I write to find out what I think. — Joan Didion
“But I must tell you how I work. I don’t have my novel outlined and I have to write to discover what I am doing. Like the old lady, I don’t know so well what I think until I see what I say; then I have to say it over again.
— Flannery O’Connor
Many people think that in order to write, you must have a fully-formed idea ready to go. Instead of writing to convey something you already know, the process of writing itself is the way to discover new ideas and understandings.
Writing is Exploration, Not Predetermination
The very act of putting words on paper (or screen) forces you to organize your thoughts, make connections, and examine your beliefs. As you write, you might surprise yourself with insights you didn’t realize you had.
Here’s an analogy: Imagine your thoughts like a messy closet full of clothes. To find the perfect outfit, you have to take things out, try them on, and sort them. Similarly, writing is how you sift through the jumble of your mind, identifying what fits, what needs alteration, and what ideas to discard.
So, the act of writing shapes thinking.
Sometimes there is no need to plan the whole plot while writing fiction or go battle mode while writing about your experience and journey.
You start with a vague clue — a feeling, an observation, a question. As you write, you investigate this clue, gathering evidence in the form of words, exploring different angles, and piecing together the puzzle. Through this process, you may uncover hidden connections, unexpected insights, and a deeper understanding of your initial thoughts or feelings.
However, It can be frustrating when your writing doesn’t flow smoothly, or when the desired clarity seems elusive.
But, the rewards are substantial:
- you develop a fresh sense of self-awareness and intellectual agility.
- You gain a better understanding of your own values and opinions.
- Your work becomes more insightful and complicated as your comprehension deepens.
How to put “I write to find out what I think” into Practice:
- Freewriting: Set a timer and write continuously, without judgment, about anything that comes to mind. Let your thoughts flow freely, even if they seem irrelevant or unconnected.
- Journaling: Regularly record your observations, experiences, and questions. Reflect on your emotions and reactions. Over time, you’ll create a valuable record of your own mental journey.
- Responding to prompts: Engage in writing exercises that offer prompts or topics to explore. This can help you practice different writing styles and delve deeper into specific aspects of your thoughts and experiences.
- Reflective writing: After reading a book, watching a film, or engaging in a conversation, take some time to write about your thoughts and reactions. What resonated with you? What challenged your existing beliefs?
Ultimately, Writing isn’t just about recording what you already know; it’s about unlocking the potential for new thoughts and realizations you may not have even known were there.
