switching modes

So, I got asked a really good question yesterday and it's one that I have covered generally over the course of this blog but I thought I'd dedicate a post to it.

How do I get into writer's mode?  How do I get the creativity flowing when my day is still going on in my head?

First, as you all know, I write everyday.  Always.  Keeping the momentum going is huge.  I don't know that it stops blocks completely, but it definitely helps the story stay alive within me.

Second, I get into the 'zone'.  I find if the stage is set all I need to do is turn up.  So how do I set the stage?  By turning on the well of inspiration.  It probably sounds cliche, but it is easier than you might realise.  You just have to find what works for you. 

You may remember I talked about driving, driving is one of the ways I know will turn on that tap.  The other is running.  Quite simple really.  You just need to pay attention to what it is you are doing when ideas spring to mind.  It is usually when your mind is most relaxed.  I find that the less I am actually trying to think, the more inspiring thoughts I have.  I call this my 'Let go and let God' time.

This second stage of preparing is opening the lines of creativity.  Meditation is another really useful tool, it reduces all that chatter of your work day and opens you to new ideas.  Listening to music is a big one for me, I listen to my iPod while I run, songs have great power to grow ideas.  That is one of the reasons I have the song of the day on here.  A word or picture can also be a seed.  

Sometimes you need to have a specific idea, as in you are in the middle of writing and you need to keep it going, I find that if I re-read what I wrote the day before (I don't allow myself to edit, I just read) then go for a run, all sorts will come out of that.

I think the key is to just let your mind rest.  Stop trying so hard to 'think' of ideas and let them come.  The more you learn to trust this process the easier it becomes.

The third thing I find helpful is allowing.  I don't second guess my creativity.  When an idea comes I just let it take shape.  I come to the table without an agenda.  I allow the organic process to happen.  I don't try to get it 'right', I just get it down.  I don't worry about whether it is any good or if it sounds plausible, I just allow that seed to grow, I water it and see what blooms. 

This is the stage to ask all those questions, why? how? where? what happens next? they keep the seed growing.  Brainstorming is a continual process.  You brainstorm to get the idea, then you brainstorm to get as many outcomes as you can, then you chose one and brainstorm that, then you might chose another and so on. 

Brainstorming is a word that can literally stop a writer dead.  They panic they won't come up with an idea.  The problem is you are still too up in your head.  Brainstorming doesn't have to be difficult.  It isn't a test of how intelligent you are.  I think that is what stops people's creativity a lot.  They are too hung up on an idea being a good one.  Don't.  Just let them come.

The fourth step is probably when the actual work really begins for me.  Up until this point I have just been along for the ride.  I have allowed the process to guide me.  Now I have the idea on paper in a very rough draft, I have to actually start applying skills.  I read it through, twice.  Then I go away from it for as long as I can bear (five minute minimum).  That way it has time to settle and new ideas start to flow.  Then I come back and I begin to edit, elaborate and the hardest for most - cull.  I must be sadistic because I have no problem killing crap.  I read once that writer's have a hard time cutting chunks out of their work.  Me, I figure why get hung up on it?  If it doesn't work, you know it, just get rid of it. 

That is my basic process for completing a first draft.  I am big on routine, it works for me.  Treating it with respect and removing your ego are huge steps in becoming good at what you do.  I am never naive enough to believe I do this alone and I am always grateful for any help I can get.  My philosophy is that when I learn to get out of the way, great things are possible.

Read into that what you will ;) 

Believe in yourself and your ability, believe that this is exactly what you are here for and above all don't fight the process, enjoy it.  If writing doesn't come naturally for you, then I will bet once you develop a routine, that will start to change.

Happy writing ;)
Emma