10 ways to get in the writing zone!

For some of us who have taken up the writing craft, they are lucky in that they can do it all the time, and it has become their main profession. They don't have to worry about an alarm clock waking them up, or a boss that's wondering where that next big budget saving idea will come from. Those fortunate artisans of the craft are able to spend the entire day devoted to what they love, and have made a living doing it.

However there are others who love the craft yet still struggle to do so part time. We toil at work and make our livings, pay our bills, and eek our way towards our ultimate goals of being full time, well paid writers. For those who do have to watch the clock, and wake up to the sounding of alarms... it's not always so easy to get into The Writing Zone. Here are 10 suggestions to get into the zone, even if you have a wife, kids, a job, or other interests which take you away from your craft.

1 - Choose specific music - this music should inspire you, and cause an emotional reaction within you, sparking new ideas, and when needed putting your mind at ease. Call this your "writing music."

2 - Make time every day or when you can - a schedule is important for those who can work with schedules. Make time at least once per week where you write something, blogs, poems, short stories, or that next chapter. If you love it, you should find time to do it every day in some capacity.

3 - Create a space to write - regardless of how frantic your life is, you should try to carve out a space to write in - somewhere in your house, or at the park if you're an outdoors person. Make it personal, have your inspirational books, pictures of your heroes, or important people near by.

4 - Be close to a window - even if you're in doors, it's helpful to have a nice view of the outdoors near by, preferably next to your desk. You'd be amazed what an occasional glance at nature's wonders will do for you.

5 - Get comfortable but be engaged - assume a posture where you can sit for a few hours and not get too cramped up. It's important for the body to be in a sort of forward leaning position, fully engaged with your computer, but comfortable enough to go the distance.

6 - Wear comfortable clothing - it is important to wear things which won't distract you too much. Focus is the name of the game, it's important for the mind in a receptive state, free from mental chatter. The less that distracts you the better.

7 - Work in a well lit area - lighting is important, without it your brain becomes less receptive, and takes in less information. You need to be exposed to natural light if possible, alert and attentive. Towards the later parts of the day, you can turn on the lights and work from there. When your mood or situation calls for it, turn off the lights and keep going.

8 - Have multiple writing stations - it's important for me in my process to have several rooms or areas where I could be writing. A small laptop is usually a good idea, because it fits into cramped spaces when you're laying on your couch, or sitting in a recliner. You can also take it outside, or to remote locations like weekend getaways. Although, having a stationary computer in your home office is important as well. Turn this into a professional atmosphere, if others will take you seriously, you must take yourself seriously first. Turn your desk into a writing station.

9 - Be real - be real and objective about this. Are you doing this for the right reasons? People who succeed do so because they are genuine, and either have a message to tell others, or a story they can't help but nurture and express.

10 - Choose your state of being - if you are a writer, be a writer. Your best work will come from a deliberately chosen state of being. Choose to be a writer, believe it, behave as a writer should, then observe the results.