After you set aside enough time at the right time to get started writing, let’s consider your comfort, both physically and mentally. It’s important to maximize your comfort so you canminimize distractions when you write.
Slip into something more comfortable. I’m serious. Part of setting the stage for writing has to do with your own comfort in your mind, body, and environment. Let’s work from the outside in and begin by looking at where.
1. Pick your place. Choose a place in your office or home that invites you to write. Someplace where the lighting is just right, the room temperature is comfortable and the seating is conducive to writing. Resist the habit of plopping down in the same place you always write without giving it at least some thought. Ask yourself: Do I feel like writing in this chair? This room? This house? If you answer “no,” change something up. Move to another room. Drive to another location. Step outside and write from your yard or deck. A change in scenery can change your outlook and put you in a better frame of mind to write. You’ve heard the adage: Move a muscle, change a thought! I also like the variation: Move your butt, get out of the writing rut!
2. Check in with your body. Now that you’ve settled on your place to write, take a look at your comfort in your own skin. Are you wearing comfortable clothing? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs taught us in Psych 101, don’t deny your basic needs and expect to work on a higher level intellectual need like creative writing. Take care of what you need in, and for, your body so you have optimal conditions for writing.
3. Clear your head. Lastly, where is your head “at”? Check in with yourself. Are you stressed about writing? Do you feel you have a dozen other things on your mind? Are you excited to begin this writing project? If you don’t feel ready to write, settle your mind. Close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths. Meditate, even. If your mind is still filled with a long to do list, jot those down on paper and set them aside, physically and mentally! It’s helpful to affirm that you feel good about writing and are confident that this time will now be productive.
There now, you’ve set aside time, chosen a good place, taken care of your physical comfort and set aside distracting thoughts. This is how you “set the stage” to write. I will admit, I don’t always do all these things like I’m working off a checklist. Sometimes I may be able to write while wearing uncomfortable clothing in an uncomfortable chair and with many distracting thoughts. But when things aren’t flowing, I do take stock of why that might be and this checklist comes to mind. That’s why I wanted to share it with you.
How do you like to write? Do you have tips that work for you? I’d love to hear about them.
