How to develop an intuitive writing practice

I thought about this concept randomly the other day and wanted to see if there’s more information out there about it. Because to me, it sounds like a really gentle, creative, and flowy way to write. Writing not by routines or goals (alone) but in line with your intuition. Your inner knowing.

What does this mean?

Firstly, if you’re not very spiritual or you’re a logical and practical thinker then this post is probably not for you (though feel free to stick around out of curiosity, you never know, it may resonate!).

Writer’s Digest defines intuitive writing as “letting go of outlines, plans, and expectations and allowing the power of your intuition to guide you through the writing process. Intuitive writing is creating with your heart first, and not your mind.”

This sounds a little like pantser writing, where you don’t know what will happen next in your story. But I don’t think that’s all it means. I think it means one simple thing: being less rigid in your process.

What this means for me is letting go of any ideas of perfection. It means allowing yourself to write a lot on one day, and not write at all on another day. It means not forcing yourself to sit and write if it doesn’t feel right and intuitive for you to do so right now. Maybe you need time away, to look after yourself or enjoy yourself before coming back to write when your cup has been refilled.

This summer, I’ve done really well in my writing. As of writing this, I am close to 50,00 words written in just over 3 weeks. That’s amazing. That’s better than I’ve done before (I think). However, I haven’t been writing all day every day just because I’m off on summer break. Instead, I am writing in sprints.

These are timed writing sessions of around 25 minutes each time. I can, in a good session, write about 1,000 words in this time. So pretend this is a hard rule, I have managed 50k words through 50×25 minute sprints. There’s 21 days in 3 weeks, so 50 / 21 is just over two sprints a day. Less than an hour of active writing a day!

Now of course, this isn’t really how it worked. As I say, I had long days when I did more sprints, and days when I did nothing or just one. Again, ebbs and flows. If you follow my Instagram (@Writersrcrawford), then it may seem like I’m writing all the time. I’m not. I’m writing when it feels right. I have a routine/joy of writing first thing in the morning, as it sets the tone for my day. But sometimes it’s hard to wake up and do it. That’s okay. Sometimes I write in the morning, but then spend the day with my husband and our dog afterwards!

Another thing to consider is what I found in an article on Medium, “Masculine energy is the goal-oriented, process and systems, action-taking energy. Feminine energy is more fluid, organic, receptive, and passive.” I think intuitive writing is feminine energy. More going with the flow, tending to your needs, and being gentle in your writing practice, rather than forced goals and powering through.

All energy types are needed and valid in our lives, though.

We need a greater understanding of our energies within. Energy doesn’t just mean how tired or lively you feel. According to Science Daily, “Energy in spirituality, refers to a widespread belief in an interpersonal, non-physical force or essence.” It’s our lifeforce. Energy effects many things: our relationships, our thoughts, our emotions, our creativity, our sexual desires, our decision-making, anxiety, digestion, sleep, pain and recovery, awareness and focus, and so much more. Understanding your energy and working with it is key to being an intuitive writer, and maybe even a healthier writer, too.

What can we do to be more intuitive writers?

Sit down to write and let whatever comes flow out without questioning itJournal in stream of consciousness oftenLet go of what we planned to get done and just writeTake breaks away from writing so we can get into flow when we do writeTend to our energy with things like yoga, stretching, meditation, walking mindfully, massage, accupuncture, etc.Let your characters take over (it’s always better to do this, let them make decisions to effect the plot!)Rest often/ take breaksDon’t force writing sessions when it doesn’t feel rightWhen inspired, write (no matter what)Let go of deadlines or word counts – enjoy the process to writing for the joy/practice/discoveryLet a scene be what it isLet yourself write messy drafts Use mantras and affirmations (even meditations) to slip into your creative energyActivate your sacral chakra which is your creative centre: “includes eating a decadent meal, luxuriating in a hot bath, and enjoying a massage. Physically, the goddess pose, pelvic rock, and hip circles. Dancing is also effective.”

I’m still working on this. As I said, both masculine and feminine energies are needed in life. This is the ebb and flow. The yin and yang. The balance of energies and ways of writing/creating. Knowing which you need at each moment of life, is the key here. Tune in, listen, pay attention, and see what works for you.

Sincerely,

S. xx