A Missing Piece of the Writing Process

Want to write with more heart? Add this step.

One of the saddest things I witnessed daily as a middle school teacher was the zero care-factor in my students when it came to writing tasks. While it was tempting to blame the students, I knew there was more going on. What was the root of their poor motivation to write? I realised there was a missing puzzle piece, a missing step in the writing process that would make all the difference.

This step is important, not just for students, but for all writers. The step I am referring to (trumpet fanfare) is:

The Romance of Ideas

Writing is not just a technical skill. It is the expression of ideas, ideas that matter to the writer. Do you want your writing to come to life? Then add romancing ideas to your creative process. But what might this look like? Perhaps it will involve a hands-on activity or real-life experience to stimulate idea flow. Or you might read captivating articles or watch videos on topics of interest, then discuss your thoughts with others. Play with questions, ponder possibilities, look for sparkles of wonder, and your writing will take off. 

Find Your Ideas

Build the habit of romancing ideas, not just any ideas, but the ones you’re attracted to, those that resonate. Ideas are a potent aspect of who you are. What you choose to read, mull over and believe, what you obsess about – these flavour (and reveal) your identity. Ideas spark life. You gotta love ‘em.

But first, how to find Mr (or Ms) Right Ideas? There’s no matchmaking app for this – or is there? Perhaps the app is inside of you. If you’re connected to your inner app, it pings with an aha! that dings in your mind and flutters your heart, whenever a resonant idea comes into awareness. There’s a thrill of yes! when an idea hits the spot. Sometimes it’s a slight tinkle, other times a resounding boom, but it resonates, and you sense a connection. You reach for a highlighter, or notebook. You’re pulled into the idea’s orbit and spin out with the joy of discovery.

Explore Initial Attraction

At this stage you must ask questions. Get to know your ideas. Make sure they are substantial. Make sure you’re a good match for them. If you need to let them go, do so with kindness. Don’t be too judgy. They might not be your right ideas, but they might connect with another.

If ideas are keepers, on the other hand, then it’s time to take flirting to the next level.

Go deeper

Treat your ideas as you would your special someone. Consider them priceless treasures, not just fleeting thoughts, but things to commit to, to grow and change with. Nurture your ideas with time and attention. Stay up ‘til the wee hours with them, get deep and meaningful with them, connect with the heart and soul of them. Listen and listen more to them. What do they desire of you? What might you do with them? Explore your ideas’ hidden depths, follow them along fascination trails, to breath-taking vistas.

Explore new places together. Do you see your ideas in a different light when the context changes? Mull together over a candlelit meal. Fire up some jazz, or cool blues. See how this affects the mood of your idea.

Share freely

Give your ideas space, let them morph and grow. Commit to them, but don’t stifle them. Let them change direction as they will. Follow their lead, or not. Watch your ideas sprout wings and celebrate them. Shout them from rooftops, or X threads. Don’t be exclusive with your ideas. Introduce them to friends over breakfast at a hip café, or on a long road trip. Include them in conversation. Perhaps your friends will have ideas of their own to connect with your ideas. Let them swap numbers. Let the ideas play together, for better or worse.

Introduce your ideas to children, and to your own inner child. Shape your ideas so they make sense to young hearts. Let the kids tumble them up a bit with their fresh outlook and giggles of wonder.

Get intimate

Whisper sweetness to your ideas and listen to their replies. Listen deep for their wisdom. Use writing to anchor your ideas, clarify and grow your ideas. Exchange love notes. Write to confirm your commitment.

Allow your ideas to open up fully, to reveal themselves to you in all their beauty and multi-dimensionality. Get intimate with your ideas. Explore every facet, undress their hidden parts. Sorry if that sounds naughty, but your ideas should be fully known and deeply seen, for they are becoming idea soulmates now. Is that a thing? Hmm, I wonder.

Let your ideas surprise you. Perhaps they’ll join together to create babies, or you might make a business baby with one of them. Embrace what comes.

Keep Dating

Today I had an idea for a story about ideas romancing one another. I took my idea for a lunch date. Some people might feel awkward sitting ‘alone’ in a cafe, but my idea and I had the best time. Our conversation pinged with Aha! and possibility…  and you’re now reading the post we conjured up together.

I’ve been romancing ideas for years now, though I didn’t always know it. Sometimes it just felt like chasing a curiosity or playing with a thought, but I’ve learned to listen to those attractions and I deeply cherish the relationships I’ve built with the ideas I’ve chosen to love.

So… which idea will you invite for a date tonight?