At one point or another, I get asked about my writing, my process and what goes into it. When I’m writing, I always go into a zone. What it consists of is just going for hours at a time and not stopping much. The words are flowing, the storyline is there but there’s preparation for me to get into that “zone.”
For starters, I have my brainstorming session where I outline my book (characters, chapter layout, important points to each chapter).This allows me to write in a flow, freely and not have a worry in the world about getting or experiencing writer’s block. When you prepare ahead of time, it allows you to get into a zone where you can write multiple chapters of a story.
The next component of this is the music I listen to. Each book series and standalone book has it’s journey and how I’ve written them. Some books I listen to the same music, others I need a push or motivation to get flowing with the story. Most of my books, I’m listening to electronic/ambient music.
Having music where there’s no words, just melodic, instrumentals is the way to go for me. Most of these songs are 6-10 minutes long so it’s easier to listen to a song and just write in a continuous flow for minutes at a time. There’s also lo-fi music (which I actually discovered only a few years ago) and that’s a go to genre that I write my books to.
Next is the environment that I’m in which is a gamechanger. Granted I write a lot of my content outside of my apartment, the reality is, being in different environments helps with the writing process. I’ve written on trains, airplanes, three different apartments, lounges in the apartment complexes I’ve lived in, at the pool, in cars, when it’s time to write, all I need are a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, my phone charged and a music app and I’m good to go.
Now, I’ll admit, I’ve written the majority of my books in the lounges of the places I’ve lived since moving to Phoenix so there you have it. It’s a place of comfort (granted people can interrupt me) but I’m good with that if a I see a friend that wants to say hello and talk for a moment.
The zone is a special place that only creators can explain to you (music artists, writers, authors, painters or anything else creative). It’s a pretty cool feeling and I’ve experienced it with every book I’ve written so I can say that I’m thankful that I don’t go through writer’s block.
While I can go into more detail, it’s only fair that I keep some things to myself and maybe for future conversations. Thanks for reading, be good, and go accomplish your goals!
Jamell Crouthers
Aquarianmind
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