The wise ol' writing gurus of the internet like to tell us: If you want to write, get your butt in the chair. They're correct, but also... not entirely.
That advice is necessary. At some point, you DO have to get your butt in the chair and actually put some words down. But you also need to give your book brain space.
What is "brain space?"
Giving your book "brain space" is my totally made-up term for letting your idea percolate, run circles, and meander around your noggin'.
You might noodle on a particular problem ("How do I write about that thing my mom did without sounding disrespectful?") or just spend time getting to know your thoughts ("Could this be something?").
Brain space means deliberately thinking without doing.
It is time where you do NOT ask your brain to produce. You're not demanding words or pages or chapters. You're not expecting any sparkling insights that'll sound good to others. You're not creating frameworks or struture or anything, really.
In many ways, you're letting go.
No expectations.
No requirements.
It sounds like a pointless waste of time to a practical lady like me. But experience has shown that, at times, I need to fight my inclination to "make use" of every minute and "be productive" in the traditional sense.
I need to allow brain space.
Brain space creates depth
When you let yourself think without pressure to produce, you get the most powerful insights.
You come to understand the work you're really trying to do. You get clearer on why it matters. You see opportunities you didn't notice before. You spot weaknesses to shore up.
You wonder, What if I did it this way? It could be fun to do that. Ooh, how about this?
Giving your idea brain space makes it more than just words on a page. It gives it depth. Meaning. It gives your writing soul.
Okay, how do we do this?
Doing "brain space" is deceptively simple. Just choose what to think about, and let the thoughts wobble around your mind.
You do need to make a deliberate choice to spend time with these specific thoughts, or you'll end up thinking about what you're having for dinner.
But the great news for all of us going square-eyed on devices is you can do this away from the writing desk.
On the couch.
In the shower.
Walking.
Riding a bike.
Possibly canoeing, though I've never tried.
Making dinner.
Driving to the grocery store.
Pretending to watch the Formula 1 documentary your husband swears you'll love if you just give it a try.
Warning
Warning: Really thinking about your book idea can be exhausting! The ol' gray matter does some surprising heavy-lifting.
You may feel drained after a good brain space sesh, but that's a great sign. It means you're doing the work to add depth and meaning to your book.
Yay for you.
Want help? Get it before rates go up
As a book coach (and a good one, if I say so myself!), I've been giving more and more brain space to my clients' books. I'm helping them write books that are more than just "this happened, then that happened."
They're writing books that are meaningful. That have depth. That say something about the world and our experiences and who we are and what matters.
But they can't quite figure it out alone. They know they have something, but it's not coming together in the way they want, or as fast as they want.
So, they hire me to help. It's a great honor for me. And I give them all my brain space, in addition to actual butt-in-the-chair time.
They get great results. Henry's book became a best-seller. Maya said, "This was such a great experience. I’ve grown, and in part that’s thanks to Liz." Emma said, "Every day I think what a great decision it was to ask for Liz’s help.” (They're so nice!)
Because I want to keep giving my clients my all, I am increasing my rates on May 1, 2024 for The Write and Edit Intensive program.
It means I can sustain giving this much attention, dedication, brain space, face-time, and edits-on-the-page to each of my clients. It means I can truly be a partner for them in this process of writing their book.
So,
If you're ready to write your book,
If you want to write more than ever before,
If you want to fall in love with your book again,
Click here to find out more and book now before rates go up on May 1.
Whether we work together or not, remember: You have a big, beautiful brain. Give your book idea more brain space, so it, too, can be big and beautiful and meaningful.
You got this.
Thanks,
Liz “Brain Time, Baby!” Green
Editor and Book Coach
Green Goose Writing
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