When Writers Speak -- Arthur Krystal

Arthur Krystal’s “When Writers Speak” focuses on the intellectual process that takes place while writing, as opposed to that which occurs while speaking. Krystal seeks to establish – within the reader – an understanding of how a brain may work so as to divulge information seemingly only known to the writers who experience the phenomenon first hand. Edgar Allan Poe once said, “Some Frenchman – possibly Montaigne – says ‘People talk about thinking, but for my part I never think except when I sit down to write.’” Krystal goes on to explain writing as a catalyst for thought, likening the process to “…a petri dish for its genesis.” Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker then pointed out that thinking precedes writing, a process we are usually unable to tap into while in conversation. This allows one to deliberately create a well-rounded sentence which they may not conjure up if asked on the spot, due to time restraints. Pinker does agree, however, that since the writing process enables opportunity for revision, it may engage larger parts of the brain in the thinking process – in effect – producing greater result. It is through the disclosure of this information that Krystal reveals the difference in cognitive function when completing an ordinary task as opposed to one thought out deeply. Simply put, talking is done on the fly, while writing is carefully cultivated to vocalize one’s opinion or feelings. Krystal compares this to mathematicians thinking differently while working on a theorem than while counting change, or to a quarterback throwing a pass during a game as opposed to having a catch in his backyard. This analogy helps the reader – who is essentially anyone with thoughts – to distinguish between the ways in which they divulge their ideas through words. In fact, Krystal’s effective analogy and scientific reasoning help the reader to understand the difference between any action done before and after it is thought out.

Speaking vs. Writing 

Thought precedes writing while speaking is on the fly -- englishharmony.com