How I Find My Creative Flow for Optimal Writing

When I’m there, I’m there. For a writer, nothing is more satisfying than dropping into a completely calm, relaxed state of creative flow. The words trickle from my fingertips effortlessly. My thoughts are cohesive. And, for the number crunchers among us, word count productivity hour-for-hour is off the charts.

Last week while visiting with my therapist we discussed the various layers of the electromagnetic spectrum and how the brain operates. She wanted me to understand where my brain fit on the spectrum, especially when I’m being creative. When writing is pleasurable and reflective, it’s a meditation of sorts and shifts our brains into a higher level of processing (Alpha and Theta waves) than our everyday go, go, go mindset (Beta waves).

It’s incredible.

I savor the days I can get into a flow state and complete my writing tasks in half the time, with fewer edits needed. Or, when the pitch ideas come so quickly I can’t write them down as fast as they pop into my brain. So, I’m working on harnessing this so I can shift into a flow state more often, more easily.

This post is a bit more personal and outside the box than what I usually publish on the Web Writing Advice blog, but I hope it inspires you to think about your own preparation for creative moments. If your answer is a blaring alarm…