So You Wanna Be A Writer by Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski's 'So You Wanna Be A Writer' is a passionate and candid discourse on the true essence of writing. Bukowski emphasizes that writing should be an unstoppable force, a natural outpouring from the heart and mind, rather than a forced or calculated endeavor. He warns against writing for superficial reasons such as money, fame, or to attract others. Bukowski advises patience for inspiration to come, and if it doesn't, to pursue other paths. He criticizes self-indulgent writers and urges aspiring authors to write only if it's an imperative, a burning necessity that cannot be ignored. The piece concludes with a powerful message that if writing is truly one's calling, it will come naturally and continue until the end of one's life or until the passion for it fades away.

Takeaways

• 💥 If writing doesn't come naturally and urgently to you, don't pursue it.
• 🚫 Avoid writing if you're doing it for external rewards like money or fame.
• 📃 Don't write if it feels like a chore or if you constantly need to rewrite.
• 🚷 Don't write to impress others or to fulfill someone else's expectations.
• 🚫 Do not mimic other writers' styles; be original.
• ⏳ Be patient and wait for inspiration to come to you, don't force it.
• 🚧 If writing doesn't flow from your soul, consider doing something else.
• 🤫 Don't read your work to others prematurely; it's not a sign of readiness.
• 📚 Beware of self-indulgence; the world has enough mediocre writing.
• 🔥 Write only if there's an inner fire that can't be contained.
• 💔 Only write if not writing would lead to your emotional or mental distress.
• 🌟 If you are truly chosen to write, it will happen effortlessly and continue until the end.

Q & A

What does Charles Bukowski suggest about the motivation behind becoming a writer?

Bukowski suggests that if one's motivation to become a writer is driven by external factors such as money, fame, or the desire to attract women, they should not pursue writing.

According to the transcript, when is it appropriate to become a writer?

It is appropriate to become a writer when the urge to write is so strong that it bursts out of you, regardless of the circumstances, and when not writing would lead to feelings of madness, suicide, or murder.

What does Bukowski advise against in terms of writing style?

Bukowski advises against trying to write like someone else or imitating another writer's style. Authenticity and originality are emphasized.

Why does Bukowski suggest waiting patiently if writing does not come easily?

He suggests waiting patiently because true inspiration and the urge to write may come naturally over time, and forcing it could compromise the integrity of the work.

What does Bukowski say about the process of rewriting?

Bukowski implies that if one has to rewrite their work repeatedly, it may be a sign that they are not truly meant to be a writer or that their writing is not coming from an authentic place.

How does Bukowski feel about sharing one's writing with others before it's ready?

Bukowski believes that if a writer feels the need to share their work with others before it is fully formed and ready, it indicates that they are not yet prepared or that their work may lack authenticity.

What does Bukowski warn against in terms of a writer's attitude?

Bukowski warns against being dull, boring, pretentious, and consumed with self-love. He suggests that such attitudes can lead to uninspired and unoriginal work that contributes to the world's overwhelming amount of literature.

What does the phrase 'if it comes out of your soul like a rocket' signify in the context of the transcript?

This phrase signifies the intense, uncontrollable, and passionate urge to write that should drive a true writer. It suggests that writing should be a powerful, natural force rather than a forced or calculated act.

What is the importance of the 'sun inside you' in Bukowski's perspective on writing?

The 'sun inside you' represents the internal fire or passion that should fuel a writer's work. If this 'sun' is not burning brightly, it suggests that the writer may lack the necessary inspiration and drive to create meaningful literature.

Why does Bukowski say 'there is no other way, and there never was'?

Bukowski is emphasizing that the only true path to being a writer is through an inherent, unstoppable drive to write. There is no alternative method or shortcut to genuine literary creation for those who are truly called to it.

What does Bukowski mean when he says 'if you have been chosen, it will do it by itself'?

This statement suggests a belief in a certain宿命 (destiny or predestination) where if one is truly meant to be a writer, the act of writing will come naturally and effortlessly, as if chosen by a higher force or innate talent.

Outlines

00:00

✍️ Embracing Genuine Inspiration

Charles Bukowski's poem 'So You Want to Be a Writer' underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation in writing. He advises that writing should burst forth effortlessly from the writer’s soul, and should not be forced for external rewards like money or fame. He emphasizes that genuine writing does not stem from the desire to impress others or emulate someone else. Bukowski suggests that if writing does not come naturally, one should not pursue it at all. The poem is a call to writers to write only if their inner drive compels them so strongly that not writing would lead to personal turmoil.

