Ernest Hemingway's Favorite Writing Exercise

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📬 My email newsletter: The Inkwell nicolebianchi.com/newsletter
📝 Monologue to the Maestro: dianedrake.com/wp-content/upl...
📚 The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Sea-Er...
🎥 The Old Man and The Sea (1958 film -- Spencer Tracy brings Hemingway's descriptions of Santiago to life): www.amazon.com/gp/video/detai...
🎥 Midnight in Paris (2011): www.amazon.com/Midnight-Paris...
📚 With Hemingway: A Year in Key West and Cuba by Arnold Samuelson / 865710
An aspiring writer once asked Ernest Hemingway, “How can a writer train himself?” Hemingway shared an exercise for sharpening a writer's observational skills so they can vividly describe their experiences on paper. This exercise can be broken down into three-steps and gives us a fantastic way to practice “show, don’t tell” in our writing.
Hi, I'm Nicole Bianchi! 👋 I’m a writer of short stories and memoir essays as well as a writing teacher and professional copywriter. Here on my KZbin channel, I make videos that will help you take your storytelling, copywriting, and marketing skills to the next level so you can communicate your message effectively and inspire more people with your words.
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All Efforts Have Been Made to Only Use Photos & Footage Available in the Public Domain, Royalty Free, or Under Fair Use
"Safe Roads," video by Handy (Jam) Organization, 1935, public domain
archive.org/details/SafeRoad1935
Ernest Hemingway photo, Paris, 1924, public domain
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
Confirmation of public domain: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Ernest Hemingway house photo, date unknown, no known copyright restrictions
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
www.jfklibrary.org/archives/e...
Ernest Hemingway and Carlos Gutierrez aboard Pilar photo, Key West, 1934, public domain
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
Confirmation of public domain: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Ernest Hemingway on a dock next to Pilar photo, public domain
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
Confirmation of public domain: www.docsteach.org/documents/d...
Ernest Hemingway aboard Pilar photo, no known copyright restrictions
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
www.jfklibrary.org/archives/e...
Ernest Hemingway writing, near San Ildefonso, Spain, photo. 1959, Public Domain
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
www.jfklibrary.org/archives/e...
Ernest Hemingway in the cabin of his boat, Pilar, photo. Public Domain.
Ernest Hemingway Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
Confirmation of public domain: www.jfklibrary.org/archives/e...
Covers for "A Moveable Feast" and "With Hemingway" used under fair use. Still for "The Old Man and the Sea (1958)" and from "Midnight in Paris (2011)" and "Midnight in Paris (2011)" movie poster used under fair use.
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[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks so much to all the new viewers! If you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to subscribe to my free newsletter, The Inkwell, where I share articles about writing and creativity: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/

[@DaBerryBest42]

1. Observe and write it all down 2. Empathize and understand 3. Practice these over and over

[@shahxad6533]

nice

[@Bez00]

Saved me 10 mins

[@sarcasmo57]

Never underestimate the importance of being Ernest.

[@greggoreo6738]

When you feel you're making no headway, you're probably making heming way. Lean into and write forward. Respectfully submitted for your consideration Gregg Oreo Long Beach CA etats unis

[@likeasonntagmorgen]

That’s wild

[@kathleenscullion8348]

Wilde,clever wit!!!!

[@bethnorris1361]

😂

[@bethnorris1361]

​@@greggoreo6738😂

[@philopolymath]

Lifting a glass to his mouth before and after each word gave great strength.

[@JammCo]

These skills shouldn’t just be practiced in writing but in our everyday life. Great video.

[@InkwellMedia]

So true! Thank you!

[@marknewton6984]

I wish I could write like him.😎

[@jumpingship3001]

These are life skills that we should practice. Reading and writing with your whole being is magical and rewarding. Keep at it people.

[@InkwellMedia]

Agreed! Thanks for your comment.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

What does ‘writing with your whole being’ even mean? It’s nonsense. Make the effort and try to write with emotion.

[@jumpingship3001]

@@InkwellMedia Your welcome.

[@casey3635]

​@@happymaskedguy1943 Ah, I understand the skepticism! Writing with your whole being isn't about penning a grocery list with fervor-it's about infusing your words with depth and authenticity. It's about channeling your experiences, emotions, and observations into your writing, creating a tapestry of human expression. If that's 'nonsense,' then maybe we should all embrace a bit more nonsense in our lives. After all, writing with emotion is just the tip of the iceberg, writing with your whole being is diving deep into the waters of creativity and connection.

[@jumpingship3001]

​@@casey3635 I appreciate your comment. Said like a teacher helping someone along.

