Creative Flow
Creative flow, or simply put, the ability to get into a writing flow which the story, plot, characters, subplots, drama, action and everything else fall seemingly into place.
Some writers take a bit of time to engage their writing flow. People call it different things. It’s a period of attentive creation. You are ready to write, and primed for your story. Nothing you write is wrong because you are so ingrained in the flow of work that it all feels ‘right.’
Great. But how do we encourage this? My personal experience is likely vastly different from other writers. For me, I can enter a good, creative writing flow if I am already deeply engrossed by the story. If for example, I write a chapter one day, then go back the next day, I will be able to continue with no issues. However, it can sometimes be an issue if I take a bigger break of say, two days.
Likewise if I’m writing in the morning and haven’t warmed my brain up it might take an hour to get into it, but when I do I continue all day. The breaks I take fuel my energy because when I return I’m excited to see what unravels next in the fictional world.
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I know from experience that there are things to help creative flow, and remove the mythological writers block. It doesn’t exist, trust me. Try these to get your creative juices flowing!
- Start by writing a blog post, answering a prompt, writing a short story or some poetry.
- Read your previously written work. Recap on the story so it’s fresh in your mind. That way you’ll be able to understand ‘what comes next.’
- Make sure you are reading books. Writing and reading go hand in hand. By reading what others are publishing it will naturally inspire you.
- Create the writing space. A desk, sofa, armchair, library, café, park or garden. A drink you like. The music in the background. The temperature (yes). The smells. Are you getting enough fresh air? Make the writing space your own, and make it how you want it.
I hope those tips help to aid your creative flow. As a writer, I really enjoy mixing up my sessions. I might write a few pages, edit a few, and blog between. I like fresh air, and taking breaks or maybe walking for fresh air is by far a key thing to do. The fresh air will allow you to relax. Stress can hinder your performance.
Some writers — like Stephen King — write a set amount each day. This will contribute to maintaining the creative flow, as you are always in the story. Each and every day.
Thanks!
My author page on Amazon: Amazon.co.uk: Thomas Maxwell-Harrison: Books, Biography, Blogs, Audiobooks, Kindle (new short storis out)
My website: Psychedelicwizard.uk
Survivors: Part I — will be free on eBook from tomorrow for a limited time. Already free to Kindle Unlimited users. Downloads appreciated. Reviews and feedback welcomed.
Survivors: Part I: Beach Town eBook : Maxwell-Harrison, Thomas: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
