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Asimov Technique

By Peter Gruner on July 2, 2024

To say that Isaac Asimov was a prolific writer is an understatement.

He wrote or edited over 500 books!

Five hundred.

I read that he would have many typewriters in his office.

Each one dedicated to a different book or article that he was working on.

This was before personal computers.

When he got bored or stuck with the story he was working on, he would move over to another typewriter. And start working on that project.

He never suffered from writer's block. If a story ran into an obstacle, he'd work on something else.

If I get blocked, I frequently come to a screeching halt.

I could try the Asimov Technique. Of moving to a different project if I run into problems with the current project.

I've got enough projects that it would be workable.

Of course, I don't have any typewriters.

But I do have file folders.

Usually, when I'm writing a play, I like to write in long hand. And then transpose it to my computer after.

I could label some file folders with the different projects I want to work on. And fill them with some looseleaf paper. Ready for some long handwriting.

The beauty of moving to a different project is that it keeps you busy. Then, the unconscious part of your brain can come up with solutions for the obstacles.

And you maintain some writing momentum. Way to go, Isaac!