[@michaelwtreww]

Hemingway is among the top of my favorite writers for his cunning and deceitfully simple language.

[@fortissimoX]

Although I'm no writer and have no intention of becoming one, I've clicked this video knowing that there would be some good universal advice. And surely, it was there. Thanks.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Practicing empathy is something everyone and anyone should do

[@phyllisjeanfulton]

On some level, this applies to all areas of art. ❤

[@InkwellMedia]

Absolutely!

[@user-qp5go8iq6h]

A man can be destroyed but not defeated . Hemingway is an all time favourite writer of mine! Love his writings, specially went to key west from India to see the Hemingway house; it was a pilgrimage of sorts for me…….

[@marknewton6984]

You have good taste.

[@AntPictures]

You need not judge but understand. That's probably the most important advice you can give a person of any craft.

[@InkwellMedia]

So true!

[@METALMONKEYcarlo]

Sounds a lot like mindfulness!

[@philm9593]

I'm a procrastinator of the worst kind. Really terrible. However, these Hemingway exercises might give me the kick I need. Loved your presentation. Thank you.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Phil!

[@Lizard1582]

Surely...

[@lonewolf5238]

As a past future president of the Procrastinators Club I admire your courage. We expected to have held our inaugural meeting again last week but no one showed up 😋

[@philm9593]

@@lonewolf5238 😂😂

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I read about Soichiro Honda once. His philosophy was first make something. Then improve it. Whilst I'm not a writer, I had procrastination many times before making a part or repairing a car or motorcycle. Starting at the beginning is a good start.

[@jancoley9051]

You didnt insist, or plead, or repeat to hit the like button or beg us to subscribe, but I enjoyed this so much I will do both. This was so inspirational, this can be considered a "feel good video" Also such a smooth voice and flawless delivery. Surely there is more pleasure and learning you are willing to share, so I have signed up. Also this has made me realize that I need and must return to my journal for my own satisfaction and sanity. Thank you.

[@markmarco2880]

To observe and to attempt to experience the pain and passion of others…is empathy in action. You can be bankrupted of freedom in the prison of your mind and at the same time be liberated in knowledge. This through the observation of Nature. Thank you for this post, so rich am I.🌿🐇

[@Acacius1992]

Good then i an give up trying being a writer. Nothing bores me more then to experience or observe others or nature

[@jimrodgers854]

I read the book 40 years ago in Las Vegas. I actually read it 3 times to get all I could from it. I'm a painter who answers art issues through authors and musicians and actors and their resolutions. Looking at others artists doesn't give you your answer. 35 years of art and I still use this process.

[@curiositypiqued6573]

Dyou have a book out or something???

[@erikpeterson25]

The Old Man and the Sea is one of my favorites ...a classic 👍

[@superdeluxesmell]

Hot take.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Other Hemingway works seem as if written by a drunkard imo.

[@marknewton6984]

The Lions on the Beach!

[@renatajd7758]

It is horribly story of a person who wasn't a fisherman.

[@MichaelJTribula]

I felt like I took a moment and took a stroll through time. Thank you.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for watching, Michael! Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@1Tomrider]

He was incredibly hamstrung by censorship when he was writing and that's a shame - imagine what someone of his talent and experiences would turn out today!

[@jancoley9051]

You did an excellent job presenting this information. Just truly enjoyable to hear your perspective.

[@kelleyriha9414]

So great to hear Hemingway 's advice

[@6equj5_]

Slow down and receive! Lovely. Thank you.

[@allencollins6031]

You are well spoken. It is refreshing.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Allen!

[@billmarshall8438]

True, she is. So many use synthetic voices these days out of laziness or lack of English ability. It's great to hear a real person, especially one with a professional level voice.

[@InkwellMedia]

@@billmarshall8438 Thanks so much!

[@theothercomicguy]

A well presented story with something useful to boot. Thanks.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesrichey]

Thanks for the bit of inspiration. I really needed it.

[@bradleys4783]

This was wonderful. Well done. Made my day. Thank you.

[@lastrada52]

What excellent advice. Wonderful. All true.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for watching, John!

[@iparamcheema]

Kudos to your efforts for making such a wonderful video and also thank you for sharing with US! ❤

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you so much!

[@lauramason5667]

This is the best video I have seen on writing. I thank you with all my heart.❤

[@stevefritz5182]

My first time viewing your videos. I love your soothing tone. I look forward to seeing what else you have to teach me.

[@netelinprj]

What a good video to watch and learn, thank you a lot!

