Automatic writing is the process or production of writing material that does not come from the conscious thoughts of the writer. Practitioners say that the writer’s hand forms the message, with the person being unaware of what will be written. In some cases, it is done by people in a trance state. In others, the writer is aware (not in a trance) of their surroundings but not of the actions of their writing hand.

When searching the web you’ll see it related to everything from channeling spirits to just moving past your fear of the blank page. It can be any of those things. Here, we’re focused on automatic writing as a technique to help you progress in your writing process. If you want to use it for psychology or spirituality, please do! Our focus here is positive reinforcement for writers! (At least, today it is )

As HypnoBusters.com states “This technique is based on self hypnosis and meditation. It works because you turn down the conscious part of the mind, allowing the more powerful unconscious part to surface. This is the part of the brain where your genius lies. The creative part with all the knowledge and ideas. We all have it, but most of us rarely tap into it.”

What prompted the post on Automatic Writing?

A few weeks ago I found some of my old typed up pages of some automatic writing I’d done in college. I’d forgotten how often I’d used the technique to keep myself company while waiting for a class to start. Many times, it was a simple motivational tool, a pep talk to help get over the fear or walking into a new place where I didn’t know anyone. And, then there were those days I’d sit in the Student Lounge and just write as fast as I could in my notebook…automatic writing kept me company, motivated me, and most importantly of all, kept me WRITING! It was just my hand moving across the page, and that was the best way to keep the words flowing when I started to work on a story.

But how to start Automatic Writing?

Do I have to use a pen and paper or can I use the computer? Honestly, use what works. During college, I used pen and paper; it’s what I had at the time. Now? I tend to use the computer…we really are trying to help Mother Nature and go as paperless as possible around here.

1. Find a quiet spot. For those just starting, quiet is key. When you get used to the process, even a noisy lunchroom won’t impact your ability to write.
2. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Really just focus on your breathing.
3. Put your fingers on the keyboard (if you’re using your computer rather than pen and paper, it is best to get WriteRoom or DarkRoom and have the ability to blank out your screen to write) or you pen to paper.
4. Just start writing. Give yourself time, sometimes, you’ll start slow.
5. Write for as long as you want.
6. Close the notebook, save the file.

You can go back and re-read it right away, or put it off to a later date, or even tomorrow. A lot of it will be gibberish, but there will be some gems that sneak in there…and possibly, like most of mine, a motivational pep talk

Try it out!

So, how’d you do with it?