36 Comments
User's avatar
Molly's avatar

So thoughtful and beautifully written! I think I’ll be joining you in the 20 minute stream of consciousness writing. I also find changing settings helps immensely (basic, I know) but it gives you a muse to work with; whether it’s a willow tree, an old café, or a fishing boat, having physical inspiration will bring out details that transcend imagination.

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Ooo I really like how you mentioned the importance of changing setting while writing!! Thanks for the feedback 😌

Expand full comment
raathri's avatar

i think the fact Lispector has no formal training in literature and adorns that detail makes her writing even more lovable

Expand full comment
Lisa Lazarus's avatar

Really enjoyed reading this. I read Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way years ago and the only routine I have sustained as a wannabe writer is morning pages - although mine happen anytime of day or night - and I write them as stream of consciousness - I find it does two things: liberates my mind from the clutter of everyday life, although that is very often what I write about; and hones my writing skill and keeps me writing fit. I am going to look out for Clarice Lispector. Thanks for sharing

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Thank you for reading! I've been enjoying implementing morning pages in my routine, too! What you said about it liberating your mind from the clutter of daily life is super on point.

Expand full comment
grace cameron's avatar

also, defo yourself to the lighthouse ;)

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Yes!! I’m so excited to read that one. I read on Wikipedia that Woolf spent her summers growing up by the Godrevy Lighthouse, which is cool to think left such an impression on her.

Expand full comment
Dale Sparage's avatar

I’m loving your posts and recommendations! You’re opening new worlds and bringing back forgotten ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Expand full comment
mina souier 💋's avatar

This is such a brilliant piece of work ❤️ I was also so happy you mentioned the Artist’s Way and morning pages.

I’m currently doing The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron myself, and I would recommend actually doing the 12 week course for those who have not done it. It is a book for all artists and I think it tackles hidden blocks and barriers, to allow the rivers of words to freely flow.

Expand full comment
Nico Sakaki's avatar

"In a world that often prioritizes clarity and order, stream-of-consciousness reminds us that human experience is messy, contradictory, and beautifully fragmented." Mmh YES I love this, and thank you for sharing <3 I love a good stream-of-conscious writing session and lately have been experimenting with letting some of that flow into my newsletter--but i feel like i haven't read a ton of other writing like this. Definitely need to read this book at some point.

Expand full comment
𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓪's avatar

I love this! I found myself thinking the same after reading Virgina Woolf's short story "The Mark on the Wall" (1917). I did a practice that same night, allowing my thoughts to flow naturally from one point of conscience to another, and the product was beautiful, honest, and full of purpose. I find that often when I'm having writers block, this activity helps unclog the obstacle :)

Expand full comment
ava christie's avatar

As someone who’s had Lispector on my TBR for a while, is currently reading The Artist’s Way and is dealing with writer’s block right now, I’m taking this as a sign to order my copy of Áqua Viva!! Thank you for the inspiring piece <3

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Yayy!! Absolutely order Áqua Viva and lmk what you thought of it once you finish :)

Expand full comment
Startelling's avatar

Clarice is a 🇧🇷💎

Expand full comment
A Gallery of Prose's avatar

Absolutely love this style of writing. Lispectre is on my tbr and want to explore this style in my own work. Thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Glad you enjoyed! Let me know what you think of Lispector once you've read her stuff. Hour of the Star is a good one to start with.

Expand full comment
Wendi's avatar

Happy to have found this piece! It gives me new hope….maybe my problem is that I am a ‘stream of consciousness’ writer after all and I have been attempting work in entirely the wrong way! 😐

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

I’m glad you enjoyed this piece!!! Give stream of consciousness writing a try I think you’ll like it!🥰

Expand full comment
shayan's avatar

beautifully written

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Mona Mona's avatar

I still remember the first line of Hour of the Star, I love this genre of philosophical experimental writing.

Expand full comment
Zahraa's avatar

This was a delightful read :)

In a way I could feel the stream of words and it had a calming effect on me.

* I’ve been seeing a lot of Aqua Viva and Clarice Lispector mentions lately and I think it’s about time to get some of her works.

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

thank you!!🩷

Expand full comment
grace cameron's avatar

adding Áqua Viva to the list! love your piece!

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Yess!! It’s such a great read 🩷

Expand full comment