Writing the worst sentence in the world…
Phil Stutz and Barry Michels are known as “an open secret in Hollywood” because they helped screenplay writers.
One of their famous testimonies is about a screenplay writer who was struggling with writer’s block for over a year and was in great?agony. Michels advised him to buy an egg timer and set it for one minute. He asked the writer to kneel in front of his computer in a posture of prayer, and beg the universe to help him write the worst sentence he has ever written for 1 minute. The writer found the suggestion embarrassing and stupid. But Michels insisted he do it.
A few weeks later, the writer had the much-needed breakthrough. A scene exploded in his mind at night. He got up from bed and began writing the scene. Six weeks later he had the 100+ page script ready. When the movie came out, the screenwriter won the Academy Award.
Most people cannot write because they aim for the perfect piece. They hope to receive the best critique.
Write the worst sentence. Write when you are most vulnerable. Write about your vulnerability and see how it opens the floodgates of ideas and inspiration.
Writing something you consider is terrible will free you. If you allow yourself to be a sucky writer, you will allow yourself to become a great writer.
So go and write that worst sentence you have ever written and set yourself free.
Write something so bad when people read they mock you. Imagine that and feel how absolutely oaky you are receiving that feedback.
The desperation to be perfect is also a result of the current social media times. ?You only want the best of you out there.
Just write. Simply write. No grammar. No rules. No taboo. Let the dirtiest, murkiest, ugliest emotions and thoughts come out. Write that yucky sentence, that reeks of self-doubt, fear, jealousy, hatred…
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When you feel you have poured it out all, imagine people reading it. And how comfortable you seeing them react.
Smile at yourself. Look in the mirror, congratulate yourself.
This helps in two ways – you get over the mental block of being afraid ‘what will people say’. You get the momentum to write.
Then… the next step is crucial.
Get back to writing. Create a discipline. Like potty-training a toddler, sit at your desk at the same time for the same duration of time…and simply write.
Soon you will be comfortable to let your Soul do the writing.
Forward this to those who are afraid to write or are waiting for that perfect line to start writing…
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I help professionals write & publish non-fiction books ??
1 年WJAW! Lovely. I totally resonate Jennifer. Authentic voice is the need of the hour. Wishing you the best.
Founder, Authentic Voice
1 年Absolutely, Nisha. I teach people how to pick up a pen and “WJAW!” - write the Worst Junk in All the World. My process isn’t for writers, necessarily, but for anyone looking to uncover their authentic voice. I love the moment in “Stutz” (the Netflix Documentary) when Phil Stutz describes the benefits of journaling from the subconscious and says it feels like “magic,” and he wishes every one of his clients would give it a try.Thank you for your post! ??
Data-Driven B2B Marketer | Expert in Events & Branding | EMEA Specialist
2 年I made it a habit to write daily on LinkedIn. I often been DM'ed by grammar police. but also received feedback to improve and for some wanted to avail my services. Win, win, win. Nisha Sanjeev
Founder, CEO and Principal, KENNEDY COMMUNICATION STUDIO INTERNATIONAL, Best-Selling Author
2 年I agree. I teach stream of consciousness writing as a way to get to the real goods. The deep truth. I also strongly recommend pen and paper because if you make an error typing, Microsoft or whatever comes in with all their red lines and blue squiggly ones and before you know it, you are doubting yourself. Just write. Just keep that pen moving across the page. Tell the editor that you will set a date with them later. But, for the time being, allow the artist in all of us to express his or her self. #write #noeditorsallowed #freewrite
Nutrition Educator & Consultant I Founder - Good Food Guru
2 年Agree! Just drain your brain out by writing whatever comes after which you can revise / streamline your thoughts. I’ve found this useful to get moving or else it’s that perfectionist in me taking over with analysis paralysis ??