| Your five senses are wonderful tools to tap into | | | | Putting time aside to indulge the touch sense is a |
| when you need focus on writing a novel. | | | | wonderful brainstorming tool. Another note on touch |
| Tricking your senses into bringing you into your | | | | can be the clothing you choose to wear when you |
| created world can be one of the best ways to | | | | write. Not that you need a specific set PJs or a track |
| realign your focus with the task at hand. | | | | suit that you must wear every time you work on |
| By controlling your environment you can alter your | | | | your novel, but maybe a bracelet, a special scrunchie, |
| mood to suit your goals. I've chosen my novel writing | | | | a scarf, a particular pair of slippers - something, |
| mood enhancers based on psychological articles, | | | | anything that you wear only while you are working |
| magickal and pagan texts, homeopathic sources and | | | | on your project. |
| my own personal preferences. Fell free to adjust the | | | | Smell: It is well known that smell is one of our most |
| suggestions below to your liking. Nobody knows how | | | | powerful senses for memory. Lighting a stick of |
| to tap into your creative thought process better | | | | incense, or even doubling up the sight/smell by using |
| than you. | | | | a scented candle can do the trick. Vanilla scented |
| Sight: A burning candle, lit at the beginning of your | | | | incense is my personal favorite, but let your nose do |
| work and ceremonially snuffed out when it's time to | | | | the choosing and pick a scent that might appeal |
| put the work to rest is a wonderful visual aid. A | | | | specifically to you. |
| yellow candle is used in candle magick for creativity | | | | Taste: When you are sitting down to do your writing, |
| (among many other uses) so it tends to be my | | | | you've most likely shut off the rest of the world and |
| colour of choice. Another useful tip is to keep notes | | | | have put the time aside to focus on your project. It |
| of inspirational quotes around your work area. | | | | could be for a short burst or a good long haul. |
| Hearing: Having some relaxing sounds or triumphant | | | | Regardless of your pattern, having a special drink you |
| classical overtures can really set the mood for your | | | | treat yourself too when its time to focus on your |
| scenes. The sound of waterfalls, wind chimes, or a | | | | project can help remind you that this is "work time". |
| full orchestra can help you focus on the task at hand. | | | | It adds to the atmosphere that this is your world, |
| Myself, I prefer silence. No television or radio, just the | | | | your time, your novel. I make myself a cup of Aveda |
| tap tap tap of my fingers on the keyboard or the | | | | comforting tea if I know I have more than an hour |
| sound of my own breathing when brainstorming. | | | | to focus and a cup of Earl Grey if my time is more |
| Touch: Is the smooth feeling of pen in hand or the | | | | limited. |
| giving release of the keys under your fingers enough | | | | Following these tactics is not something you want to |
| of the sense of touch to fulfill this sense? Perhaps, | | | | start when the creative juices are NOT flowing. You |
| perhaps not. What about during the brainstorming | | | | want to start using these methods as early as |
| period when no writing or keyboarding is being done? | | | | possible, including the brainstorming phase. |
| Different textures in your hands can help. Some | | | | Though this article is directed towards writing a |
| people use a stress ball, some tap their pens, and | | | | novel, any creative project can be optimized by |
| some bounce a ball against the wall. Personally, I knit. | | | | tapping into all of your senses. |