How to Practice Automatic Writing

Automatic writing is commonly associated with mystical and esoteric subjects. However, the process can also be used as a form of creative meditation. The writer has the opportunity to tap into his subconscious and retrieve some inspiration. W.B. Yeats is a famous poet and playwright who began experimenting with automatic writing in 1917. "A Vision" is a narrative written by Yeats that was inspired by automatic writing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Develop realistic expectations. Automatic writing is a process that takes practice. The exercise may not yield excellent results so writers who want to try this process should have realistic expectations of the outcome. There will probably be a peppering of great ideas but don't anticipate a completed masterpiece.

2. 

   Create an area specifically designed for automatic writing. It is common for writers to use a dimly lit space or by candlelight. The area should be free of clutter and noise. Any candles used should be lightly scented or unscented.

3. Get comfortable. Writing should be easily accomplished with no leaning or stretching. Use a favorite writing utensil that fits comfortably in hand. Use stationary of fine quality and soft touch.

4. Find the right time. Avoid choosing times that are sandwiched between activities. Automatic writing is an activity that is ideally completed during the end of the day. It is a time to wind down and relieve stress.

5. Clear all thoughts, as much as possible. Consider automatic writing as an opportunity to meditate. Traditionally, the mystical writers would put themselves in a trance but a simple meditative state is ideal for this form of automatic writing.

6. Put the writing utensil to the paper and start writing without thinking about what words and phrases are being used. The point of the process is to let thoughts and ideas flow freely without self consciousness. The goal is to tap into the subconscious.

7. Stop writing once conscious thoughts about spelling and grammar come to mind. This is counterproductive in automatic writing. The idea is to get thoughts on to paper, not completed text.

8. Give the paper a rest before reviewing the results. Look for words, phrases and images in the scribbling. It helps to have another person look for these as well. It is possible that nothing tangible will come out of the exercise, especially on the first try.

9. Keep trying. Remember that automatic writing in this form serves as a type of meditation and as a source of inspiration. This alone is worth the effort.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pen, pencil and paper.
• Make sure that the area is comfortable and clutter-free.
• Ignore your inner editor.
• Automatic writing on a computer can be counterproductive.
• Cheap, glaring white paper can be distracting.

[SunAlsoRises]

on 2/15/2008 Very cool article. You know, this actually worked for me a few years back when I was writing a piece of fiction about Indians, ancestry, and ghosts. The paper just started to write itself, while I only seemed to be the physical vehicle for a voice that was coming from somewhere outside of my own self. It was a great experience, and it turned out to be a really good story according to my professors and peers. Thanks for the article.

[staceytg]

on 1/29/2008 That's a great idea. I'm going to have to try that tonight and see what happens. I've had a problem with writers block and this may pull me out of it.

[BarryWaite]

on 1/1/2008 Wow...I studied this in my philosophy class with Dr Kneipper at SRU. I haven't tried this in years...may want to after reading your article. Thanks!