Welcome to the second installment of “Becoming a 
Better Writer” An investigation in to the art of 
creativity – in ten easy lessons!

A quick thank you to everyone who sent me some very 
positive feedback about the first lesson. It’s nice 
to know people out there appreciate my particular 
worldview!

And very special thanks to those who purchased my 
ebook recently. You have my very best attention 
– and I look forward to working with you.

Today I want to go over something that I cover in 
detail in “The Easy Way to Write a Novel”, but I 
want to touch on for those of you who haven’t 
bought their copy yet! 

BTW, if you DO get the urge to be the best writer 
you can be, as always, go to http://www.easywaytowrite.com

Lesson Two

“Finding the Genius Within.”

This is a three-stage process. It involves a degree 
of meditation. If that word and its connotations do 
not sit comfortably with you, consider replacing it 
with the word “contemplation” or perhaps “directed 
thinking.”

First, you need to break down your preconceptions 
about what you think genius is.

When you call someone a genius, what do you mean? 

That they display characteristics that seem to be 
above the common herd? That they think ahead of 
their time? That they seem to be able to create 
perfect art with little or no effort?

Einstein was a genius they say. So was Leonardo da 
Vinci, Shakespeare, Beethoven and Van Gogh. Why? 
Because they displayed a unique way of thinking 
that separated them from the mainstream. 

Did genius just bestow itself upon these individuals? 

No, every so-called genius is a craftsman first. 
They learn the basics. They study them, copy them 
until they are implicit and take them deep into 
their being. So that, when it becomes time to create 
for themselves, they know and understand their 
influences. 

Good artists express themselves with honesty and skill. 
They also learn - and keep learning - from other 
artists. No influence is a bad influence. It all helps. 

Genius is a not a thing in itself. It is merely a 
qualitative judgment made by individuals and critics 
- usually after the artist is dead!

What marks you out as a “genius” is your willingness 
to be true – to yourself and to your art. In other 
words, genius is really just about having the courage 
of your convictions - the courage to be yourself!

Okay, practical advice now.  

Clear your mind. To do this, meditate or go for a 
long walk in the country, undisturbed.

First, try to visualize nothing. No feelings, 
influences or distractions. Try to find that 
inner essence that is pure calm, joy and strength. 
It’s there, inside all of us. Try to get in touch 
with it.

Then, calmly tell yourself you’re a genius. Repeat 
the phrase to yourself until it becomes almost 
meaningless.

I am a genius. 

Do this about three to five times a day for five 
days. (You can do this with any phrase you want 
your subconscious to believe.)

Later, when you’re ready, take the plunge and write.

Write a paragraph or two about a character or a 
situation that you totally believe in – even if 
it’s fictional. Edit it afterwards until all the 
words represent that particular view of reality, 
as if it IS true, 100%. 

Read it back. Is it convincing? If not, keep rewriting 
until the logic of each word and sentence is, in your 
mind, incontrovertible. 

That’s the trick. Make your work totally convincing TO 
YOU on your own terms. Do not write for others. It 
doesn’t work. Be true to yourself and others will 
follow. 

In the end it’s about how much you believe in your own 
“vision” of the world. If you don’t really believe in 
something then neither will your reader, no matter how 
clever you are with words.

In brief, to be a potential “genius” you must trust 
your instincts, believe in yourself and write from 
the heart. To do any less is to cheat yourself – 
and your readers.  

©robparnell 2004

This is the second of ten short lessons on “Becoming a 
Better Writer.” They will arrive weekly. You may 
unsubscribe at any time – but of course, I’d much 
prefer if you didn’t!

Also, you may like to forward this email to writers 
and colleagues who might find it interesting, fun and 
educational. No problem but - no editing please!

Best regards and keep writing.

Don’t forget, you can contact me for any reason at
rob@easywaytowrite.com

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PS: Why not write that novel now! Click on:
http://easywaytowrite.com/novel.html

PPS: Next time, we’ll be looking at that most 
pressing of issues: finding the time to write! 

Till then, keep well and happy.

Ciao 

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