Effort to Not Effort

During the years 1952-1957, Saul Bellow exhibited remarkable focus while writing his novels. In an interview, he mentioned, “I wrote that book in a kind of frenzy.” He also wrote, “Nothing gets done unless you relax. This is the rule of art. Effortless concentration is the essence of creation.” In short, it means to make an effort to not make an effort.

People often say they were ‘inspired.’ Sometimes, while writing, it feels like inspiration takes over unconsciously. This state of total immersion and fierce focus is different from the kind of writing where you strain your mind to put down each word. It happens when you stop thinking and wait for inspiration to come to your fingertips. You empty yourself, wait, and make an effort to not make an effort.

focus, effortless, inspiration