Chapter 1: The Abundance of Writing Guidance

In the vast realm of writing, an overwhelming amount of advice exists. With countless tips available, it can be challenging to discern the most effective practices from those that are less helpful. Throughout my professional writing journey, both in print and online, one piece of guidance has consistently stood out as invaluable. In this article, I’ll share this crucial advice that shapes all of my writing endeavors.

This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.

Section 1.1: The Reality of Writing Expertise

My time on Medium has primarily revolved around topics of writing and blogging. Despite dedicating much of my career to the digital writing landscape, I don’t consider myself an expert. Nearly a decade after leaving my last traditional job, I continue to learn and adapt to the evolving writing environment. New platforms emerge while others fade away, and just when I think I understand the landscape, it shifts dramatically, leaving me to navigate fresh challenges.

Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

Although my articles largely focus on writing, I remain a student of the craft. Whenever I feel close to mastering my skills, I’m reminded of how much more I have to learn about the art of writing.

Section 1.2: My Go-To Writing Advice

The most impactful piece of writing advice I’ve encountered can be summed up in a simple phrase: “Write drunk, edit sober.” This quote is frequently linked to Ernest Hemingway, though it has also been attributed to various other renowned authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.

For me, this advice has proven to be the most essential guiding principle as I navigate the complexities of digital writing.

Photo by Victor Hughes on Unsplash

Chapter 2: Understanding the Advice

Interpreting this advice literally isn’t how I approach it. I don’t consume alcohol while writing; in fact, I rarely drink at all. Instead, this guidance emphasizes the importance of freely expressing my thoughts on the page. Writing "drunk" means allowing ideas to flow without self-censorship, resulting in an unrefined yet authentic representation of my thoughts.

By embracing this approach, I permit myself to explore every idea and nuance without the constraints of formatting or word count. The goal is to express my ideas in their rawest form, unfiltered and genuine.

Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

Once the initial outpouring of ideas is complete, I transition to the editing phase. This part isn’t about waiting for a literal hangover; it’s focused on refining and polishing the rough draft. Editing sober means meticulously crafting and enhancing the original material, often leading to the removal of sections that no longer serve the piece.

Section 2.1: The Duality of Writing and Editing

By allowing myself the freedom to write without limits, I gather the purest material to work with during the editing process. This method enables me to fully engage with my ideas, much like a sculptor chiseling away at raw stone to reveal the final masterpiece.

Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash

Chapter 3: My Writing Journey

As I write in the early hours, my primary goal is to let my thoughts flow without restriction. By not confining myself to a specific structure or word limit, I create a space where my ideas can emerge organically. This process can be both exhilarating and challenging, akin to unleashing a wild creature that demands to be expressed.

Photo by Mark Williams on Unsplash

In this dynamic of creation, I find myself both in control and at the mercy of my own imagination. Writing is a deeply immersive experience for me, filled with passion and a touch of madness. The commitment to my craft is total, and with that commitment comes a profound sense of power as I let my words flow freely.

Photo by Donnie Ray Crisp on Unsplash

Ultimately, allowing my subconscious to express itself without inhibition often leads to a cathartic experience. After pouring out my thoughts onto the page, I find myself feeling both drained and fulfilled. This duality comes from the release of pent-up emotions and the satisfaction of transforming them into something tangible. For me, the essence of writing lies in the balance of writing “drunk” and editing sober, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.