This study sought to discover how creative writers make and experience the shift from ordinary reality to the altered reality of a flow state. Subjects were asked what leads up to their becoming fully absorbed in writing, including writing rituals, thought processes, audience awareness, whether they enter flow more than once in a writing session, and other probe questions. Five key factors are involved in the crossover into flow during creative writing. Subjects use a variety of idiosyncratic routines and techniques to fulfill these conditions. Subjects described their experience of shifting into flow in terms of personally relevant metaphors that frequently involve movement or water imagery.
Writers learn to optimize flow entry over time with increased knowledge and practice.
See the WD site for info on these courses and on Focus on Poetry taught online by Stephen Perry. I've added many new reviews to the Recommended page. I hoped to have an impact, but never expected my work on writing in flow and my teaching actually to change people s lives. See a few unsolicited testimonials .