9 Writing Techniques Hemingway Used to Become a LEGEND

Summary

In this video, key insights from Hemingway's writing process are explored through nine essential steps. Hemingway emphasizes the need for a strong moral compass, early trauma, and a keen 'crap detector' for writers. He identifies subjects like war, love, and money as central themes in storytelling. Hemingway advises writers to begin with a 'true sentence,' create realistic characters, observe details carefully, and embrace simplicity in language. His final steps include leaving things out for a deeper impact and allowing time for revision, highlighting that even great writers may go through numerous drafts before achieving the final version.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writers need a strong moral compass to effectively convey themes of justice and injustice in their work.
• 😀 Experiencing early trauma can fuel a writer's creativity and depth in storytelling.
• 😀 A built-in 'crap detector' is essential for writers to discern quality and make necessary revisions.
• 😀 Important subjects for writing include war, love, and money, as they evoke strong emotional stakes.
• 😀 Starting with one true sentence can help overcome writer's block and form the foundation of a larger work.
• 😀 Characters should be flawed and relatable, drawing inspiration from real people to enhance authenticity.
• 😀 Detailed observation of the world enriches writing, allowing for vivid and engaging descriptions.
• 😀 Simplicity in language can effectively communicate complex ideas, making writing accessible.
• 😀 Knowing more than you include in your writing creates depth, as seen in Hemingway's iceberg theory.
• 😀 Revising is a critical part of the writing process, and taking time away from a draft can improve objectivity.

Q & A

What are the three foundational things Hemingway believes every writer needs?

Hemingway states that every writer needs a moral compass, early trauma, and a built-in 'crap detector' to succeed in writing.

Why does Hemingway emphasize the need for a moral compass in writing?

He believes a strong sense of justice and injustice fuels impactful writing, allowing authors to write passionately against injustices.

What role does early trauma play in a writer's development according to Hemingway?

Hemingway suggests that personal trauma can provide depth to a writer's work, enabling them to process their experiences through fiction.

What does Hemingway mean by a 'crap detector'?

A 'crap detector' is an innate ability to assess what writing is effective and what needs improvement, fostering objectivity in the writing process.

What three subjects does Hemingway recommend writers focus on?

Hemingway recommends writing about war, love, and money as they provide rich material for storytelling.

How does Hemingway suggest writers overcome the challenge of starting a writing project?

He advises writers to begin by crafting one true sentence that captures their core idea, making the task of writing more manageable.

What is Hemingway's advice on character creation?

He believes that writers should create flawed, believable characters based on real people, emphasizing the importance of depth and authenticity.

Why are details important in writing, according to Hemingway?

Hemingway stresses that observing and incorporating details enriches the narrative and makes the writing feel alive and relatable.

What does Hemingway mean by 'simplicity' in writing?

Simplicity refers to using clear, concise language to convey complex ideas, making the writing accessible without losing depth.

What is Hemingway's approach to revision?

He advocates for letting a manuscript rest before revising, allowing writers to view their work with fresh eyes, and emphasizes the importance of rewriting.