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.

Weekly Creativity Tip: Dream Solutions

When you get stuck in your writing or need the answer to a question related to your career, such as whether a particular agent is right for you or you should spend the money to attend a particular conference, ask your subconscious mind for a Dream Solution. Write your question on an index card, addressing your subconscious mind, and put it under your pillow. The next morning, be alert to any hunches or feelings that guide you toward the right answer. Sometimes the answer will "pop" into your head or you will get an overwhelming sense that you should take one action over another.

Check in every Monday for weekly creativity tips from THINKING WRITE: The Secret to Freeing Your Creative Mind, available now from Adams Media.