Episode 2: Developing Consistency

An exclusive weekend series about the writer’s journey and struggles

Photo by CJ Dayrit on Unsplash

Where to get your ideas

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery — celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from — it’s where you take them to.” ― Jim Jarmusch

The secret to writing is never your ability to write but your ability to devour the many ideas from elsewhere and take them to the next level with your creativity and innovativeness. As Jim said, “Nothing is original.”

To innovate, you must read, devour, and imagine a lot. Jot down the plot whenever you encounter an interesting story or movie, and note down the quote whenever you read a touching phrase. Steal their technique and copy their concept, break it down and re-tell the whole story as seen from your eyes.

“Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent.” ― Jim Jarmusch

Reimagine an old story and tell it from your new perspective. Add on your flavour and twist, mix it with your imagination and blend it with your thoughts. If you do this, your work will be unique to your taste and authentic to your style. Don’t bother concealing your thievery; embolden it, share stories that impress the world, and bring to light tales that even you wouldn’t hesitate to read, times and again.

In the end;

“It’s not where you take things from — it’s where you take them to.” Jean-Luc Godard

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The Secret to My Consistency

I have published four times a week without missing a beat. “How is that possible?” you might ask, especially when I am only a part-time writer. Publishing four times a week is probably the max I can adhere to. Back when I was writing on Medium, this was undoubtedly not a schedule I could keep because there were too many extra duties I had to fulfil as a publication owner. Thankfully those days had passed, and I was forced into a hiatus, but I didn’t stop writing. I simply kept going…

I will share my strategy in this newsletter, and if you are interested, do not hesitate to upgrade your subscription to read on.