THE ECCENTRIC’S GUIDE TO WRITING

Writing Process is Weird. However, Anyone Can Do It

Celebrating the Weirdness in Writing.

Picture this: a writer, hunched over a keyboard in a dimly lit room, surrounded by crumpled paper balls of discarded ideas, talking to themselves as they try to summon words out of thin air.

While a bit dramatic, this image isn’t far from the truth for many writers. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of writing!

Writing is an odd beast.

It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle with words, except the pieces keep changing shapes, and sometimes they run away and hide under the sofa.

But here’s the twist — anyone can tame this beast.

Yes, even you, who think your last written masterpiece was a high school essay about ‘The Importance of Shakespeare’s Use of Iambic Pentameter.’

In this article, we’ll explore why writing is so bizarre, dive into the quirky habits of top-rated writers, and, most importantly, show you how to embrace this weirdness and join the ranks of proud, slightly eccentric writers and bloggers.

The Weird World of Writing

What Makes Writing Weird?

Have you ever considered how odd writing is?

It’s a solitary activity that connects millions, an art form where the brush strokes are made of words and a way to be loudly silent.

No wonder writers are often seen as mysterious creatures who can conjure worlds and characters from nothing but coffee and sheer willpower.

Ernest Hemingway, known for his concise style, once said, “Writing is easy. You just sit at a typewriter and bleed.”

This quote perfectly sums up the weirdness of writing — it’s simple yet agonizingly complex. It’s about pouring your soul onto a page and hoping it resonates with someone else’s.

Examples of Weird Writing Quirks.

Let’s take a quick tour of some famous writers’ weird habits.

Did you know that Victor Hugo wrote ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ while naked to avoid the temptation of leaving his house?

Or that Maya Angelou rented a hotel room to write, insisting on a bed, a dictionary, a Bible, a deck of cards, and a bottle of sherry?

These peculiar rituals highlight a crucial aspect of writing:

• It’s deeply personal. Every writer has their own set of quirks that help them channel their creativity.
• Your writing ritual may involve wearing a hat, talking to your plants, or typing to the rhythm of 80s pop hits.

Whatever floats your writing boat!

Writing as an Accessible Art

The Democratization of Writing.

Gone are the days when writing was a privilege of the few, hidden behind the gates of publishing houses. Welcome to the 21st century, where blogging platforms and self-publishing tools have opened doors to the kingdom of words.

Now, anyone with a story, a laptop (or even a smartphone), and an internet connection can become a writer.

This democratization of writing means that voices that were once silenced can now be heard.

From the comfort of your couch, you can share your thoughts with the world, whether about the philosophical implications of cat videos or the socio-economic impact of blockchain technology.

The digital age has made writing more accessible than ever, proving that pen and paper aren’t the only tools of a writer.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell.

Every person is a walking, talking anthology of unique experiences and perspectives.

That means you, yes, you, have stories worth telling.

They don’t have to be about climbing Mount Everest blindfolded or discovering a new galaxy; they need to be authentically you.

Your unique voice will make your writing stand out in the digital landscape. Your perspective on everyday life, triumphs, tribulations, and even your quirky take on mundane things can be a fresh breath of air on someone’s reading list.

So, don’t shy away from sharing your story. Someone out there needs to hear precisely what you must say in the way only you can.

Overcoming the Weirdness

Embracing Your Weirdness.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — your personal writing weirdness.

Yes, you have it. Maybe it’s writing best in a crowded café, or you can only write after doing three cartwheels.

Embrace it!

Your quirks aren’t roadblocks; they’re your secret sauce. They make your writing uniquely yours.

Here’s a tip: start by experimenting with your writing environment.

• Do you prefer silence or the buzz of a busy street?
• Morning freshness or midnight oil? Find your sweet spot. Then, play with styles and genres.
• Are you the next undiscovered haiku master or a witty listicle wizard?

The only way to find out is to try.

Remember, J.K. Rowling was rejected multiple times before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. Your weirdness could be your ticket to success!

Practical Tips for Aspiring Writers.

Now for some practical magic.

1. First, establish a writing routine. Consistency is critical, whether 500 words at dawn or a marathon weekend session.
2. Next, tackle the dreaded writer’s block. When it hits, switch activities. Go for a walk, doodle, or do something completely unrelated to writing. Often, the best ideas come when your mind is at ease.
3. Don’t forget to read! Reading widely opens up new worlds and introduces you to different writing styles. It’s like a training ground for your brain.
4. Lastly, join a writing community. Whether online forums, local writing groups, or social media platforms, connecting with fellow writers can be inspiring and motivating.

The Weird Writer’s Manifesto: Owning Your Writing Journey.

And there you have it — a whirlwind tour through the weird and wonderful writing world.

We’ve seen how writing can be as odd as it is enchanting, from the solitary act of stringing words together to the quirks that make each writer unique.

We’ve explored how the digital age has democratized writing, making it accessible to all, and how everyone has a unique story worth telling.

Most importantly, we’ve learned that your weirdness is not just okay; it’s essential.

It’s the secret ingredient that will make your writing stand out. So, remember to embrace your peculiarities, whether drafting your first blog post or scribbling your hundredth poem.

As you embark on your writing journey, remember that every word you write is a step towards finding your voice. Be bold, be brave, and let your weird light shine.

The world needs more originality, more authenticity, and more weird writers.

So, what are you waiting for?

Grab that pen (or keyboard) and start weaving your weirdness into the tapestry of stories that make up our world.

Connect with me on Twitter, sign me up on my Substack Newsletter, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and check out my website at Nextgen Digital.