Writer - Five Element Writing

The bacon of writing.

All crafts have magic ingredients, and writing is no different. Within the realm of writing there is a specific setting that always works well for a writer.

Writer

The writer's urge.

Writing unfolds from an urge within that's two-fold in nature, and illusive. It's hard to put words on, yet that's the one thing the craft is all about.

Exercise

Words of movement.

Describing movement is a craft in its own right, and it's not as easy as you might think. But good writing depends on it.

Writing

All good writing is prewriting.

Even though rewriting is one of the most important aspects of the writing craft, there is another process that's equally important.

Exercise

The story of your pen.

Your pen is a fusion of the water-, fire- and space element, and it has a story to tell that brings you closer to your voice as a writer.

Voice

The umami of writing.

Your voice is the interplay of three things that allow you to find the sweet spot in the middle.

Exercise

Go beyond the mother tongue.

In this combo of the earth and fire element you take your voice to its outer limits. It's challenging, but also playful and rewarding.

The Five Elements

The five elements.

It's the constant interplay between the five elements that makes up your voice as a writer, and you can combine them in any which way you want.

Voice

The power of playfulness.

Innovation is a key part of the world we live in, but without playfulness it never happens. This includes finding your voice as a writer.

Handwriting

Handwriting makes you smarter.

Handwriting can be seen as an incredible workout for the brain that enhances its functions in many unforeseen ways.

Voice

The trinity of voice, tool, and format.

If you take care of your voice, it takes care of you, and the best place to start is finding the right tool for it.

Voice

When in doubt, let your voice lead.

It's hard to trust your voice, but it knows where to go better than your mind.

Writing

The rhythm of the write.

Finding your natural rhythm when writing is key to discovering your voice, and you better be honest with yourself and look in the right place to find it.

Exercise

When in doubt, write your name.

Why do you think that 97 percent of all people write their own name when testing a new pen? The answer gives us the opportunity of creating lasting change.

Exercise

Merger mystery.

All writers have days when ideas don't come by themselves, and we have to rely on craftsmanship.

Writer

You can only be you.

There is no shortage of ways you can pretend to be someone else as a writer. The only problem is that they don't lead you to your voice.

Writer

The shoulders we rest on.

We all rest on the shoulders of giants to do what we do. One of the giants in my life as a writer is American author, Natalie Goldberg.

Writing

How should I write?

Could I use a computer for writing? Which software is best? What about an old typewriter? Or pen and paper?