Neuroscience of Writing

Our Creative power comes from within

We could have been amazing authors if we had been born 50 years earlier, without getting too deep into neuroscience. Back then, there wasn't as much pressure to perfect productivity techniques or understand the complex brain's mechanisms in order to increase ourwriting skills, and there was also less competition among writers. But wouldn't you agree that the world of today has a totally different landscape?

Living in the Information Age is a double-edged sword since it has increased competitiveness while also causing an unparalleled rise in content. The fundamental motivatorsfor writing haven't changed in fifty years: a deep love for the craft, a desire to surprise readerswith novel ideas, to make a difference in the world, to leave a legacy for future generations, and not disappearing like dust in a windy day. Sometimes I desire THAT would make me happy. However, adaptation is essential if we are to live and succeed in the Darwinist modernworld. The Writer who adapts, keeping its unicity, is the one who will succeed, the one who will define the next generation of writers. We should be free to decide for our own destiny andit’s up to you if your happiness comes from living your life or dedicating your life to this purpose.

We must embrace higher standards of originality, effectiveness, and appreciation. The regrettable truth is that this situation has been exacerbated by capitalism, population growth, and wealth inequality. We must use the opportunities provided by the Information Era if we are to prosper. Both the fields of science and literature are "publish or perish" situations and the way we publish and communicate is not like 50 years ago. We can better manage this complex environment if we match our passion with the needs of the moment. Understanding how technology, society, and our craft interact is crucial. By embracing the Information Era, we can expand our influence, engage with more people, and leave a more lasting impression on the globe. We have the power to thrive and overcome the constraints imposed by the existing societal institutions in this symbiotic interaction between science and literature. The fascinating act of writing creatively stimulates our imagination, memory, and cognitive abilities. The neuroscience community is now working to understand how the creative process affects our brains. Have you ever considered how your ability to recall details affects the quality of your writing? This article will examine the connection between creative writing and memory. We'll see how different aspects of memory retrieval and integration impact our ability to come up with original stories.

How to boost creativity with neuroscience

The default network of the brain and how we think have both been studied by neuroscientists in relation to creative thinking. Self-generated thought encompasses a broad spectrum of internal mental processes, such as daydreaming or memory recall. It occurs when our minds are preoccupied with internal events rather than external ones. The default network in our brains is the primary source of self-generated thought, according to research done usingbrain imaging(1).

There is mounting evidence that the default network is essential for creative thought as well. When a person is at rest or not performing any cognitive tasks, their default network is constantly active. When we are not paying attention to the environment around us or focusing on certain mental tasks, it is often the brain's default mode of operation. This network is active when people are engaged in creative problem-solving, such as coming up with a variety of ideas, as well as when they are engaged in particular creative activities like improvisation, according to numerous studies(1).

We are aware that new ideas are generated from existing ideas in both science and the arts. The notion that creativity relies on the default network does not, however, inherently conflict with the notion that new ideas are generated from those of others. In reality, the defaultnetwork can be viewed as a process that makes it easier to integrate and synthesise already-existing knowledge and ideas, which produces fresh and original ideas. While the default network is associated with self-generated thought, it doesn't mean that creativity happens in isolation or without any external influences. Our self-generated thoughts are influenced by our past experiences, knowledge, and exposure to other people's ideas. So, if you are a lawyer and want to defend your client against an accusation of copyright infringement, this might be a scapegoat.

Creativity has three major stages: the development of critical knowledge and skills; innovation - the development of a creative solution; and creative production(6). Successful preparation requires a basic level of general intelligence and domain-specific knowledge; andskills and highly creative people may have anatomic alterations of specific neocortical regions.Innovation requires disengagement and divergent thinking primarily mediated by frontal networks. People are often most creative when they are in mental states associated with reduced levels of brain norepinephrine, which may enhance communication between distributed networks(2).

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that has a significant impact on our mental and emotional states and functions as a key component of the central nervous system. However, in some circumstances, high norepinephrine levels can be detrimental and may aggravate symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, or hypertension. It may sound apparent to state that we will have less time to be creative if we are stressed out and trying to figure out how to address our day-to-day challenges. But given what we’ve learned about the neuroscience of creativity, it seems possible that harnessing the flexible and generative potential of the default network may provide a short-term boost. For example, when we are stuck on a problem— a phenomenon known as fixation or impasse—taking a break to let our minds wander may loosen things up and help us find a creative solution.

