A theory of teaching creative writing that involves preconscious learning is presented in this paper. Following a review of the literature on methods of developing writing ability, the paper describes a three-step creative process of preparation (the gathering and study of appropriate materials), incubation (the preconscious absorption and shaping of these materials), and illumination (the insight that provides shape, meaning, and originality to the material). The discussion emphasizes the third step, illumination, and the necessity for quieting the left hemisphere (cognitive portion) of the brain to free the right hemisphere (imagery-producing portion) of the brain to stimulate artistic or theoretical creativity. Meditation is suggested as an effective way of controlling left hemisphere "chatter." (AEA)