Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing
Art For Art's Sake: Part 7
If you don't produce, you won't thrive—no matter how skilled or talented you are.
- Cal Newport, Deep Work
When you start a writing journey, you have to be serious about it.
You have to treat it like a job.
Yes, it's good to read books and take courses to learn about the craft. But then there'll come a day where you have to jump in. You have to put in the work. You have to get your hands dirty.
Do this, and you're practising the craft.
But we should take it a step further. We should be deliberately practising.
What does that mean?
Deliberate practice means you're focused on practising a particular skill till you get the initial hang of it and get immediate feedback to improve yourself.
Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work, explained it best -
This brings us to the question of what deliberate practice actually requires. Its core components are usually identified as follows:
(1) your attention is focused tightly on a specific skill you're trying to improve or an idea you're trying to master;
(2) you receive feedback so you can correct your approach to keep your attention exactly where it's most productive.
This is precisely the purpose of my short stories.
1) I am practising the craft of storytelling.
2) And sharing it with you to get your reactions.
Going further deep with my short stories -
1) I am focusing on one skill at a time - emotional impact, cliffhangers, human psychology, creating a movie in the reader's mind, etc.
2) And then seeing how you react (or don't react).
You don't need to make any massive changes. You are just moving the needle a little bit and seeing what happens. Then you adjust the course accordingly.
To make sure you get the most out of your practice, you must keep the distractions at bay.
Put in simpler words by Cal Newport,
To learn hard things quickly, you must focus intensely without distraction.
Which makes complete sense.
Suppose you're trying to learn something or are working on your craft. In that case, you don't want to be disturbed by pinging notifications, howling children, knocking Amazon guys, and honking traffic.
You want to deep dive into your craft. You want to get yourself immersed in it so that you can come back victorious.
I know this is easier said than done.
Just like you, I struggle with distractions every day.
Here's the solution I found (which seems to be working for the time being) -
Work on your writing when others are sleeping, busy, or away.
There was a time when I used to wake up at 3:30am to get my writing done. That is by far the best and the most peaceful time of the day. But it had its own setbacks, so I had to drop it.
The second best time for me to write is after lunch.
That's the siesta time. My family is either napping or lounging or watching tv or scrolling.
Nobody needs me during this time.
So I give it all to my writing.
The third best time that happens, maybe once a month is when I am home alone.
The moment I am home alone, first I do a quick dance party and let the Chandler in me out.
Second, I dash to my desk and let my fingers fly on the keyboard.
To wrap it all up -
Deliberate practice is about
showing up and putting in the reps
make sure you have a focused concentration, one skill/ part of the skill at a time
while staying away from distractions
and improving your effort with the help of feedback
Remember - Writing, or any creative endeavour is lifelong. It's a journey, and there is no finish line. So strap in and take your time.
More in the Art For Art’s Sake Series -
Your Job As A Writer Is To Write
To Build Your Writing Career, Start Small.
What Does It Mean To “Trust The Process?”
Consistency Will Help You Make A Breakthrough
You Must Stay Persistent With Your Creative Journey
Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing
Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You’ll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.
Treat Your Art As An Experiment
If You Are Not Having Fun While Creating, You’re Doing It Wrong
Contrary To Popular Belief, Write For Yourself First
Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing
Rest Is Your Answer To A Productive Writing Session
Let Curiosity Lead Your Writing - And 2 Ways Of Doing It
You Need To Have Faith And Let Your Words Flow
Always Move On To Your Next Writing Project
Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.
You Already Are A Writer. You Just Have To Identify As One To Yourself.
