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.