The podcast explores the intimacy and connection in writing, the process of excavating your mind to find more to say, and the heart, soul, and contemplative journey in writing. It discusses deepening writing through inspiration and emotional resonance, the connection between writing and emotions, the significance of conversational chemistry, the influence of psychedelics on writing, the importance of writing every day, the power of stillness and trusting it, the journey of learning and discovery, and the transformative power of writing.
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Quick takeaways
Confronting our work and seeking feedback is crucial in improving as writers, even if it means facing rejection or negative responses.
Avoiding clichés and finding unique ways to express ideas is essential in creating fresh and authentic writing, especially in genres like self-help.
Writing about difficult emotions and challenging experiences can result in more insightful and compelling content compared to writing about easy or happy emotions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Confrontation and Feedback
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the significance of confronting our work and seeking feedback. The speaker suggests that rejection often exists in our own minds, and in order to improve, we must face our work directly and be open to criticism. This entails putting our writing out there, even if it receives minimal response or even negative feedback. It is emphasized that practice is essential for improvement, and to practice effectively, we must overcome the fear of being embarrassed by our initial attempts at writing.
Reaching Beyond Consensus
The podcast episode also delves into the topic of avoiding clichés and finding unique ways to express ideas. The discussion centers around the idea of reaching beyond consensus in writing, particularly in the self-help genre. The speaker reflects on the challenge of discussing universal experiences in a way that feels fresh and avoids commonly used phrases or jargon. They explore different strategies, such as finding inspiration from music or rephrasing existing ideas in one's own writing, to bring emotional resonance and authenticity to the work.
Writing with Depth and Emotional Resonance
The episode addresses the importance of not shying away from difficult emotions in writing and the value of bringing depth and emotional resonance to the page. It is highlighted that writing about challenging emotions can often yield more insightful and compelling content compared to writing about easy or happy emotions. The speaker shares their personal experience, indicating that writing about anxiety or writer's block, for example, can be easier and more impactful compared to writing about joy or happiness.
The Relationship Between Writing and Personal Growth
The podcast episode delves into the connection between writing and personal growth. It is suggested that many writers engage in writing as a means of understanding and making sense of their own experiences. Writing is described as a way of ruminating and exploring emotions and thoughts, ultimately providing an opportunity for personal reflection and growth. The process of externalizing one's thoughts and experiences through writing is seen as a way to deepen understanding and develop a nuanced appreciation of the human experience.
Finding Love in the Writing Process
The speaker discusses the importance of falling in love with the writing process and the impact it has on one's journey as a writer. They reflect on their own experience of initially perceiving writing as difficult, especially when writing fiction. However, as they made peace with the challenges and uncertainties, their enjoyment of the writing process increased. The speaker emphasizes the need to be okay with feelings of frustration and anxiety while writing and how this acceptance can lead to a more fulfilling writing experience.
The Power of Conveying Experiences through Writing
The speaker explores the ability of writing to convey and evoke experiences, even if certain experiences are considered ineffable or challenging to express. They discuss the notion that clear writing can do justice to experiences and convey them effectively to readers, even if the reader's interpretation may differ. The speaker reflects on the idea that there is always energy lost in the process of converting experiences into written form and how writers strive to capture and convey experiences with clarity and depth. They also discuss the relationship between sensitivity, the ability to translate experiences into words, and the belief that there is always more to discover and excavate in the writing process.
How do you create intimacy and connection with readers?
While some writers have a way of letting you inside their mind, Ava (@noampomsky) has a way of letting you inside her heart. There's an intimacy about her writing - an honesty, a tenderness, a contemplative-ness, a sense of connection that shows up in her work and it's what makes her unique.
Ava sees writing as a distinct form of consciousness. This process of continually excavating your mind to find out what you think and then eventually you realize that you have so much more to say on this topic than you ever originally realized.
Ava Huang's story is a treasure trove of insights, of moments that make you pause and think, "Wow, writing is so much more than just words on a page." It's about the heart, the soul, and the contemplative journey that we all take.