[@MikeMesseroff]

Wow, what a beautiful lesson and video. Thank you! 🙏

[@thomas_m3092]

Thank you, Nicole, for all the nice videos. You explain things very well. Lovely voice as well.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Thomas! Happy to hear you are enjoying all the videos.

[@grantmoulton9204]

Profound advice. You make me want to read his works and also improve my observation and empathy. Thank you.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for watching!

[@marknewton6984]

A Farewell to Arms

[@radharcanna]

Great advice. Love your voice and delivery!

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks so much!

[@nospam-hn7xm]

Nicely done! Thank you for sharing.

[@Anthony-gq7dk]

Beautifully delivered .

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@RhinoToolSystems]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I found it to be valuable for both writing and life.

[@InkwellMedia]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@MrPappy-tk1vy]

This is a very well-made video. It points out some very basic concepts that are very important for conveying a message or painting an image literally.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@rherold2001]

Excellent video! Thanks for creating it!

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Robert! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@user-cz3ky3cg3l]

Helpful advice... inspiration is hard to find in today's world ..i write collectively in a chaotic pattern then place it together like a puzzle

[@InkwellMedia]

Hello, fellow writers! I hope you find this 3-Step Exercise helpful. If you enjoy this video, you might also like my video on the time Hemingway almost gave up on writing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHjbnmubedNqnbs

[@bojens865]

Excellent video; but not even Samuelson benefitted from this advice, but gave up writing altogether. Perhaps a physical, rather than conversational appoach; if he could have Hemingway take a red pencil to his manuscript, like Hemingway's editors did, when he was a newsman.

[@nikosantikythera2422]

A wonderful video. Thank you so much. And, yes, I enjoyed Gil Pender’s adventure too. 😊

[@dolenex]

Helpful indeed, thank you.

[@sitrakaforler8696]

Really thank you ! it was a great video !

[@MrNess2911]

Thanks Nicole!

[@doriskarloff964]

Thanks for posting - very interesting. I love the writing of 'The Old Man and the Sea' - it's beautifully crafted.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for watching!

[@bhaskernitesh]

Brilliantly presented.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks so much!

[@marknewton6984]

The Killers. Inspired Camus.

[@lucassilvamiranda4694]

This is a great explanation. Thanks

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Your channel is excellent, Nicole! Thank you! Loved the Hemingway 3 steps... ha! rinse and repeat :)

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Sean!

[@rafaelisharianto5901]

Excellent presentation. Thank you

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you so much!

[@TheBricknell]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for making it.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for your kind comment! Happy to hear you enjoyed the video.

[@christiangonzalez1082]

Great, precise comment on Hemingway. Thankyou.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@elisakozlow_]

Love it!

[@philipswain4122]

Many thanks for posting

[@nilumohapatra4841]

makes a joyful viewing. thanks

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Nilu!

[@bradperry5]

Thanks! this was really great.

[@raymondolinger1097]

A wonderful presentation!

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@musically3626]

Love it.❤

[@lonewolf5238]

Many, many years ago while attending yet another writer's workshop, I discovered the 3 Keys to Successful Fiction Writing, scrawled on a blackboard with yellow chalk, in huge letters: Inspiration Aspiration Perspiration I've long forgotten everything about that workshop, save that blackboard image. I'm a good writer. I had a successful career as a writer-producer in commercial television for nearly 20 years, won a stack of awards, even had some success in Periodical writing (aptly named). But I have been a complete and absolute failure as a novelist. Because while possessing two of those three keys, I have lacked the one most important: *Inspiration* Examine the career of any successful novelist and you will find, at its heart, an abundance of inspiration. Without it, even the best wordsmiths are doomed to fail.

[@stphnwlkr]

If you're relying on inspiration you'll never get anywhere. Inspiration is a cop out. Replace that with discipline and you'll be fine. Too many people romanticise writing and let the muse or inspiration lead them.

[@mattgrey-rl4dq]

A wonderful post. Your voice is perfect.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@bogotta]

Thank you Nicole, this was nice.

[@InkwellMedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TicketToLiterature]

Great video... I have read the old man and the sea recently. Hemingway is a delight and an experience to read. Thanks for the valuable lessons.

[@marknewton6984]

You may like his short stories. Soldier's Home

[@panosgiannoulis2604]

Thanks for this excellent job!!

[@InkwellMedia]

Glad you liked it!

[@stevensandersauthor]

Great video. And thanks for using Hemingway.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Steven!

[@whippet71]

excellent

[@bayblue9307]

Well done!

[@GaiaCarney]

Thanks!

[@kennedyebong4864]

This is awesome. I love this

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Kennedy!

