“Anyone who can write can also write with inspiration!”: France Gauthier on “Inspired Writing”

"Inspired writing helps me to recognize the dead ends in a difficult or ambivalent situation. Writing gives me a better overview of a situation, it makes me wiser." In an interview , Canadian bestselling author France Gauthier talks about the technique of "inspired writing" and her book of the same name.

You have been devoting yourself to “Inspired Writing” since 2007, and since 2011 you have also been teaching this technique in seminars and workshops. What led you to “Inspired Writing”?

Gauthier: I did the same as my friend. She was receiving inspired messages without even realizing it. When I saw that it was working for her, I said to myself that I should be able to receive inspired messages too. Without thinking much about it, I started Inspired Writing. I added it to my morning rituals, it always comes after meditation.

What exactly is “inspired writing,” and how is it different from other ways of connecting with the invisible?

Gauthier: Some people talk about "intuitive writing" or "écriture automatique". But the process is essentially the same. Personally, I distinguish between "automatic" and "inspired" because for me the pen doesn't start moving on its own, as is the case with some media. These people feel like an energy takes over the writing for them. I, on the other hand, have to take action myself and write down everything that goes through my head to allow the inspiration to flow into the text.

In your opinion, regular practice of “inspired writing” also gives us access to new perspectives that allow us to look beyond our fears, conditioning and dependencies. How does this work and how do we recognize “real” inspiration?

Gauthier: Inspired writing helps me to see the dead ends in a difficult or ambivalent situation. Writing gives me a better overview of a situation, it makes me wiser. I recognize inspiration by various clues, such as the element of surprise. By this I mean, for example, sentences that pop up while I'm writing, without me having had time to think, and that answer my questions in an unexpected way. (You can find all of these clues in the book that speak of inspiration.)

When you start with "Inspired Writing," a lot of objections and fears can arise that could sabotage the process and influence the outcome. What are they, and what questions do participants in your seminars most often ask about them?

Gauthier: Most of the participants are afraid of the blank page or of what they are going to write, because it could change their lives. I tell them jokingly that they shouldn't do Inspired Writing if they don't want to change anything in their lives. Because one thing is certain: if you let inspiration flow freely, which is connected to the greater self, you will receive messages that could shake your beliefs.

You write that anyone who regularly devotes themselves to “inspired writing” can become “addicted to sheer joy and endless wonder.” How should we understand this? Are there any dangers or side effects associated with this type of consciousness expansion?

Gauthier: I was just joking to show how extremely effective this technique is. The revelations that come with this technique are so surprising and enriching that once you've tried it, no one wants to do without it. But inspired writing is certainly not dangerous in the strict sense of the word.

What methods are there to start “inspired writing” and what prerequisites should be met?

Gauthier: It's actually a very simple technique that consists of asking questions and then allowing yourself to write down whatever answers come to you without filtering or judging. You don't need to learn anything to use this technique. Anyone who can write can write with inspiration!

Book tip:
France Gauthier: Inspired writing. Self-knowledge, inner growth and harmonious (re-)orientation. Mankau Verlag, 1st edition November 2019, paperback, 13.5 x 21.5 cm, 158 pp., 16.20 euros (D) / 16.70 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-522-6

Link recommendations:
More information about the book “Inspired Writing”
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author France Gauthier
To the Internet forum with our authors and readers