For me, the deep flow of writing requires mind space, and that commands blocking all external distractions. Most writers I know must have utter quiet and long stretches of uninterrupted time. However, some crave noisy cafes or trains.
Make friends with your own nature and go there to that place, either secluded or chaotic. Writing flow can be almost like a dream state or a runner’s high, disconnecting from this reality to another. The other reality must feel as real as biological reality for the transport to take place.
Several bestselling authors have written about achieving the flow.
In his memoir On Writing, Stephen King compares his process of reaching a flow state to self-hypnosis.
The author, best known for his horror writing and film adaptations, achieves a daily ritual. He routinely reads his last few pages of work to get “back into that world”.
He advocates for creating a sacred place, private, distraction-free environment. He compares his writing room to a bedroom—a place for dreaming.
Neil Gaiman uses a simple technique he calls “write or do nothing” to summon his muse. His philosophy is “Write or be bored.” When he has to write, he goes to a quiet space where he can eliminate all other distractions. Then he gives himself two options: write or do absolutely nothing else. When his mind becomes bored, he choses to create. He’s the English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays, including the comic series, THE SANDMAN.
Anne Lamott encourages writers to create without the pressure of perfection. She argues that the first draft is just for the writer, and it’s essential to abandon perfectionism to get the words down. She’s the American novelist, nonfiction writer, autobiographical essay author, and activist known for her self-deprecating humor, hard-hearted honesty, and unwavering compassion,
The important thing is to keep writing.
