Dive Deep

For any scribbler, artist, or creative, the journey into a project's heart is thrilling and demanding. It requires focus, passion, and a willingness to lose yourself in a subject. The process of immersion is the key to staying engaged and focused while crafting authentic work that resonates. Here are some notable examples:

James Cameron dives deep into the worlds he creates. For “Titanic,” not only did he read every book on the subject, he also explored the wreck of the ship. For "Avatar," he visited the Amazon Rainforest to gain insight into flora and fauna. Empowering him to craft a fictional world, making the sci-fi world of “Pandora” vivid and believable.

Ernest Hemingway was known for living the experiences he wrote about. The work reflected his knowledge of his topics, whether it was the wars, bullfighting, or fishing.

J.K. Rowling has described how she would write in cafés, immersing herself in the world of Harry Potter and letting the real world fade away. This enabled her to fully inhabit the magical universe she was creating.

The renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami has often spoken about his rigorous routine, which includes isolating himself, submerged in the world of his novels. Murakami’s focus allows him to maintain the unique atmospheric quality of his writing.

In his book "On Writing," Stephen King emphasizes the importance of a dedicated workspace and a consistent routine to immerse oneself in the writing process.

As a pioneer of Gonzo journalism, Hunter S. Thompson immersed himself in the events of the 1972 Presidential Campaign. This provided a unique and personal perspective to his articles for Rolling Stone. Maybe Hunter’s extensive drug use wasn’t necessary for that story, but without it, we’d have no “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

So why not create a daily routine and find a dedicated place to get lost in the work? If possible, live the experiences you are writing about. Or at least engage in deep research to understand your subject better. Try to look at the world through the lens of your creative work, incorporating your subject into your daily thoughts and perspectives.

By going deep, you can scribble without fear, knowing immersion adds authenticity for your audience and your own engagement with the arduous task of creative scribbling.

But remember, kids, don’t do drugs.