How to Tell if You're a Writer | John Irving | Big Think

Big Think
23 Apr 201201:19

TLDRThe speaker reflects on their childhood, identifying a profound need for solitude even before their teenage years. This desire for alone time was akin to essential needs like exercise or sleep, leading to a preference for solitude after school, whether at home or in their grandmother's garden. This early inclination towards solitude hints at a pre-writing phase, setting the stage for their later development as a writer.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The individual had pre-writing moments during childhood, indicating an early inclination towards solitary activities.
  • 📓 Recognized a need for solitude at a young age, even before keeping a journal.
  • 🏫 School days were sufficient for socializing with friends, but there was a distinct preference for alone time.
  • 📔 Began keeping a journal at the age of fourteen, marking a formal start to a habit of solitary note-taking.
  • 🌿 Enjoyed spending time alone in personal spaces, such as a room or a grandmother's garden.
  • 🧘 The desire for solitude was akin to basic needs like exercise, food, or sleep.
  • 🤫 The comfort found in being alone was a significant aspect of the individual's character.
  • 🌱 The early signs of a creative or introspective nature were evident in the need for alone time.
  • 📈 The preference for solitude may have contributed to the development of writing skills.
  • 🌌 The individual's early experiences with solitude set the stage for future solitary pursuits.
  • 📝 The act of journaling was a natural progression from the initial need for alone time.

Q & A

  • What does the speaker describe as their 'pre-writing moments'?

    -The speaker refers to their early childhood experiences where they felt a need to be alone, which they later recognized as a precursor to their writing habits.

  • At what age did the speaker start keeping a journal?

    -The speaker began keeping a journal when they were fourteen years old.

  • Why did the speaker feel the need to be alone as a child?

    -The speaker felt a strong desire and comfort in being alone, similar to the way one might need exercise, food, or sleep.

  • What is the significance of the grandmother's garden in the speaker's childhood?

    -The grandmother's garden was a place where the speaker could be alone and find solitude, which was important for their early creative development.

  • How did the speaker's need for solitude relate to their later writing habits?

    -The speaker's need for solitude was a foundational aspect of their personality that likely contributed to their ability to focus and create in their writing.

  • What does the speaker imply about the importance of alone time for creativity?

    -The speaker suggests that their need for alone time was crucial for their creative process, even before they began writing.

  • How does the speaker describe their relationship with solitude?

    -The speaker describes their relationship with solitude as a necessity, akin to basic human needs, and something they find comforting.

  • What does the speaker's early recognition of their need for solitude indicate about their self-awareness?

    -The speaker's early recognition of their need for solitude indicates a high level of self-awareness, as they were able to identify and understand their personal needs at a young age.

  • How might the speaker's experiences as a child influence their approach to writing?

    -The speaker's experiences of seeking solitude as a child likely influenced their approach to writing by fostering a preference for quiet, focused environments conducive to creativity.

  • What is the significance of the speaker's comparison of solitude to basic needs?

    -The comparison emphasizes the essential nature of solitude for the speaker, suggesting that it is not just a preference but a requirement for their well-being and creative expression.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Early Desire for Solitude

The speaker reflects on their childhood, noting a significant need for solitude even before adolescence. They mention that this desire to be alone was akin to a basic necessity, similar to the need for exercise, food, or sleep. The earliest indication of this trait was a preference for being alone, which provided comfort and a sense of personal space.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡pre-writing moments

This term refers to the early experiences or activities that precede the actual process of writing. In the context of the video, it signifies the speaker's early inclination towards solitary activities that may have laid the groundwork for their future writing endeavors. The speaker's pre-writing moments involved a need for solitude, which is a common trait among writers who often require quiet and personal space to think and create.

💡solitude

Solitude is the state of being alone, which is a significant concept in the video. The speaker emphasizes the need for solitude as a fundamental requirement, similar to the need for exercise, food, or sleep. This highlights the importance of personal space in fostering creativity and introspection, which are often essential for writing and artistic expression. The speaker's preference for being alone, even at a young age, suggests an innate understanding of the value of solitude in their personal development.

💡landscape notes

Landscape notes refer to the observations or descriptions of natural scenery, which can be a form of early writing practice. In the video, the speaker mentions making landscape notes in a journal, indicating a transition from merely enjoying solitude to actively documenting and reflecting on their surroundings. This practice likely contributed to the development of the speaker's observational skills and descriptive abilities, which are crucial for writing.

💡journal

A journal is a personal diary or a record of experiences, thoughts, and observations. The speaker's initiation of journaling at the age of fourteen marks a significant step in their writing journey. Journals serve as a space for self-expression and can be a safe haven for exploring ideas and emotions. In the video, the act of journaling is presented as a natural progression from the speaker's earlier solitary activities, suggesting that it was a way to externalize their internal experiences.

💡need

The concept of 'need' in the video refers to the speaker's intrinsic desire for solitude and self-reflection. It underscores the idea that certain individuals have a deep-seated requirement for alone time, which is not merely a preference but a necessary condition for their well-being and creative output. The speaker's need for solitude is portrayed as a driving force behind their eventual path towards writing.

💡comfort

Comfort, in the context of the video, is associated with the speaker's feelings of contentment and peace when they are alone. It suggests that solitude is not just a necessity but also a source of pleasure and satisfaction. This comfort in solitude is likely a key factor in the speaker's ability to engage in creative activities, such as writing, which often require a level of emotional and mental comfort to flourish.

💡creativity

Creativity is the ability to produce original and imaginative ideas, which is a central theme in the video. The speaker's early experiences with solitude and journaling are indicative of a developing creative mind. The need for solitude and the practice of documenting landscapes in a journal are both activities that nurture creativity, setting the stage for the speaker's future writing career.

💡self-expression

Self-expression is the process of conveying one's thoughts, emotions, and ideas to others. In the video, the act of journaling represents a form of self-expression, allowing the speaker to articulate their inner world. This is a crucial aspect of writing, as it involves sharing personal insights and experiences with a broader audience. The speaker's early inclination towards solitary activities and journaling suggests a natural propensity for self-expression, which is a key element in their later writing endeavors.

💡development

Development in the video refers to the speaker's personal growth and evolution, particularly in relation to their writing skills. The progression from enjoying solitude to actively engaging in writing through journaling illustrates a natural development of the speaker's creative abilities. This concept highlights the importance of nurturing one's interests and talents from a young age, as these early experiences can shape future skills and passions.

💡writing journey

The 'writing journey' is a metaphorical term that describes the speaker's path from their initial interests and experiences to their eventual pursuit of writing. The video script suggests that the speaker's journey began with a deep-seated need for solitude and a natural inclination towards documenting their experiences. This journey is a testament to the idea that early interests and habits can significantly influence one's career and creative pursuits.

💡introspection

Introspection is the act of examining one's own thoughts and feelings. In the video, the speaker's need for solitude and their early landscape notes are indicative of a reflective nature. This introspective quality is essential for writing, as it allows the writer to delve into their own psyche and express complex emotions and ideas. The speaker's early experiences of solitude likely fostered a habit of introspection, which is a valuable asset in their writing journey.

Highlights

Had pre-writing moments as a child

Recognized a need for solitude at a young age

School days were sufficient for social interactions

Preference for being alone predated journaling

Began journaling at the age of fourteen

Enjoyed solitude in various settings

Desire for solitude compared to basic needs

Found comfort in being alone

Early signs of personality evident in enjoyment of solitude

Need for solitude was intrinsic

Consistent theme of solitude throughout youth

Preference for solitude influenced later writing habits

Deep personal connection with solitude

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