Fiction happens in the womb. It doesn’t get processed in the mind until you do the editing.
This quote by Isabel Allende encapsulates the idea that the essence of storytelling, or fiction, is birthed from the depths of our creative and intuitive self, likened here to the womb. The womb is a symbol of creation, nurturing, and growth, just as the mind of an author nurtures and grows a story. The story, like a baby in the womb, develops organically, fed by the author’s experiences, imagination, and emotions.
The second part of the quote implies that the ‘processing’ or rationalizing part, similar to editing in writing, happens in the mind. This is where the story gets refined, structured, and polished. It’s where the raw, unfiltered ideas and emotions from the ‘womb’ are shaped into a coherent, engaging narrative.
Applying this to personal development, one might see the ‘womb’ as the subconscious or intuitive mind, and the ‘mind’ as the conscious, rational mind. Our subconscious mind is constantly generating ideas, feelings, and insights, many of which we’re not immediately aware of. It is only when we take the time to reflect, analyze, or ‘edit’ these subconscious thoughts that we can fully understand them and use them for our growth and development.
In today’s fast-paced world, where logic and rationality are often prioritized, this quote reminds us of the importance of nurturing our intuitive, creative side. Whether we’re writing a story, solving a problem at work, or trying to understand ourselves better, we need to let our ideas and feelings develop naturally before we start analyzing and refining them. It encourages us to trust our instincts, to let ideas flow freely, and to respect the process of creation before rushing to judgment or action.
