ChiWriting is a unique energy management approach to writing and the creative process based on the principles of endurance training. Endurance training is about using a structured approach to developing and harnessing the physical and mental energy necessary to complete a long-distance event, such as a marathon or triathlon. Writers and prospective writers alike can adapt these same strategies and techniques to develop and harness the creative energy necessary to complete a book or other long-term creative project.
By using endurance training principles as a model for the writing life, ChiWriting reveals a practical and systematic way to put words on the page consistently and progressively. More than that, it shows readers how to integrate these principles into their daily lives to enhance overall energy and well-being, enabling them to continue meeting other important work and family responsibilities.
ChiWriting is structured in three parts:
Part 1: “The ‘Chi’ in ChiWriting” looks at the concept of “chi,” or life force energy, from both scientific and spiritual perspectives to provide a foundational, philosophical understanding of the book’s energy management approach to achieving creative goals. Part 1 makes the case that energy is all there is and that progress towards creative goals requires both focused thought and action to enhance life energy and translate it to the page.
Part 2: “The ChiWriting Principles” explains the physical and creative energy systems, basic workouts, and the training and planning principles endurance athletes use and how readers can apply these same principles to ensure systematic progress toward the completion of writing projects;
Part 3: “Becoming a ChiWriter” covers essential strategies for implementing these training and planning principles and integrating them into readers’ busy lives, including: the three key habits of mind; how to develop greater levels of energy through five essential practices; and, how to plan and structure writing workouts for optimal productivity.
Most lifestyles make the first principle of any creative endeavor—to actually sit down and focus on creating—difficult to meet. Day-to-day, we are beset by responsibilities and distractions that coax us away from the core goal of producing work. What Tom Pierce has ingeniously devised is a method of time and energy management that works surprisingly well in finding a creative space each day/week/month—in even the busiest of schedules.
ChiWriting examines the principles athletes use to train for specific events and applies these to the act of writing—or any creative endeavor. In trying out these principles, I was surprised to realize how much useful work can be accomplished in as little as fifteen minutes, given the right mindset and commitment. A useful guide whether you want to write stories, essays, poems, or a book-length project.
As a creative coach, one of the obstacles I see is the way we tend to view our art as separate from our lives. ChiWriting dispels that myth and teaches both the science and the art of building a life around your writing. In clear and organized steps, using time tested concepts as practiced by endurance athletes, the reader is led to a comprehensive path for getting their words out and onto the page.
Any artist works with the mystery of creativity. ChiWriting provides techniques, understanding, and guidance to help the artist build a framework that allows and encourages the time, freedom, and energy to explore and be immersed in this mystery. If you can’t find a way to the page consistently, or you get to the page but feel you have nothing to say, ChiWriting will help you push through, like an athlete, and get your book finally written.
