It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to see something is from a distance. This is because intense concentration can narrow our view and lead to inattentional blindness. As a writer, I prize concentration, but it’s worthwhile considering how our attentive minds are built for distraction. As hunters and gathers, if our mind eliminated all distraction and allowed complete focus on the antelope, it risked missing the rustling of the stalking lion in the tall grass. Distraction is hardwired and often trying to show us something. So, don’t pull your hair out when you find it difficult to concentrate, accept it as normal, and practice filtering through your thoughts. What are you missing? Any lions? In that way, distraction can be a form of suspense. Use it. What is lurking beyond your contemplation can be cajoled into helping you see the depth of a particular scene. Speak to it! I know it sounds crazy, but just try speaking to this space instead of shoving it away and see what happens.
As always, wishing you luck and inspiration with your writing.
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Be well friends,
Gret Heffernan.
Gret Heffernan is the Editor-in-Chief of www.backlashpress and author of The Sculptor and Dark Ansley, Book One and Book Two
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