Writer Cliff Notes: Becoming a Writer

Unlocking the creative mind with Deborah Brande.

Mar 20, 2025

It’s rare to come across a craft book that feels just as relevant today as it did when it was first published nearly a hundred years ago. But Dorothea Brande’s Becoming a Writer is exactly that; a timeless guide to the creative process that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a writer.

When I first read it, I was struck by how much of her wisdom still applies. The push and pull between the unconscious and conscious minds, the necessity of protecting the artistic self, the discipline required to train creativity, all of it felt just as vital now as it must have in 1934.

Writing, at its core, hasn’t changed. The struggle to balance inspiration and craft remains the same.

I must have read this book cover to cover at least twice, taking heaps of notes as I went. Today, I will share with you those notes so you don’t have to read the book to get the wisdom. However, I would still recommend you to read it! Even if it is just to have a good laugh at the section about how not to get distracted when you sit down at your typewriter! I would have loved to have heard Brande’s thoughts on how to resist the lure of social media and the internet.

The Two Sides of the Writer

At the heart of Brande’s philosophy is the idea that every writer is essentially two people: the free-flowing, imaginative artist (the unconscious mind) and the logical, disciplined craftsman (the conscious mind). These two selves must learn to work together. If the unconscious dominates, writing becomes unfocused and chaotic. If the conscious mind takes over, creativity can feel stifled.

It is very similar to the idea of there being two wolves inside of you, whichever you feed is the one that dominates. Whichever writer you give the ideal environment is the one that will govern your writing practice

Mastering the craft of writing comes from understanding how to let each aspect take the lead when necessary, allowing inspiration to flow freely while also refining it into something coherent and polished.

But how do you provide the right environments for each writer?

Writer One: The Unconscious (The Source of Creativity)

The unconscious mind is where ideas are born. It draws from personal experience, memory, and emotion, shaping stories from the raw material of our lives. It thrives in a space without rules or expectations, offering up images, characters, and scenes seemingly out of nowhere. But because it operates in patterns, it can also lead writers to repeat themes or fall into familiar tropes.

To make the most of this creative wellspring, writers need to create the right conditions. Entering a flow state* —where ideas emerge effortlessly—requires quieting the inner critic and allowing thoughts to develop without interference. This might mean writing at times when the unconscious is most accessible (such as early in the morning) or engaging in activities that encourage subconscious processing, like walking, daydreaming, or even doing chores. The key is to trust the unconscious to do its work and not force it into rigid structures too soon.

*If you want more info on how to get into the flow state, I wrote an article on that here.

Writer Two: The Conscious Mind (The Editor and Guide)

Once the unconscious has done its part, the conscious mind steps in to refine and shape the material. This is where analysis, structure, and logic come into play. The conscious mind determines what serves the story and what doesn’t, transforming raw inspiration into something meaningful for the reader.

However, the conscious mind can also become overbearing. Perfectionism, self-doubt, and over-editing too soon can kill creativity before a draft even takes shape. Writers must learn to balance these two forces—giving the unconscious the space to create before allowing the conscious mind to step in and refine.

Writing as a Conversation Between the Two

Writing isn’t a straightforward process. It’s a back-and-forth conversation between the unconscious and conscious minds. A writer might begin with a vague idea, let it develop in the unconscious, shape it consciously into a draft, and then return to the unconscious for deeper layers of meaning. The best work comes from neither side completely taking over, but instead working in harmony.

The key to balancing the unconscious and conscious minds is discipline. Establishing a routine, setting aside time for freewriting, and allowing space for editing all contribute to a sustainable creative practice. The process might look different for every writer, but consistency is what allows both aspects of the mind to develop their roles effectively.

Thinking, Dreaming, and Doing

Brande highlights the natural cycle that most artists follow: thinking about an idea, dreaming about its possibilities, and then finally sitting down to bring it to life. In the in-between stages, the unconscious is still at work. That’s why ideas often feel clearer after a walk, a nap, or a distraction. It’s also why stepping away from a draft for a while can make revision easier. Understanding and embracing this cycle prevents frustration when creativity feels stagnant, it’s not a lack of progress; it’s part of the process.

But what if you don’t have the time to follow this unending process, can you train your unconscious?

Yes. Or at least Brande believed so.

One way to do this is through morning writing—capturing thoughts before the conscious mind fully takes control. Writing without judgment, journaling dreams, and allowing fragmented ideas to emerge all strengthen the bridge between the two selves, making it easier to access creativity when needed.

Over to You

I always like to leave you with actionable tips of how to integrate the writing craft wisdom into your creative process:

Train Your Unconscious
- Write at a consistent time daily, preferably in the morning.
- Begin each session with freewriting or journaling.
Daydream and Incubate
- Let ideas simmer and think about your story away from the page.
- Engage in wordless activities (walking, cleaning, crafting) to allow the unconscious to process.
Plan Strategically
- Outline loosely, leaving room for discovery.
- Identify key scenes and arcs without locking yourself into rigid structures.
Fast Draft
- Draft quickly, resisting the urge to edit too soon.
- Let the unconscious guide the flow of the story.
Rest and Reflect
- Step away from your draft for a few weeks before revising.
- Return with fresh eyes to see what truly works.
Critique Thoughtfully
- Use the conscious mind to refine structure, pacing, and development.
- Avoid over-polishing too early—let the story breathe.
Iterate and Refine
- Alternate between unconscious inspiration and conscious editing.
- Repeat this cycle until the story feels fully formed.
Seek Feedback Selectively:
- Share work only when it’s ready.
- Use feedback to enhance the story without compromising its essence.

At its core, Brande’s book is about trust, trusting the unconscious to provide inspiration and trusting the conscious mind to shape that inspiration into something meaningful. Writing isn’t about forcing creativity or waiting for perfect ideas. It’s about developing a process that allows both sides of the mind to work together in harmony.

Brande’s lessons are as relevant today as they were a century ago, proving that the art of writing is, at its core, timeless.

So what do you think? Do you agree with Brande? Let me know in the comments ⤵️