"Before you speak, let your words pass through 3 gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it Kind?" -Buddha
When starting something new and facing writer's block, Ernest Hemingway believed in writing a single true sentence. He would focus on what he knew to be true and build upon it. Once he found that true sentence, it became easier to continue, as there was always another truth to express.
Stopping when you’re on a roll might feel counterintuitive, but Hemingway swore by this approach. If you leave off with a clear idea of what happens next, you’ll avoid getting stuck the following day and maintain momentum throughout the writing process.
Hemingway advised against obsessing over your story when you're not actively working on it. Instead, occupy your mind with other things—exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Let the creative well refill naturally. By keeping your mind away from the story outside of writing sessions, you’ll be better prepared to continue the next day with a fresh perspective.
To create a cohesive narrative, Hemingway recommended re-reading what you’ve already written. Correct and refine as you go, and then continue where you left off. If your story is lengthy, read a few chapters each day to keep the whole piece connected. Revisiting your earlier work regularly will ensure consistency and flow.
Rather than describing emotions outright, Hemingway emphasized the importance of letting readers experience them through the sequence of events and authentic details. Facts, movement, and pure storytelling will evoke emotions more effectively than telling the reader what to feel.
Hemingway believed that writing by hand gave writers multiple chances to improve their work. First, you see your words as you write them, then when you read them back, and finally, when they are typed or proofed. Each step offers a new opportunity to spot mistakes or make improvements that strengthen the final piece.
Hemingway admired the brevity of powerful speeches like the Gettysburg Address. He believed that good writing follows immutable laws, just like physics or mathematics. Every word should have a purpose, and unnecessary details should be cut to maintain clarity and impact.
Hemingway famously said that "the first draft of anything is garbage." His advice? Don’t aim for perfection on your first attempt. Get your ideas down, then revise and refine them later. The most important part is to start.
Mario Puzo, the legendary author behind The Godfather, had no experience writing screenplays when he adapted his novel into one of the greatest films in cinematic history. In fact, when Francis Ford Coppola brought him on board to co-write the script for The Godfather, Puzo openly admitted he had no idea how screenwriting even worked. He had only ever written novels and was learning everything as he went. Despite that, Puzo’s words helped shape a film that would define a genre and influence generations of filmmakers. Released in 1972, The Godfather became an instant classic. The screenplay won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Puzo would go on to win a second Oscar for The Godfather Part II in 1974. Years later, in a moment of humility and curiosity, Puzo decided to finally pick up a book about how to write a proper screenplay. He bought a well-regarded screenwriting guide, hoping to see what he had missed or could improve. To his surprise and amusement, the very first chapter of the book advised aspiring writers to study The Godfather Part I as the perfect screenplay example. This story has become a favourite among screenwriters and storytellers, not just for its irony but for what it represents. It shows that sometimes, storytelling instincts, a deep understanding of character, and collaboration can be more powerful than formal training. Puzo’s work wasn’t guided by rules. It was driven by heart, culture, and timeless drama. The Godfather franchise went on to shape not just American cinema, but pop culture around the world. And at its heart was a man learning as he wrote, who ended up creating a masterpiece that would teach others how to do it right.
Great artists and great entrepreneurs share something vital: the ability to see what doesn’t yet exist and bring it to life. Studying art trains your eye, your intuition, and your vision.