We should not forget that while on a delayed train journey stuck in the middle of nowhere between Manchester and London, J.K. Rowling experienced a feeling of boredom and frustration. The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the words "In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit" on a blank page while assessing exam papers. He was presumably doing something monotonous that he did every day. F. Scott Fitzgerald experienced boredom and disillusionment while enlisting. He started writing "The Great Gatsby," one of the most important pieces of American literature, during this time. Douglas Adams had the inspiration for "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" while inebriated and gazing up at the stars in an Austrian field. He conjured up a tale about a common man being abducted and taken on a fantastic, humorous intergalactic trip. Sometimes boredom is the key,as our brain like to be entertained and it will find any way to do that when there is lack enough external stimuli.

How you can get unique ideas

Neurochemicals like dopamine are related to divergent thinking, the capacity to produce original thoughts. Divergent thought has been linked to brain activity patterns. Studiesusing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that when performing divergent thinking tasks, the prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and default mode network all exhibit enhanced activation and connectivity in the brain. These regions are involved in cognitive flexibility, idea generation, and making remote associations(3).

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a molecule that jumps between a neighbouring brain cell to regulate activities) that modulates a few cognitive processes, such as motivation, reward, and attention. Dopamine levels can also have an impact on how creative people think. It is a component of the brain's reward system, which encourages us to seek rewards and reinforces behaviors. Higher dopamine levels have been linked to improved creative performance. For writers, this may take the form of satisfaction and a sense of achievement after concluding a writing session, exceeding word count goals, or completing a piece of work. Beauty and an elastically pleasing environment might also help you, in your writing journey. However, do not be indulgent with yourself and use it as an excuse. Many authors’ work came into light in war fields, deathly labor camps, crooked cold houses, noisy laundry cabinets, or filthy hotel rooms.

Creative people are often risk-takers and novelty seekers, behaviours that activate their ventral striatal reward system. Dopamine enhances cognitive flexibility and promotes exploration, allowing individuals to generate a wider range of ideas during divergent thinking tasks. However, creativity requires both associative and convergent thinking, activities that are highly dependent on the integration of highly distributed networks(2).

How you can get better at writing

Creative thinking involves increased communication between brain networks that usually work separately. Therefore, integration is the keyword here. There are stronger functional connections between the default, control (evaluates internal drives and personal preferences), and salience brain networks (involved in switching between the default and control networks) in highly creative people.

Various studies investigated brain scans of writers during the creative process, revealing insights into the brain's intricate gears(4). The brain scans revealed distinct patterns of activity during the creative writing phase compared to copying. Vision-processing regions became active during brainstorming, potentially visualising scenes, while other regions like the hippocampus were involved in retrieving factual information. A region responsible for holding multiple pieces of information in mind became active during the writing phase, suggesting the demands of juggling characters and plotlines.

Another study involved expert and newbie writers from a creative writing program, showing differences in brain activity even before writing(5). Novices activated visual centres, while expert writers exhibited more activity in speech-related regions. The caudate nucleus, associated with skilled practice, became active in expert writers but not novices. This suggests the development of automaticity and coordination of inexperienced writers.

Memory is also useful in creative Writing Process

In creative writing, memory is essential since it affects the text's depth and authenticity. When we write creatively, we use our memories to build stories, create characters, and arousefeelings. By accessing these memories, writers can add richness and authenticity to their storytelling.

Another potentially useful strategy, other than the emotional connection to a memory, involves priming the episodic system. It has been demonstrated that the previously described episodic induction technique, which involves thinking about a past experience in as much detail as possible, temporarily increases the number of ideas people produce on a creative thinking test(7). Memory retrieval is the process of accessing past experiences and information stored in our memory. Therefore, forcing ourselves to remember can be a good training for ourcreativity journey.

