Neurology Of Writing

Martin Lotze and his team of researchers of the University of Greifswald in Germany have used fMRI scanners to track the brain activity of both experienced and novice writers working on a piece of fiction. They observed a network of regions in the brain working together as people produced their stories. To their surprise the inner workings of the professionally trained writers were different from those of the amateurs. The brain activity of the professionals showed similarities to that of people who are skilled at other complex actions, like music or sports. During brainstorming, the novice writers activated their visual centers. By contrast, the brains of expert writers showed more activity in regions involved in speech.