"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.
since we're on a creative subject, here's some videos on art (a business person should be well rounded.)