Monday, April 30, 2012

Z: Zone

Z:  If you've completed a writing project, you probably know what it's like to be 'in the zone.' Athletes, scientists, performers of all sorts, talk about being in the zone.  While in the zone, everything comes easily. 

I've gotten back to my running habits and though I'm slower than I was twenty years ago when I used to enter races, I'm finally back in shape enough to experience being in the zone.  For runners, it's that second wind, when you feel like you could run forever.  Everything is in rhythm, your breathing, your strides, your muscles working smoothly, every step is without effort. Some people call it a runner's high, and it's wonderful.

When writing, being in the zone means the words flow unto the page.  The story moves along and every word fits.  Your fingers can't keep up with your thoughts. You don't even need to get up to refill your coffee or glass of wine.  The  prose pours out of your mind and unto the screen.  You can't stay there forever, but it really feels great while you're in the zone.

Hopefully, A to Z, has led you close to being 'in the zone' with social networking.  Have you ever been in the zone writing? Have you found yourself in any other 'zones?'

12 comments:

Amanda Heitler said...

I've participated in and occasionally run workshops and rehearsals that have hit the zone. Some performances too, but that is rarer. Times when it all just works for some reason. They're treasurable.

Tonja said...

I'm definitely not in the zone, although I remember it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It's prompted me back into the online socializing. I got burnt out two years ago. I hope to hit the zone writing again soon, too.

M.J. Fifield said...

I love being in a good writing zone. Such a great feeling.

Unfortunately, I occasionally get into the zone at work and get so much stuff none, they'll never let me quit. =)

Betty Alark said...

I know exactly what you mean by being in the zone - Susan!

Your so right about the walking zone; I've been there many times; and if the focus isn't on my breathing - well, I might as well, sit down where, I standing-lol!

I concentrate on the breath and it gets me through- even if the rest of my body is feeling the pain.

I'm definitely in the zone when I write poetry. It flows from me effortlessly and for that I'm thankful!

Great blog1 I adore the cover of "The Keepers of Sulbreth"!

I am now your newest follower!

Hope you will become one of my followers!!

http://bettyalark.blogspot.com

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, for stopping by, Betty. It's nice to hear so many other people have found the zone in at least one aspect.

Lynn Proctor said...

yes this writing exercise has surely put me in the zone--congrats!!

Kittie Howard said...

I've got a parking spot in the zone (for my bicycle). Thanks for stopping by. The month went by quickly, eh?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm ready to get into the zone of writing now!

Guilie Castillo said...

What a great post, Susan. Indeed, that "runner's high" is similar to the "writer's high", or being in the zone. I've experienced it, and only wish I could find a way to hold on to it, because nothing is worse than being in the "non-zone", haha. Still, the discipline of writing every day, no matter what (and no matter the crappy results) is the only way to guarantee getting back in the zone... eventually.

Thanks for stopping over at my blog on Saturday, and for the thoughtful comment. I'll post soon to explain those quirky words to non-Curacao people :) Have a great day!

Jemi Fraser said...

Great post! The zone is a great place to be - everything is so smooth! I've enjoyed your AtoZ posts! :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on hitting the A-Z finish line! Zone was my Z-word last year :)