was able to write so many books, columns, sermons, and
radio shows because he began each day writing gibberish.
Sci-Fi master Ray Bradbury free-associates on paper each
morning until an idea clicks. Write whatever comes to mind.
Sooner or later you’ll stumble across a rich vein and you’re off
and running. Gibberish will turn into wisdom, free associa-
tion into a mesmerizing story. Who knows?
2.Don’t edit! Turn off your computer screen so you can’t see the
words you type, close your eyes, or write blindfolded. But
don’t edit! The muse wants a receptive mind, not an editor. If
you edit while you write, you won’t write. Be raw. Be coura-
geous. Just saywhat you want to say. “Write it down first, later
get it right” is a good slogan.
3.Write a letter. You probably find it easier to write a letter to a
friend than an article for a magazine. Why? Because a letter is
warm, personal, and focused. A lot of Hypnotic Writing
shows up in personal letters. We become self-conscious when
we write for the public. The trick is to write everythingas a
personal letter. Begin it with “Dear Mom,” say your piece, and
end it with “Love and hugs.” Later on, edit out the mush. Ta-
dah! There’s your article!
4.Use a prompt. This is a major secret to creating Hypnotic Writ-
ing. Create a list of prompt words that you can draw on. Use
these words to lead you into your next sentence. Examples of
prompts are because,and, and or. Whenever you write and feel
stuck for the next thought, take on a prompt word. The word
will nudge you, or prompt you, into your next thought. For ex-
ample, say you are writing the following line: “Hypnotic Writ-
ing caused the reader to stay glued.. .” and you can’t think of
what else to say. Just add a prompt word to your sentence and
write down whatever comes to your mind. Example: “Hypnotic
Writing causes the reader to stay glued becausethe sentences are
so artfully done no one can resist them.” Get the idea? The
prompt word prompts you into another thought. Try it!
5.Relax. Put your pen down. Stretch. Close your eyes and take a
deep, long breath. Let it out with a big sigh. Ahhhhhhhhh.
How to Jump-Start the Muse