The Heart Before the Facts: A Natural Progression in Writing and Consciousness
The Process of Fiction: Heart First, Facts Later
When we write fiction, we are often torn between the raw, emotional soul of the story and the facts that hold it together. The emotional core—the characters, their motivations, desires, and emotional arcs—is what draws us in. This initial phase of writing is not about crafting perfect sentences or ensuring factual accuracy. It is about engaging the heart—delving deep into the emotional currents of the narrative. During this phase, we are free from the restrictions of logic and structure; we allow ourselves to be carried away by the raw flow of creativity.
For many writers, this initial phase feels like play—an organic unfolding of ideas where the only rule is to explore without limits. The heart leads the way, setting the tone, creating tension, and fueling the imagination. The writer is like a child playing in a vast, limitless sandbox, unconcerned with rules or expectations. The heart of the story emerges in all its raw emotion, unrefined and unrestricted.
This phase is where the magic happens—the foundation of the story is built not from analysis but from emotional truth. Emotion drives the narrative forward, and intuition guides the characters through the unknown. The writer is tapping into something deep within themselves, something primal. The creative process becomes an act of self-expression that goes beyond intellectual boundaries, allowing space for emotional exploration and pure imagination.
The Natural Order of Progression
This sequence in writing mimics the natural course of human development. As children, we first play before we work. We allow our imaginations to run wild before we learn the structure and rules of the world around us. In the same way, writing begins with the heart before the head takes over. Creativity precedes analysis. This sequence is not arbitrary—it’s inherent to our evolution as human beings. The emotional and intuitive processes develop first, giving us the groundwork upon which reason and logic can build.
In the realm of writing, this means that after the heart has led the way, the next phase is the assembly of the story. Now we bring in the brain—the intellect, the analysis, and the structure. We begin to organize the emotional chaos, to turn the free-flowing creativity into a cohesive whole. This stage is where the facts come into play—where we bring order to the narrative, ensuring that the emotional flow makes sense in the context of the world we’ve created.
The facts and structure are now necessary, but they are not the starting point. They serve as the framework that holds the emotional and imaginative elements of the story in place, like the scaffolding that supports a grand building. Without the heart leading the way, this scaffolding would be nothing more than a cold, lifeless structure.
Aligning Writing with Human Evolution
The progression from emotion to intellect is not just an artistic technique; it reflects a fundamental truth about how humans develop. As children, we are guided by our feelings and imaginations. We learn to think logically only after we have explored and expressed ourselves emotionally. This is why the creative process in writing mirrors the growth of human consciousness itself—the heart comes before the brain. The heart’s emotional flow gives birth to ideas, while the brain organizes and refines them.
In the larger context of storytelling itself, this progression is just as significant. Human storytelling predates recorded history. In ancient times, stories were passed down orally, with no concern for factual accuracy or structural consistency. What mattered was the emotion of the story—the wisdom it conveyed, the empathy it nurtured, and the connections it built between people. Only later, with the advent of writing and formal documentation, did stories begin to be structured with facts, timelines, and details. But the heart of storytelling—the emotional drive, the soul of the narrative—remains as powerful today as it was in ancient times.
Allowing Creative Flow: A Key to Writer’s Growth
For the introspective writer, embracing this natural order is key to breaking through creative blocks and achieving true artistic freedom. By allowing the heart to lead the way first, writers give themselves permission to play, to explore their ideas and emotions without fear of imperfection. This is the phase where the creative spirit can run wild, unfettered by the need for structure or correctness. The emotional core of the story takes shape, and the writer is free to explore the depths of their imagination.
It’s only after this free-flowing creative process that the writer can shift into the next phase: bringing in the facts, the structure, and the logic. The story is now ready to be pieced together, with the facts and details fitting neatly into the emotional and imaginative framework that was created in the first phase. The jigsaw puzzle of the story starts to take shape, with each piece fitting perfectly into place. This balance between creativity and structure allows the writer to craft a narrative that is rich both emotionally and intellectually.
Why This Process is Essential for the Writer's Journey
This approach to writing—heart before facts, intuition before intellect—is not just a technique; it’s a deeply nourishing process that aligns the writer with their true self. It gives the writer the freedom to create without the constraints of perfectionism, to explore emotions without hesitation, and to express their inner world. This organic process also reflects the way we grow as individuals and as a species: first we feel, we play, we create; then we analyze, we structure, and we refine.
By embracing this natural progression, writers can engage fully with their own creative potential. The heart must lead the way in the beginning, guiding the story’s emotional and intuitive essence. Only then can the brain step in to give it structure and form. This balance creates the most authentic and resonant stories—ones that connect with readers not only on an intellectual level but on a deep emotional plane as well.
Further Reading
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This book offers a nurturing approach to creativity, encouraging writers and artists to reconnect with their creative flow and overcome blocks. Cameron focuses on the importance of play and emotional expression in the creative process.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Gilbert explores the concept of creativity as a force that transcends fear and logic, encouraging writers and creators to embrace the emotional and playful side of their work before worrying about structure or perfection.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
King provides both a memoir and a guide to writing, emphasizing the balance between the heart and mind in the creative process. His personal insights and practical advice offer valuable wisdom for writers at any stage.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
A light and inspiring read that encourages writers and creatives to embrace their natural curiosity, connect with their emotional side, and freely explore new ideas without self-imposed restrictions.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield addresses the internal resistance that all creators face, urging writers to push through doubt and fear and connect with their deeper creative flow. The book offers strategies to prioritize creativity and overcome obstacles.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Lamott offers a warm, humorous, and thoughtful exploration of the writing process, focusing on how writers can nurture their creativity while also tackling the challenges of structure and logic.
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