephen King's On Writing are beneficial. King shares an excerpt from a first draft, revealing how unpolished it can be even for a seasoned author. He then shows his handwritten edits, accompanied by an explanation to show his thought process, followed by the finished product. The difference between drafts is significant, and the process continues until it is complete. Given this example, I understand. I can now give myself some latitude and permission to write, free from self-judgment on how the first draft reads.
It is also commonly assumed that the thoughts of others come effortlessly, emerging sequentially or logically. Instead, prolific authors often painstakingly work to compose their writing through consistent effort over an extended period. They leverage time to view their writing from multiple angles.
The images below illustrate the scale to which authors edit. One is Henry James’s notes on a proof for his short story A Light Man. James continues to refine his work, rethinking the depth of his characters. The other is Walt Whitman’s edits to his already-published O Captain! My Captain! Some people are just never satisfied.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge. Catching a glimpse of others' processes can serve as motivation to get started. Here are two techniques to make this even less intimidating.
Free Writing
In his book Writing Without Teachers, Peter Elbow discusses the benefits of free-writing exercises. Writing with disregard for grammar or coherence rids the editorial perspective developed over a lifetime.
Set up a ‘free writing’ journal. Free-write daily, building up to ten minutes. Write nonstop. You can start with a topic, but you don’t have to. Forget about proper sentence structure; just write. If you cannot think of an appropriate word, keep the momentum going and list words popping/arriving/coming to your mind (see how it can work?).
The two-inch frame
Another method to help get the ‘writing juices’ flowing is Anne Lamott’s two-inch frame. In Bird by Bird, Lamott details how she keeps a 2-inch picture frame on her desk as a motivator to start writing about a scene that fits within these bounds. For example, instead of writing an elaborate scene with multiple characters, begin with a small detail, like the unique shoes a character is wearing. In nonfiction, progress by writing one argument or sentence at a time.
We all have valuable wisdom and stories to share. Don’t let them go to waste. Even if you have no intention of publishing your work, I encourage you to write. Writing is thinking. It can evoke deep emotions, from the strongest sentiments to the sharpest heartache. It can inspire a stranger or strengthen bonds with loved ones. As Montaigne said, the truth lives inside us, and only we can access it.
John Geracitano is a U.S. Army Signal officer and LTG(R) Dubik Writing Fellow currently serving as a doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.