[@kapinjalvishwakarma498]

Thankyou for this 😊❤

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

Inspiring. Thank you.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@christophermaguire9206]

Great episode thanks a bunch very helpful

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you so much, Christopher!

[@rene.rodriguez]

That was amazing. Liked and sub’d. Thanks for sharing!

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinwitting2023]

Superb! I've read The Old Man and the Sea and A Moveable Feast half a dozen times. Masterpieces of the craft. This video was excellent. You speak with superb diction and clarity. Robin Witting England

[@robertgerrity878]

Now do the Nick Adams Stories (Scribners TPB), then Winner Take Nothing, before reading the novels. Do not skip Hills Like White Elephants. Leave the novel The Garden of Eden until last.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you for your kind comment, Robin!

[@marknewton6984]

A Farewell to Arms and his short stories. Will change many a life... The Florida Beachcomber 😎

[@marknewton6984]

​@@robertgerrity878Good choices!

[@WillPhil290]

This was really great.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, William!

[@jeffreyhoungbadji]

Good video ! Thanks !

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, Jeffrey!

[@JohnSiddique]

This is wonderful. I’m blessed to be well published, but have been away from the deeper heart of writing after a long difficult period in life. This got to the heart of me a bit. Thank you so much. I love being a writer so much. Studied Hemingway’s techniques as part of my Masters. This woke me back up a little to writing life. Gonna start with reading some Hemingway and the book you shared

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you, John. I love "A Moveable Feast" too. That's always a great one to re-read.

[@JohnSiddique]

'Adore a Moveable Feast' Was just thinking of rereading that, it's an incredible book. You're video really helped, and I think God's listening in - as after I watched your video yesterday I was invited to write a small essay commission - I said yes straight away Blessings to you - you ar e really helping people. @@InkwellMedia

[@InkwellMedia]

@@JohnSiddique That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing. All the best with that essay!

[@BalkarSingh-sd1cf]

A nice presentation. Selection of text lines made it more aurhentic and convincing for audience.🙏

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you so much!

[@Michajeru]

This is good advice. I'll attempt to follow it.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@thiagoalves5404]

The exercise also helps you to live and experience the present more. Thanks for the video :)

[@InkwellMedia]

Definitely agree. Thank you for watching!

[@David-jb5dv]

thanks for this. I found it useful.

[@InkwellMedia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OMGitsmercer]

Great video!

[@robot7759]

Thank you.

[@dalejirschele1299]

I am not attempting to be a contrarian, I just found it interesting that recently I have been reading "Reading Like A Writer" by Francine Prose. I believe she is the first person I've seen that questions the form of bad advice given young writers, that the author is to show not tell. "Needless to say, many great novelists combine 'dramatic' showing with long sections of the flat-out authorial narration that is, I guess what is meant by telling." I won't quote any more of her book here, but it's the first chapter called "Close Reading" and on page 25 of my copy. She says this after quoting a selection by Alice Munro that she notes does not follow this rule. The entire piece is nuanced and I believe worth reading, this work by Francine Prose has become my favorite book on writing/reading. Thanks for the opportunity to comment, have a good day, cheers!

[@felixloveseat]

Nicely done

[@InkwellMedia]

Thanks!

[@williss1192]

"Show, Not Tell" is something taught in middle school and the writing rule everyone knows which I've also seen a lot of online writers ignore the most

[@fredcolon2341]

I have wrote different types of stories threw the years, but never put anything to print, one of these days I will, Hemingway is one of my favorite authors..

[@doreekaplan2589]

Dude you need a dictionary, Spellcheck, Grammerly, or even a first grader.

[@meredith7236]

Fantastic

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@TheGreatPower365]

Good video, helpful.

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@ridatj7723]

wow, how nice.

[@bodhicat1]

#3 is the key!

[@PomegranateDesire]

GRACIAS

[@Rocky.vs.]

Thank you!

[@davehickey2293]

Awesome

[@lukaschumchal7797]

I Wish i could be direct as hemming way 😊 thank you 😊

[@gustavbrinkel5489]

He got sum nice words

[@orvilleraposo7760]

Thanks

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@Ukepa]

really good video... you relay Samuelson's experience as Hemingway would approve

[@InkwellMedia]

Thank you!

[@zanniebythesea770]

favourite part was the few seconds when the piano music stopped

[@kamest]

Write about that emotion

[@bnjmnwst]

Every party has a pooper

[@lalmexxian]

thank u🥰

[@omefea8501]

Great

[@antoniopacelli]

Hemingway had one of the most Musically Sounding Name Ever.. It seems a Poem in itself almost...