Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight and Content

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 203 ratings

Price: 15.71

Last update: 09-03-2024


About this item

When it comes to creating ideas, we hold ourselves back. That's because inside each of us is an internal editor whose job is to forever polish our thoughts, so we sound smart and in control, and so that we fit into society. But what happens when we encounter problems for which such conventional thinking fails us? How can we get unstuck?

For Mark Levy, the answer is freewriting, a technique he's used for years to solve all types of business problems and generate ideas for books, articles, and blog posts.

Freewriting is deceptively simple: Start writing as fast as you can, for as long as you can, about a subject you care deeply about, while ignoring the standard rules of grammar and spelling. Your internal editor won't be able to keep up with your output, and will be temporarily shunted into the background. You'll now be able to think more honestly and resourcefully than before, and will generate breakthrough ideas and solutions that you couldn't have created any other way.

Levy shares six freewriting secrets designed to knock out your editor and let your genius run free. He also includes 15 problem-solving and creativity-stimulating principles you can use if you need more firepower - seven of which are new to this edition - and stories of problems he and others have solved through freewriting.

Also new to this edition: an extensive section on how to refine your freewriting into something you can share with the world. Although Levy originally taught freewriting as a private brainstorming technique, over the years he and his clients have found that, with some tweaking, it's a great way to generate content for books, articles, and other thought-leadership pieces.


Top reviews from the United States

Bill Fox
5.0 out of 5 stars Unlocking Creativity and Inner Growth: How 'Accidental Genius' Transformed My Writing and Life
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2023
I discovered 'Accidental Genius' in 2001 when I purchased the first edition. I initially found the practice of freewriting challenging. Habitually, I would painstakingly craft each sentence before proceeding, turning writing into a tedious task.

Yet, as I delved deeper into Levy's book, his insights resonated with me, encouraging perseverance. A recent conversation with Mark was a revelation, highlighting the profound influence his book has had not only on my approach to writing but also on my own inner growth.

Applying Mark's methods within the framework of the inner leader path, I've realized how spontaneous, unstructured writing can forge a deeper connection with one's inner self. This practice liberates creativity and intuition, unshackled by the confines of the ego.

While 'Accidental Genius' primarily aims to enhance professional and artistic creativity, its underlying message underscores the value of living in the present moment and transcending our own thinking. It's an enlightening read that provides practical techniques for tapping into the immense potential within us all. I highly recommend Accidental Genius, and thank you, Mark, for writing this book.
DrJaz
4.0 out of 5 stars Accidental is no accident
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2014
This is a fun book about how to not get stuck in writing. The problem with editing as you go is that you get stuck making words rather than letting the genius flow. Free writing is about staying out of your own way in writing and letting it flow. It stays fresh that way. Trying the method out is fun too. I like it, but it's hard to closet the editor for ten minutes. Recommended for overly self-critical writers, and others having trouble with block.
Andrew K
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2013
It's not often that I'm able to read a book and implement the strategies right away. Maybe the timing was just right for me as I'm discovering the therapeutic benefits of writing. This book basically took that initial thought about how much writing can help in improving your thinking and took it to the next level. I usually begin my day with a freewriting session that covers issues I'm facing or thoughts I want to develop. I've come to really look forward to that time when I sit down behind the keyboard and just let the thoughts flow from my fingers. I can't tell you how liberating it's been.

I've also seen an improvement in my approach towards problems. I'm the type that will tend to be a bit disorganized in my thinking and find it difficult to focus in at times on tasks. With freewriting my thoughts organize themselves and I find myself going off on tangents that eventually come full circle. Really amazing stuff!

Example: I was faced with a problem in my business recently. Without going into detail I found the solution to the problem in one freewriting session that has saved our company from potential audits and fines that would have most certainly been coming our way. I ran the solution by my partner and an attorney that specializes in this type of issue. Both said that the answer I had was the best they'd heard. I took the next freewriting session and developed it even further and we've made it into a standard operating procedure. Again, really amazing stuff. I don't consider myself a whiz or anything but by allowing your subconcious to work through your writing I promise you'll see amazing benefits.
Timothy L. Costello
5.0 out of 5 stars game changer
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2010
This book is a game changer. It's a fun read, a fast read and it's full of great insights. If you take the time to apply what you learn in this book you will be changed.

The only warning I have to offer is that there are no surprises. He pretty much puts the entire system in your lap in the first few chapters. After that, it's all more of the same. The chapters are short, but I suggest you take it slow. I read the book over a weekend, but plan on going back and rereading parts after I've tried to implement what I've learned. Even though the core pieces are in the first few chapters, it was the last few chapters that I enjoyed the most.
Flacito
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book For Developing Your Writing and Thinking Skills
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2012
I already know about freewriting, so why do I need a book to tell me what I already know? Well that's what I thought before purchasing this book. After reading the glowing reviews, I decided that it was worth taking a risk. I've been struggling with writing high quality content for a new blog and hoped that this book might help me. Well, the book has exceeded my expectations. I originally purchased the audiobook (from Audible.com) and listened to it during my daily commutes. I found the content so useful that I purchased a Kindle version of the book too. I feel re-energized with my freewriting and am not only able to start writing better content, but I have also been able to use the practical advice from this book to help improve my thinking skills at work. If you are like me and wondering why you need a book to tell you how to freewrite, then you're missing the point. Mark Levy has done an excellent job at not only explaining how to effectively freewrite, but most of the book is actually filled with great tips, advice and inspiration on how to *apply* freewriting. I'm sure I'll 'fall off the freewriting wagon' sooner or later because it really isn't a habit for me yet. But that's where the audiobook really helps. I listen to it from time to time and after even 15 or 20 minutes, I feel re-inspired to freewrite. Hopefully, the wisdom of 'accidental genius' will eventually become a daily habit for me.
Rob Kirk
3.0 out of 5 stars Well, beyond its one great idea... Not much else to fill up 177 pages
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2014
I'm not sure what turned me on to this book but it was a quick read and did have a valuable idea. Beyond that, I'm glad it was a short book. I was surprised how many different ways the author can repackage one idea but again, it was a good idea. In summary, don't expect too much.
Benjamin G. Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars An 80 percent solution where one is really needed.
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2012
This is a very good, if too short and too vague, guide to how to rapidly create ideas of value for your business through dedication to writing. Writing is an activity too-often neglected by people in possession of, or seeking, decision making power. This is a very good guide with good basic ideas and lots of inspiration. It could use, in my opinion, far more exercises for the average reader, though I am getting lots out of this book.

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