Keywords

Writer

A writer is a person who uses written words to express ideas, stories, or information. In the context of the video, being a writer is portrayed as a deeply personal and passionate endeavor rather than a job or a means to an end. The script emphasizes that true writing comes from an uncontrollable urge and a deep connection to one's soul.

Bursting out

This phrase suggests a forceful and spontaneous expression of creativity. It is used to describe the natural and unforced process of writing that should occur if one is genuinely meant to be a writer. The video suggests that if writing does not come out of you with this level of intensity, it may not be the right path.

Heart, Mind, Mouth, and Gut

These terms collectively represent the emotional, intellectual, verbal, and instinctual aspects of a person. In the script, they symbolize the different parts of oneself that should be engaged in the act of writing. It implies that writing should be a holistic experience that involves not just the mind, but also the emotions and intuition.

Staring at the screen

This phrase is used to depict the act of struggling to write, suggesting that if a writer has to sit for hours without producing anything, it might indicate a lack of genuine inspiration. It contrasts with the idea of writing that 'bursts out,' highlighting the difference between forced and natural creativity.

Money, Fame, Women

These keywords represent external motivations that are discouraged as reasons to become a writer in the script. The video emphasizes that writing should be driven by internal passion rather than the desire for material gain, recognition, or relationships. It suggests that writing for such reasons can lead to a lack of authenticity and fulfillment.

Rewriting

Rewriting is the process of revising and editing written work. The script suggests that if a writer finds themselves constantly rewriting, it might indicate a lack of initial inspiration. The ideal writing experience, as portrayed, is one where the words flow out effortlessly, without the need for excessive revision.

Hard work

While writing can be hard work, the script implies that if thinking about writing feels like a chore, it might not be the right vocation. The message is that writing should come from a place of passion and not feel like a burdensome task.

Imitating someone else

The act of trying to write like another person is discouraged in the script. It suggests that true writing should be original and unique to the individual, rather than an imitation of someone else's style. This is tied to the idea of authenticity in writing.

Patience

Patience is the ability to wait without becoming frustrated or upset. In the context of the video, it is suggested that if the urge to write does not come naturally, one should wait patiently for it. This implies a respect for the natural process of creativity and the importance of not forcing it.

Rocket

A rocket is used metaphorically to describe the explosive and unstoppable force of creativity that should drive a writer. It suggests that writing should be a powerful and dynamic process that propels the writer forward, rather than something that is slow and laborious.

Madness, Suicide, Murder

These dramatic terms are used to illustrate the intensity of the need to write. They suggest that the compulsion to write can be so strong that not expressing it could lead to a sense of desperation or inner turmoil. It emphasizes the deep emotional drive behind genuine writing.

Sun inside you

This poetic phrase refers to the inner fire or passion that should burn within a writer. It is used to convey the idea that writing should be fueled by an internal, burning desire that cannot be ignored, which is essential for authentic and powerful writing.

Chosen

Being 'chosen' implies a sense of destiny or calling. In the video, it suggests that if one is truly meant to be a writer, the act of writing will come naturally and be an inherent part of their identity. It is not something that can be forced or learned, but rather, it is a gift or calling.

Highlights

If writing doesn't come bursting out of you, don't do it.

Writing should emerge unasked from your heart, mind, mouth, and gut.

Avoid writing if it requires long, agonizing hours in front of a screen or typewriter.

Don't write for money, fame, or to attract romantic partners.

Constant rewriting is a sign that you may not be ready to write.

If writing feels like hard work just to start, reconsider your path.

Imitating another writer's style is a path to forgetfulness.

Wait patiently for inspiration to roar out of you.

If the urge to write never surfaces, pursue a different calling.

Reading your work to others prematurely can indicate immaturity in writing.

Avoid being a dull, boring, and pretentious writer.

Do not be consumed by self-love; the world has enough of such writers.

Writing should come from the soul like a rocket.

Only write if the urge is so strong it feels like madness, suicide, or murder to not write.

The writing process should feel like an internal sun burning your gut.

When it's truly time to write, if you have been chosen, it will happen naturally.

The writing will continue until you die or the passion for it dies within you.

There is no other way to write authentically, and there never was.