Write Like a Black Belt: Guest Post by Lori Hoeck

July 20, 2009 · by Joanna Paterson · in

First things first, I’m a senior martial arts instructor, but I don’t believe I hold a black belt in writing … yet. How will I know when I’m there?

I will have the same traits in writing that I look for in a karate black belt candidate:
Another flying sidekick by Kaibara 87 on flickr

1) Tenacity

A karate black belt takes about four years to earn, and the process isn’t easy. Black belts must develop tough-mindedness along the way. Training teaches them in a stair-step process how to dig deep and press past pain, plateaus, and personal phobias. Physically, mentally, and emotionally they must face their limitations and overcome them.

To write with a black belt’s tenacity means pushing the envelope of everything related to writing.

To call myself a black belt writer, I’d want to:

  • Face off with my Inner Critic wisely
  • Discipline myself to write frequently
  • Make creativity my best buddy, not an infrequent guest
  • Tackle and conquer anything in my way, such as bad organizational skills
  • Know when life or the need to heal must take priority

2) Drop the slop

One of the hardest things to teach a karate student is to flow with the physics and physiology that create speed, power, and balance — instead of fighting them.

Black belts need to settle in and cut wasted motion to execute powerful, balanced, and explosive techniques with finesse and precision. The only way to do this successfully is to be relaxed most of the time, knowing when to power up or stop dead at the right moment to minimize energy usage. It takes work to learn not to work!

As a writer this means judiciously attacking sloppiness and being powerfully precise with each word and sentence.

I’d be a black belt writer if I could:

  • Kick up the snappiness of dialogue
  • Cut wordiness with ninja-like deftness
  • Sound off with a strong voice to make instant impact and rapport
  • Punch up more powerful word usage to grab the reader by the throat
  • Throw down with the passive voice and finally kick its butt!

3) Take the lead

Can you imagine a senior black belt fainting when attacked? Can you see Chuck Norris bumbling his way through an emergency situation? Can you visualize Jet Li or Jackie Chan falling apart when faced with a speaking engagement?

I doubt these scenarios would make sense to most. Quality black belt training includes training for years to take control of the body and mind of an attacker. We can’t do that by being wall flowers in our lives or timid in the midst of crisis.

Any black belt candidate must prove by example they can step up when and wherever called upon, represent their rank and training honorably, and mentor lower-ranked students.

So how does this apply to writers?

How could I display black belt-level leadership as a writer?

I find these ways of taking charge of my writing and where it’s going are important:

  • Honor writing as an art, a process, and a tool for self awareness
  • Take a stand if necessary with my words as my sword
  • Pass on my most prized life lessons through my writing
  • Create community and build bridges through the power of words
  • Help other writers

And there you have it — How to Write Like a Black Belt.

Easy, yes?

What do you mean: No?

Drop and do 10 push ups now! … er … I mean 10 pages of writing.

Or better yet, just keep reading Confident Writing and learn from a real Black Belt Writer.

~~~

Lori Hoeck Let me introduce you to the author of this guest post: Lori Hoeck.  Lori might be known to some of you as Space Age Sage.  She’s certainly been a regular and generous commenter here and elsewhere on the blogosphere for many years under that name.

Lori has recently launched a compelling new site on self-defense: Think Like a Black Belt.  If you’re at all interested in self-defense, including mental preparation and psychological issues, please do check out her site.

I’m deeply grateful to Lori for writing this piece, adding a new twist to Confident Writing but capturing so well the philosophy of what I’m trying to teach and encourage here.

Although Lori might claim not to be a black belt writer, she has recently launched a new e-book called Think Like a Black Belt: Take Charge of Your Own Safety.  The style of the book definitely has black belt qualities: it’s short, punchy and easy to read.

Lori has included stories from her own experience and lessons learned by her students; practical tips and suggestions; and lots of material on the inner, mental, aspects of self-defense as well as physical competence and confidence.  The book would be particularly useful for parents who want to teach their kids some self-defense principles, helping them to be more aware of potential risks without making them fearful.  In fact, her approach is the opposite – it’s all about learning to trust yourself and your intuition to help keep yourself safe.

The book’s on sale at Lori’s site for $19.95. (No affiliate links here, just happy to promote a valuable resource to the community.)

Photo Credit: Another Flying Sidekick by kaibara87 on Flickr

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