I have a literary secret weapon. In fact, it’s so good I’m reluctant to spread the word about it, for fear of giving up what I consider a big personal advantage, but I want to help out my fellow writers. And in case you think I’m selling something, rest assured I’m not. Whether you care to try it is completely up to you. And in this era of Covid 19, it’s currently too dangerous even for me.
So what is this magical secret weapon?
You probably won’t believe it – it’s sensory deprivation – floating in a body-temperature pool of water and Epson salts, with all light and sound removed.
Stuck for an ending for your novel or short story? Unclear about the motivation of one of your characters? Trying to come up with an original way to portray an event? Unsure about the plot direction of your latest masterpiece? The answers to all of the above can be solved through sensory deprivation.
How does it work? Go to the nearest flotation center (assuming you have access to one) with a mental list of things you want to work out: How does Fred escape from the shark infested pool? Why would Jane take the bus home instead of driving her car? How does Howard find the hidden door in the dungeon? Etc.
Get in, close the lid, close your eyes, and step through the questions one by one. There’s something about lying there, with no distractions, no sensory input, and nothing else to occupy your mind. It allows you to focus completely on the task at hand.
I’ve tried doing something like this at night before I go to sleep, but the problem is – guess what? I go to sleep! Floating is a bit like sleeping, or dreaming, but I’ve never actually gone to sleep. Of the half-dozen times I’ve tried it, I’ve solved every problem and answered every question I had going in. I’ve never come away without feeling like I’d made a major step forward in the book.
The methods authors use to aid in their craft are as different as the personalities of the authors themselves, but this is one that I personally find extremely useful.
I don’t doubt that it’s possible to get a similar benefit from some form of meditation, and in this Covid world, maybe that’s what I will have to try. Still, I will miss floating.
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