Thinking and Writing

Writers must think clearly in order to write clearly. This doesn't mean that writers can't write in response to the chaos and confusion of life. But it does mean that they need to have some perspective to write effectively. Thinking clearly doesn't mean having it all figured out. In fact, some of the best writing has come from writers' journeys of discovery. But clear thinking involves reflection. It's thinking that has a purpose. When thinking clearly, there is an active effort to focus the disconnected flow of ideas and images into useful discovery. There is an effort to develop new interpretations of events, to consciously evaluate the accuracy of information and ideas. Clear thinking also involves creativity because it uses association techniques to generate ideas or images. When writers engage in clear thinking, they are actively seeking form and function in the soup of life's chaos. They are making order and meaning where none existed before. This is the special talent of writers - taking the confusing, the frustrating, even the mundane and transforming it into something inspirational and enlightening for readers. All the writing skill in the world won't make up for muddled thinking. Good thinking habits are a writer's most valuable tool and most valuable gift to readers.