Stream-of-consciousness writing is a literary technique that attempts to offer insight into the raw, unfiltered human thought process; allowing writers to capture the uninterrupted, often disjointed flow of thoughts, perceptions, and emotions as they occur, and present a unique narrative style that challenges traditional storytelling. 

In this article, we will explore how stream-of-consciousness writing is done and what sets it apart as a distinctive literary approach. 

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• What is Stream of Consciousness Writing and Why Use It?
• What Makes it Unique?
• Tips for using the Stream of Consciousness technique when you journal.

What is Stream of Consciousness Writing and Why Use it?

Stream-of-consciousness writing seeks to replicate the inner monologue of a subject. In storytelling, it is used to provide readers with unmediated access to a character's thoughts, sensations, and experiences in real-time, offering a glimpse into their subconscious; revealing associations, memories, and emotions as they unfold. 

In journaling, It is the practice of spontaneously writing things as they come to your mind —words, thoughts and all. 

This technique often dispenses with conventional punctuation and relies heavily on free association, mirroring the unpredictable nature of human thought. It requires that you write things down exactly how you think them, without filter or any particular order or structure. 

Using the stream-of-consciousness technique when you journal is an effective way of exploring what's on your mind. Studies suggest that we have over 6,000 thoughts per day so what if you were able to journal at least a quarter of these every day? First of all, the act of writing things down helps you declutter, organize and clarify your thoughts, remember important stuff and enhance your critical thinking skills and creativity. Secondly, you’d be surprised at how much of your thoughts can lead to mind-blowing ideas. 

As a creative, the freedom of expression that this journaling technique allows is instrumental in identifying and solidifying your unique voice and style. The voice and style you adopt, whether you are a writer, artist or content creator, is usually influenced by the materials you consume and the people you watch/read/listen to, which is not bad. It is a take-off point to finding who you are as a creative. However, at some point, you are going to have to start sounding like you and not someone else. 

When you journal from your stream of consciousness and reflect on your thoughts, you begin to get familiar with how you sound in your head and can reflect it in your creative work. 

Conversely, this fosters authenticity. The unfiltered expression of your inner thoughts helps you realize who you truly are, and what you value, like and dislike, so that when you create, your work stems from your heart. This is the kind of work that garners success. When you create from an authentic place, readers will connect with you, trust you and value what you provide, and you will feel confident. 

For creatives who are often so self-critical, the importance of feeling confident about yourself and your work cannot be over-emphasized. Exploring your thoughts through a stream of consciousness writing can help you quiet or at least make sense of your inner critic. For example, by expressing your doubts on paper —say about an article you wrote, you can pick it apart and understand the root of the matter: 

So you don't like this article. 

Why? 

Because you are not confident about how you sound. 

Good. Why? 

Your voice/style is strange. It's nothing like all the other articles you read. 

Okay.  

Solution: accept that you are never going to sound like anyone else, and that's a good thing. 

Or:

Perhaps you don't think readers will understand your wording? 

Solution: Use better wordings or find the right audience. 

Or:

Perhaps there isn't enough context to buttress your point? 

Solution: Clarify your points or provide context. 

etc. 

This self-exploration fosters an opportunity for growth and transformation. You become more accepting of your weaknesses and strengths and can take steps towards changing what you don't like. 

What Makes it Unique?

The distinctiveness of stream-of-consciousness writing lies in its departure from conventional structured narrative norms. It embraces the inherent messiness and unpredictability of human thought, inviting the subject to an intimate and unfiltered portrayal of their inner workings. 

Tips for using the Stream of Consciousness technique when you journal 

1. Eschew traditional grammar and sentence structure, instead, utilize fragmented or run-on sentences. Don't worry about how it reads. If afterwards you see that it makes sense and is something you’d like to share, you may rewrite then. 

2. Use Prompts if you don't know how to start, however, be sure to use wide, vague prompts that allow for a free rein of your thoughts. For example, “How am I feeling right now?” or “What is on my mind today?”. The idea is to dump your thoughts on paper so specific prompts or prompts that lead you down one train of thought may not have the same effect. 

3. Don't pause, literally. Once you turn on that stream, keep it moving. If you are stuck or don't know what else to write, go ahead and say it; say “I don't know what else to write”. Just keep it going and put down everything that pops into your mind, sensible or not. 

4. Try different POVs. Adopt any voice or persona. However, maintain authenticity. It is important that you are honest about how you feel and that you write the exact thoughts that cross your mind. 

5. Write with freedom. Write without judgment. Your best self shines when you let go of inhibitions and the need to be perfect or politically correct. 

6. Reflect. Maybe not immediately but revisit your journal and without judgment. This is when the process of self-awareness and understanding begins. 

Remember, the goal of stream-of-consciousness writing is to immerse yourself in the immediacy and authenticity of your inner world to better understand your psyche and motivations.