Weekly Creativity Tip: Steeping

This week's creativity tip is something I call "steeping" yourself in your writing. You do this before you go to bed for the night. Surround yourself with your writing or creativity project; for writers you can read your outline notes, look at character collages, or generate a question about your plot. Then you go to sleep, and think about your story while you're drifting off. Focus on what it is that you need help with-- plot points, character development, or ideas for a nonfiction project.

Usually an answer to your questions will come to you within about 2 weeks, and will usually be in the form of a sudden flash of insight, so be prepared.

I've used steeping to help me put together book proposals. For a few weeks before bed I'll re-read my notes and focus on the writing project. I ask my subconscious mind to provide the answers to any missing pieces that will make the project a success.

Usually I get a picture in my head a few weeks later of what the final book should look like, including sections of chapters that are missing. My subconscious mind usually provides me answers in the form of pictures or symbols-- you may see words or ideas might "pop" into your mind at odd times of the day. You have to practice to learn how your subconscious provides you with information.

Use steeping the next time you come up against writer's block or need a fresh idea, and let me know how it works for you.