Becoming a Writer: Dorothea Brande’s Guide to the Creative Mind

This book isn’t just a “how to write?” but a “how to think like a writer?” It’s a call to embrace courage, perseverance, and faith in the creative abilities latent within every person.

Dorothea Brande’s Becoming a Writer, first published in 1934, is considered a classic of writing literature that continues to be read and recommended today. It’s not merely a technical guide or a set of rules; rather, it’s a “psychological guide” that focuses on the mental and spiritual aspects of writing. Brande believed that a writer doesn’t just acquire technical skills; they must first train their mind to function as a “writer’s mind.”

Writing: Not an Innate Talent but a Craft That Can Be Learned

Brande opens her book by asserting that writing is not exclusive to the naturally gifted. She argues that “the writer is made, not born.” She likens the writing process to the journey of any professional athlete or artist, one that demands continuous training, discipline, and the development of specific skills. This philosophy was groundbreaking at the time, when prevailing ideas often prioritized the writer’s “inspiration” over their “effort.”

The Conscious and the Unconscious: The Essential Duality of Writing

Brande presents a central idea in her book: the necessity of achieving a balance between the “Conscious” and the “Unconscious” in the writing process.

• The Conscious: This is the analytical, organized side of the mind. It is responsible for grammar rules, sentence structure, and correction. Brande encourages the writer to use this side for editing and revision.

• The Unconscious: This is the creative side, the source of ideas and intuition. Brande argues that this side is responsible for the “flow of words” and true inspiration.

Brande offers practical exercises to help the writer “open up” this unconscious mind. Among the most famous of these is the “Morning Pages” exercise. She advises the writer to sit immediately upon waking, before any other activity, and write down anything that comes to mind for a set period. The goal is to bypass the critical conscious mind and unleash intuition.

Building Habits: The Routine of a Successful Writer

Brande dedicates a large portion of her book to discussing the importance of establishing a consistent writing routine. She doesn’t just offer advice; she provides a suggested schedule for the aspiring writer that combines:

• Free Writing: To unleash the unconscious.

• Directed Writing: To work on specific projects.

• Reading: As a means to gain knowledge and develop style.

• Editing: As the final step to perfect the text.

Brande believes this routine is not a restriction but a way to free the writer from waiting for inspiration, enabling them to write at any time.

The Language of the Mind and the Writer’s Spirit

In a dedicated chapter, Brande discusses the importance of the “language of the mind,” which is how we think about writing. She encourages positive thinking and moving away from self-doubt. She asserts that the fear of failure is the greatest obstacle a writer faces and that self-confidence is the fuel that drives the creative mind.

She also offers advice on how to handle criticism, how to develop a unique “voice” as a writer, and how to find original and innovative ideas.

Why the Book Remains Important

In the modern world of writing, where techniques and tools are abundant, Becoming a Writer remains highly relevant. It focuses on the human aspect of writing, a facet that doesn’t change over time. It reminds us that writing is not just about words; it’s a personal journey of self-discovery and exploration of the world.

In summary, this book isn’t just a “how to write?” but a “how to think like a writer?” It’s a call to embrace courage, perseverance, and faith in the creative abilities latent within every person. It is a guide that doesn’t offer ready-made answers but teaches you how to ask the right questions to find your own.