How to "Write While You Sleep"

By Diane Eble

One of the things I've studied for years, simply because it fascinates me, is the creative process.

There are stages in the creative process. I will tell you what they are, then show you how to work with these stages so that you are always "writing," --i.e. working with the creative process-no matter what else you may be doing at the moment.

Stage 1: Germination. This is the beginning, when you get the idea. There is a burst of inspiration,the energy carries you through. I like to use this phase for a special brainstorming technique I use, which I'll talk about another time. Use the special energy of this stage to get as many ideas out as you can. Don't worry about order; worrying about order of any kind at this stage short-circuits the energy.

When you have a project you have to do or want to do, take the time to brainstorm. You might also want to "seed" your mind with some research, fresh input of new ideas.

Stage 2: Assimilation. This is a crucial next step, and productivity as a writer depends on how you manage this step. In the process of literal birth, conception would be the germination stage, and the nine-month gestation is the assimilation stage.

This is when your idea takes form, but often internally, in a rather subconscious and invisible fashion. You may find yourself feeling "blocked." Do not worry. Simply do something else. Take a shower, chop vegetables for a salad, go for a walk, do laundry. Even take a nap!

This is how you "write while you sleep." Once you have "seeded" your mind with ideas and research, put your project completely out of your mind. Get on with your life.

As you do, know this: You are still writing! Let this process of assimilation and your own amazing mind do its work.

By the way, when you're up against a deadline, it's crucial that you understand this stage and allow time for it. How much time? That's a tricky question. If you don't already have an intuitive feel for this process, allow yourself as much time as possible. At least a week, two is better. (More than that, you run the risk of lost momentum.)

Understand, this is not the same as procrastination. You continue to work. As ideas come to you, continue to write them down and throw them into a file called "my book" or "my project." This stage is about not forcing results prematurely, about learning to "tune in" to the project/idea as it gains momentum and takes form.

Stage 3: Completion. This stage is when you "give birth" to your book, project, idea. You give it actual form — words on paper/computer, or whatever result you are aiming for. This is the stage of manifestation. You sit down and write the book. You give form to the result you envisioned.

Another piece of this stage is receiving. You need to be able to receive the fruits of your labor. You release your work to the world, and as you do so, you yourself receive it.

To sum up, the creative process begins with an idea. At this stage of germination, you "seed" the idea by brainstorming and "feeding" it new ideas. You envision the result you want, but don't worry now about the process- how you will get there.

Then, you let the idea "go underground." When it feels like you're running a little dry, let it alone and go do other things. When an idea pops up, by all means get it down, but don't belabor the process.

When either a deadline looms or, better, an inner sense of urgency urges you to get moving, don't delay. Assimilation has done its work, and it's time to manifest, complete, actually finish your project. When it's done, release it to the world and receive it yourself.

For more on how this process worked as Janet Penley and I wrote MotherStyles, go to yourbookpublishingcoach.com and read "The Creative Power of Vision."

Diane Eble has 28 years experience in the publishing industry as an editor (magazines, fiction and nonfiction books), author (11 published books, more than 350 articles), and copywriter. She is now a book publishing coach as well. For more information on how to write a book proposal that sells, check out Jump Start Your Book: 12 Questions You Must Answer Before You Write Your First Word.

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