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I keep hearing you need to write to think, but I just cannot. If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. I might be able to brain storm or do a mind map

by capybara_2020 4y ago

I keep hearing you need to write to think, but I just cannot. If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. I might be able to brain storm or do a mind map or dump words. But I cannot write. I need to think through the idea in my head. I find I can create infinitely complex worlds in my head and go down various paths, words on a board/paper/tablet just help me direct that thought process. A lot of the time I do not even need that, I just need time to think through the idea in my head. Once I am clear then writing is a breeze. Based on articles like this I have actually tried to write before the idea was clear in my head and lets just say I have never completed an article/document/anything any time I have done that. Am I doing something wrong?

Jonathen 4y ago
forrestthewoods 4y ago
I think that’s the point. The process of writing helps take an idea from vague to clear and concrete. The act of writing reveals weaknesses or gaps in your idea. I often times think I ever a clear idea. But when I go to write it down its more like I have just the first two bullet points. The act of fleshing out this comment is a good example. :)
Myrmornis 4y ago
> If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. Could you explain the idea verbally to another person? If so then you can just write down that conversation! > lets just say I have never completed an article/document/anything any time I have done that. I think that the point isn’t to produce writing for distribution to an audience, so you’re not supposed to be creating anything that’s “complete”.
mpweiher 4y ago
> If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. Do you type on a computer or write with pen + paper? I find that for me at least, "writing to think" has to be with pen/paper (a really good stylus + table combination can also work). It doesn't work when typing on a computer. When typing on a computer, I must have the thoughts ready as well.

Jonathen 4y ago

forrestthewoods 4y ago

I think that’s the point. The process of writing helps take an idea from vague to clear and concrete. The act of writing reveals weaknesses or gaps in your idea. I often times think I ever a clear idea. But when I go to write it down its more like I have just the first two bullet points. The act of fleshing out this comment is a good example. :)

Myrmornis 4y ago

> If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. Could you explain the idea verbally to another person? If so then you can just write down that conversation! > lets just say I have never completed an article/document/anything any time I have done that. I think that the point isn’t to produce writing for distribution to an audience, so you’re not supposed to be creating anything that’s “complete”.

mpweiher 4y ago

> If an idea is not clear in my head I cannot write. Do you type on a computer or write with pen + paper? I find that for me at least, "writing to think" has to be with pen/paper (a really good stylus + table combination can also work). It doesn't work when typing on a computer. When typing on a computer, I must have the thoughts ready as well.