Writing As Offshoring
“Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”
Stephen King
If you intend to write as truthfully as you can, your days as a member of polite society are numbered.
Stephen King
One of the fundamental premises in writing is clarity. Some might be the reduction of passive sentences (whoops!), or breaking general principles as deemed fit by the writer (hurrah!). Writing is an art because it is an expression of human consciousness.
Consciousness is forever a black box because the innards can be correlated, the behaviours observed, the physiology measured, the conversations had, but the qualities of consciousness in a subjectivity remain unknown to another. First-experiential knowledge of a subject in the object universe is the ultimate barrier between souls.
Same substrates in the largest object known, the universe, separated into two flames of subjectivity, or more. The art of writing has this as its foundation without any acknowledgement of it. Where, in some sense, a question is posed, even without a question mark.
An answer is given when a reader takes hold of the wording and makes something for themselves out of it. Generally, writing is a solitary act in recognition of others. Other subjectivities wandering the landscape of the object universe.
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That’s the discourse of writing behind the words or something like it. For earlier writers, writing, or typing in the modern period, is a huge pain in the behind, the backside. It’s tedious, seemingly unnecessary. But they do it anyway. The structure of a sentence. The decorum of grammar, the frame of syntax, and the content of suitable word choice and correct ordering of words.
Over time, these become automated for writers. They feedback into deeper structures of the mind for the automaticity of structure and content, where intent drives it, now. An emotion, for example, can be a driver. When writing for a wedding magazine, there is writing from an emotion felt in the chest, oriented to a higher-order abstract principle, which gets integrated together as the writing unfolds.
Until, it feels right, intuitively. Intuition plays a large role in writing, after enough writing. How much? A sufficient amount for the person, which adds nothing to the descriptor. But it’s really that way. You have to write, and write, and read, and read, and write, and read, constantly. Over time, intuition may play the only role.
You must not develop the skills, alone, but the actual structures for thinking as a writer. Writing adapts a core feature of human capacity, so identity: language. Acts of writing are speech acts formalized. The process of continual refinement, of endurance of the mind, and renewed breakthroughs into genuine self-expression.
The formalities have been dealt with, automated, and then intent guides the entirety of the process. This can be considered capital “O” Offshoring. You offshore the lower-level basics to the non-conscious, but more active, parts of the mind. Then you can focus on vetting of ideas your mind throws at you, and the putting of emotion and true self to page.
Your own subjectivity poses another perennial question.
Opinions and Perspectives
The focus on authentic self-expression is vital. Technical skill alone isn't enough.
Initially found it complex but each reread reveals new insights. Just like good writing should.
This article perfectly describes the journey from conscious writing to natural flow.
Important reminder that mastery comes through constant practice and reading.
King's quote about happiness really captures the therapeutic aspect of writing.
The wedding magazine example shows how emotion and technique can work together.
Writing as a bridge between consciousnesses is a powerful concept. Changes how I think about my work.
Surprised by how much this reflects my own writing experience. Thought I was the only one.
True writing is more about enriching lives than making money. Though both would be nice!
Wasn't sure about the consciousness discussion at first but it ties everything together.
I know exactly what they mean about intuition taking over. It's like finding your voice.
The concept of offshoring basics to focus on higher-level aspects makes perfect sense.
Fascinating how writing becomes both more automatic and more personal over time.
This helps explain why writing can be so exhausting when you're learning.
The part about breaking rules strategically is important. Rules serve the writing, not vice versa.
Love how the article balances technical aspects with the more spiritual side of writing.
The progression from conscious effort to intuition is so true. Just like learning any complex skill.
Never thought about how writing adapts language as a core human capacity. Eye-opening.
Really connected with the idea of writing as recognition of other consciousness.
The emphasis on authentic emotion in writing is crucial. Readers can tell when it's forced.
Interesting how the article connects individual consciousness to universal human experience.
I see writing more as a craft than art. It's about skilled work more than abstract concepts.
The philosophical aspects might seem heavy but they reflect the real complexity of writing.
This made me realize how far I've come in my writing journey. The basics really do become automatic.
Appreciate the honesty about writing being tedious sometimes. It's not always flowing inspiration.
The mind structures part resonates with me. Writing has literally changed how I think.
Wonder how this applies to different types of writing. Technical writing seems less intuitive.
Found myself nodding along about the constant reading and writing requirement. No shortcuts there.
The article could have used more practical examples alongside the theory.
Still not convinced about King's take on polite society. Plenty of honest writers maintain social connections.
The description of intuitive writing matches my experience exactly. Such a relief when you reach that stage.
I'm fascinated by how writing can become automatic while still remaining creative.
Missing the point there. The article deliberately breaks rules to demonstrate its message.
This article would be clearer if it followed its own advice about passive sentences.
Sometimes I worry too much about rules and forget to just express myself naturally.
The part about identity and language really clicked for me. Writing shapes how we see ourselves.
I appreciate how the article acknowledges both the mechanical and spiritual aspects of writing.
That's oversimplifying it. There's real depth to the writing process that deserves exploration.
The article makes writing sound more mysterious than it needs to be. Just put words on paper and revise.
Not sure I buy the idea that intuition can be the only guide. Technical skills matter too.
The comparison to breathing was helpful. You don't think about grammar rules any more than you think about breathing.
Struggling with the offshoring concept. How do you know when you're ready to let go of conscious rule-following?
This reminds me why I love writing. It's like building bridges between minds.
The wedding magazine example felt really specific yet universally applicable. Great illustration of emotional writing.
Anyone else notice how the article itself demonstrates the evolution it describes? Gets more intuitive as it progresses.
Love the idea of emotion as a driver for writing. My best pieces come from strong feelings.
The article perfectly captures how exhausting writing can be when you're still conscious of every grammatical rule.
I find the whole black box consciousness concept a bit overwhelming. Can't we just focus on practical writing advice?
Interesting perspective on passive sentences. Sometimes breaking the rules makes writing more effective.
King's quote about getting happy really speaks to me. Writing has been incredibly therapeutic in my life.
The part about automating the basics reminds me of learning to drive. First its all conscious effort, then it becomes natural.
Never thought about writing as a solitary act in recognition of others before. That's beautifully put.
Fair point! But I think that complexity serves a purpose here in illustrating the depth of the writing process.
Does anyone else find it ironic that an article about clarity includes such dense philosophical passages?
The emphasis on reading constantly alongside writing practice is spot on. You can't have one without the other.
I struggle with the idea that polite society and truthful writing are incompatible. Seems like a false choice to me.
This article really captures the evolution from conscious effort to intuitive flow in writing. Took me years to reach that point.
Not at all pretentious. I saw it as representing the fundamental dialogue between writer and reader.
Am I the only one who found the question marks and periods section a bit pretentious? Seemed unnecessarily abstract to me.
The concept of writing adapting language as a core human capacity is fascinating. Makes me wonder about early human communication.
I agree with the previous comment. When I write from genuine emotion, the words just flow naturally.
The wedding magazine example perfectly illustrates how emotion drives good writing. You can't fake that authentic feeling.
What struck me most was the idea of offshoring the basics to our non-conscious mind. I'm still struggling with grammar rules myself.
Reading this made me reflect on my own writing process. It's true how the technical stuff becomes automatic over time.
Actually, I disagree about writing being purely for enrichment. Professional writers need to earn a living too. There's nothing wrong with writing for money.
The part about consciousness being a black box really makes you think. I've never considered how writing bridges that gap between different minds.
I love how King emphasizes writing isn't about fame or fortune but about enriching lives. That really resonated with me as someone who writes purely for the joy it brings others.