Lesson in Creative Writing

The German writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing once stated, “Schreibe so wie Du redest, so schreibst Du schön,” (Write the way you talk, and you will write well) and there is a lot of truth to it. But now I have discovered a more innovative way to improve my writing, a more universal way to write creatively in this day and internet age.

Like most good finds I stumbled on it by accident and sheer teenage revolt. My son and I were on our way to the supermarket one day, and I happened to take some photos of autumn trees in full color. He had to question why I took pictures of such boring objects (in not so many words), and closed his question about whether I intended to put them on my blog by stating, “Mom, nobody is looking at this anyway.” My initial thought was disappointment, though not in him. His statement inflicted self-doubt.

After a few days of bouncing his observation around in my head, I came to this enlightening conclusion. If nobody wants to see these photos nor read my writing, what is holding me back? It was a true Geistesblitz (flash of inspiration) and from then on, my writing seemed to flow naturally. I would focus more on my writing versus the readers’ reactions. I felt like there was nothing to lose, which was a true liberation.

Additionally, I also associated this experience with the adage:

Work like you don’t need the money.

Dance like nobody is watching.

… and here comes my claim:

Write like nobody is reading it.

There is nothing better than constructive criticism, but at times even teenage perception will bring forth something positive.

Of course, my son had to object when I told him I would write about this. I had to promise to let him edit. If you are able to read these lines, you know I probably didn’t.

I have learned a valuable lesson. Write like nobody (not even your children) is reading it. This will avoid their censorship and your self-doubt.

This writing advice is only intended for bloggers, not for students. Students should follow their teachers’ instructions.

Comments

  1. I’m wondering if this is a hot tip for all bloggers out there – don’t write for an audience, write for yourself and the audience will follow?

    btw, did you show him your visitor stats? 🙂

  2. Damn it – I posted a comment at exactly same time as Graham and mine got ignored by the software.

    So here goes again. Don’t underestimate the number of lurkers out there. I am sometimes surprised to discover people I know read my blog although they have never ever posted a comment, and I wasn’t even aware that they knew about the blog 🙂

  3. @ Graham
    Yes, I told him how my visitor stats have gone up ever since his teenageness of viewing things enlightened me. Of course, he thought I was being facetious.
    I have found this “Write like nobody is reading it” to be an absolute truth for me: for my writing style, and for what I believe in.
    Thanks, son. You know, I can’t even mention his name. 🙂

    @John
    I guess there are lurkers out there as you say. I am more of a lurker on facebook. But when I visit people’s blogs, I do comment if the system lets me and the topic appeals to me.

    Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it!!

  4. Perhaps he would like to comment, or – dare I say it – write a guest post?

  5. A reader wanted to know the full quote.

    Work like you don’t need the money
    dance like no one is watching
    sing like no one is listening
    love like you’ve never been hurt
    and live life every day as if it were your last.

  6. “Students should follow their teachers’ instructions.” :D:D

  7. Ecellent advice! Carpe diem.

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