Writing from the Unconscious

Yesterday I received an email that gave me much puzzlement and delight. The complimentary close was either a Freudian slip (fraughtian?) or charmingly original--or both.

The message ended: "Bed well," followed by the signature.

I think perhaps Be Well was what was consciously intended. I'm not sure.

But I do know that the best tidbits in my own writing slip in unbidden and surprise me. I'm always grateful when I later recognize them.

Well, in truth, they weren't unbidden.

What I mean is they were unstrived for, because in this matter direct striving doesn't do any good. They're simply gifts that arrive at the portal of the writer who stays at the job, keeping a rhythm of writing and resting, writing and doing the mindless physical tasks that let the material keep cooking....


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