There is a book from, I believe, the 1980's that takes the "flow writing" described here one more step that I find useful in writing my manuscripts.
The book is: Writing without teachers by Peter Elbow.
The next step after the initial "flow writing" that has served me well, is this:
After each round of "flow writing," go back through what you wrote and circle (highlight) the 1 or 2 sentences that add clarity to your thoughts.
Then use those sentences as the beginning of the next round of "flow writing."
Elbow says you can do this process as many times as you want, but after about 4 rounds, your idea becomes crystal clear.
Elbow describes this as getting the clutter out of your brain so that you can then focus.
When I teach this approach in class, I describe it as when we sit and look at the blinking curser and write half a sentence, then erase it...etc.... Well, that is like trying to drive with break on!
Thank you so much for sharing this strategy for thinking through ideas! It seems like such a useful tool while flow writing. I think I do something similar when I write. I go back and bold all the ideas that are singing in my flow writing and start building from there. It’s a helpful next step for moving ideas forward!
I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I am hopeful that this newsletter will become a space where we can share and share alike. I will become a better writer as I learn from others too!
There is a book from, I believe, the 1980's that takes the "flow writing" described here one more step that I find useful in writing my manuscripts.
The book is: Writing without teachers by Peter Elbow.
The next step after the initial "flow writing" that has served me well, is this:
After each round of "flow writing," go back through what you wrote and circle (highlight) the 1 or 2 sentences that add clarity to your thoughts.
Then use those sentences as the beginning of the next round of "flow writing."
Elbow says you can do this process as many times as you want, but after about 4 rounds, your idea becomes crystal clear.
Elbow describes this as getting the clutter out of your brain so that you can then focus.
When I teach this approach in class, I describe it as when we sit and look at the blinking curser and write half a sentence, then erase it...etc.... Well, that is like trying to drive with the brakes on!
There is a book from, I believe, the 1980's that takes the "flow writing" described here one more step that I find useful in writing my manuscripts.
The book is: Writing without teachers by Peter Elbow.
The next step after the initial "flow writing" that has served me well, is this:
After each round of "flow writing," go back through what you wrote and circle (highlight) the 1 or 2 sentences that add clarity to your thoughts.
Then use those sentences as the beginning of the next round of "flow writing."
Elbow says you can do this process as many times as you want, but after about 4 rounds, your idea becomes crystal clear.
Elbow describes this as getting the clutter out of your brain so that you can then focus.
When I teach this approach in class, I describe it as when we sit and look at the blinking curser and write half a sentence, then erase it...etc.... Well, that is like trying to drive with break on!
S.A. Welch
Thank you so much for sharing this strategy for thinking through ideas! It seems like such a useful tool while flow writing. I think I do something similar when I write. I go back and bold all the ideas that are singing in my flow writing and start building from there. It’s a helpful next step for moving ideas forward!
I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I am hopeful that this newsletter will become a space where we can share and share alike. I will become a better writer as I learn from others too!
Great post and love the advice from the great Anne Lamott. Thanks so much.
There is a book from, I believe, the 1980's that takes the "flow writing" described here one more step that I find useful in writing my manuscripts.
The book is: Writing without teachers by Peter Elbow.
The next step after the initial "flow writing" that has served me well, is this:
After each round of "flow writing," go back through what you wrote and circle (highlight) the 1 or 2 sentences that add clarity to your thoughts.
Then use those sentences as the beginning of the next round of "flow writing."
Elbow says you can do this process as many times as you want, but after about 4 rounds, your idea becomes crystal clear.
Elbow describes this as getting the clutter out of your brain so that you can then focus.
When I teach this approach in class, I describe it as when we sit and look at the blinking curser and write half a sentence, then erase it...etc.... Well, that is like trying to drive with the brakes on!
S.A. Welch