Semantic memory supports both verbal and nonverbal creative thinking. Semantic memory refers to our knowledge and understanding of concepts, facts, and meanings. When engaging in creative thinking, whether through language or nonverbal means, our semantic memory plays a role in generating and connecting ideas. Regularly recalling and retrieving information from memory strengthens semantic memory. Instead of relying solely on re-readingor reviewing, test yourself by actively recalling key facts, concepts, or definitions. This can be done through flashcards, quizzes, or engaging in discussions related to the subject matter. Talking about your work is also part of the exercise to strengthen the sematic memory: you might find pitfalls and holes in your work just by discussing and trying to recall the key events of your story with someone who does not know anything about your work.

Working memory also supports convergent creative thinking, and the cognitive control of memory is central to performance on creative thinking tasks(8). Working memory refers to our ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information in our mind. Convergent creative thinking involves the ability to find a single correct or optimal solution to a problem. Our working memory capacity influences our ability to engage in convergent thinking and come upwith focused, precise, and efficient creative solutions. The ability to selectively retrieve and integrate relevant information from memory, inhibit irrelevant information, and shift between different cognitive strategies is crucial for successful creative thinking. You can practise multitasking, playing memory games and puzzles, trying dual n-back training, practising mindfulness meditation, exercising frequently, and getting adequate sleep to improve your working memory.

Understanding the relationship between memory and creative writing has practical implications for honing our storytelling skills. While memory can vary from person to person, there are strategies that can help boost our creativity in a sustained manner. Engaging in creative hobbies such as painting or learning a musical instrument has shown promising resultsin enhancing overall creative abilities. Practical hobbies that require handcraftsmanship can strongly support young writers tap into their memory resources effectively, even though they take a lot of time and effort.

Repetition, experience, connection, and novelty are crucial for fostering creativity and this is the reason why we created Writerate. Success may not need perfectionism, but rather the constant improvement of creative abilities, the investigation of novel concepts, and the capacity to form connections across various brain networks. We may better appreciate the complexity of the human mind and further develop and improve our own creative abilities by comprehending the neurological mechanisms underpinning creative thought.

1. Beaty RE, Benedek M, Silvia PJ, Schacter DL. Creative Cognition and Brain Network Dynamics. Trends Cogn Sci. 2016 Feb;20(2):87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.10.004. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26553223; PMCID: PMC4724474. Beaty RE, Benedek M, Silvia PJ, Schacter DL. Creative Cognition and Brain Network Dynamics. Trends Cogn Sci. 2016 Feb;20(2):87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.10.004. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26553223; PMCID: PMC4724474.

2. Kenneth M. Heilman, Possible Brain Mechanisms of Creativity, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, Volume 31, Issue 4, June 2016, Pages 285–296, https://doi.org/10.1093/arclin/acw009

3. Wu X, Yang W, Tong D, Sun J, Chen Q, Wei D, Zhang Q, Zhang M, Qiu J. A meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies on divergent thinking using activation likelihood estimation. Hum Brain Mapp. 2015 Jul;36(7):2703-18. doi: 10.1002/hbm.22801. Epub 2015 Apr 18. PMID: 25891081; PMCID: PMC6869224.

4. Shah C, Erhard K, Ortheil HJ, Kaza E, Kessler C, Lotze M. Neural correlates of creative writing: an fMRI study. Hum Brain Mapp. 2013 May;34(5):1088-101. doi: 10.1002/hbm.21493. Epub 2011 Dec 8. PMID: 22162145; PMCID: PMC6869990.

5. K. Erhard, F. Kessler, N. Neumann, H.-J. Ortheil, M. Lotze, Professional training in creative writing is associated with enhanced frontostriatal activity in a literary text continuation task, NeuroImage, Volume 100, 2014, Pages 15-23, ISSN 1053-8119, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.05.076

6. Contreras-Vidal Jose L., Characterization of the Stages of Creative Writing With Mobile EEG Using Generalized Partial Directed Coherence, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Vol. 14, 2020, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2020.577651, DOI 10.3389/fnhum.2020.577651

7. Beaty RE. The Creative Brain. Cerebrum. 2020 Jan 1;2020:cer-02-20. PMID: 32206175; PMCID: PMC7075500.

8. Gerver, C.R., Griffin, J.W., Dennis, N.A. et al. Memory and creativity: A meta-analytic examination of the relationship between memory systems and creative cognition. Psychon Bull Rev (2023). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-023-02303-4