Notes on Automatic Writing

Introduction to Writing Philosophy

• Writing often focused on coherence and polish.
• Common priorities:
  • Spelling and grammar.
  • Logical progression of thoughts.

Alternative Philosophy: Automatic Writing

• Thesis: Good writing should express genuine thoughts.
• Proposed Method:
  • Avoid overthinking and correcting.
  • Write everything that comes to mind without concern for logic or elegance.

Steps for Automatic Writing

1. Choose an Emotional Topic
   • Examples:
     • My mother
     • My father
     • My partner
     • What I really want
2. Set a Timer
   • Write as fast as possible for 2 minutes without pausing.

Insights from Automatic Writing

• Feelings may differ from initial expectations:
  • Possible discoveries:
    • Hatred where love was expected.
    • Love where disdain was presumed.
  • Uncover layers of emotions:
    • Longing, envy, rage, sadness.
• Confronting suppressed feelings can reveal true self.

Importance of the Exercise

• Automatic writing helps in:
  • Identifying feelings that are typically suppressed due to scruples.
  • Addressing fears of hurting others or societal expectations.
• Neglecting true selves can lead to anxiety, irritability, and depression.

Conclusion

• Automatic writing does not guarantee great writing.
• More importantly, it can:
  • Liberate us from insincerity.
  • Help us confront the self we have avoided.
• Encourages a better understanding of our inner thoughts and feelings.