How To Be A Writer By Getting In The Zone

by Geoffrey Zimmerman

I’ve had many methods that I used to get me to where I needed to be when preparing to write.

First of all, I would call myself a “ritual” writer. I like to know what to expect from myself. It helps my unconscious juices get ready for what is to come – staring at the blank page or going over my outline notes. The “place” where I want to get myself is almost like a far-away place, a place where the world I create, my characters, their words and feelings are real.

I find it ironic, that although this “place” seems to me to be my optimum state of mind to write -  to say what I want to say the way I want to say it,  takes some real intention,  patience and faith to get there.

Some writers say “Keep your butt in the seat.” Some say “Write eight hours a day.” Some say “turn out at least three, five, nine or ten pages a day (or whatever the number they use.)

I say “Find what works, and keep doing that.” It may take time, but be patient, have faith and realize that you alone know what works best for you.