I don’t know about you, but for me, the creative process requires a lengthy visit to “The Zone.” If you’re an artist of any kind, you probably know what I’m talking about, surely sense the obsessive urge, the quiver of excitement at the prospect of exploring undiscovered shores. My creative muse resides there, tantalizing and intoxicating, and she demands my undivided attention.
I love each foray into the Zone—despite its consumption of my life. It’s creative gluttony, stuffing my face with words, gobbling down characters, disgorging pathos. When I dive into the Zone, I’m not myself. I’m immersed in my craft, drowning in a taste of pure manna like an addict. The rest of the world fades into the hazy horizon as the Zone awakens that right brain craving.
As a writer, this is especially true during my first draft when a story’s taking shape. Within the Zone, unfamiliar scenes tap from my fingertips and uncooperative characters demand a voice. A fickle wind pushes my plot, requiring vigilance to stay on course. As an adventurer, I’m on my own, trying to make sense of an untold tale before I return to my ordinary life, take a long overdue shower…wash loads of stinky laundry…vacuum blankets of dog hair…make dinner for a gaunt spouse surviving on snack food.
Fortunately, my visits to the Zone are temporary, and I recognize the pattern well enough now that I can plan ahead. “Okay, everybody,” I announce to the family, “I’m heading into the Zone for a few months. See ya.” My eyes droop and I make a pouty face as if I’m going to miss them, but inside I’m giddy as a new mom on a night out. Party time for me and my laptop!
Here’s a typical conversation when I’ve entered the Zone:
Husband: “Blah blah…dinner…blah blah…oil change…blah blah blah?”—long pause—“I might as well live alone.”
Me: “Hmm, what?”
Sad, but true.
With my outline done for the next tale, I’m ready for another jaunt into the Zone. The Weaver’s Tale (my working title) is pure fantasy about a winter that refuses to end. Does that sound familiar to some of you? By the end of February in Oregon, we should be mowing the lawn, not shoveling snow. It’s March, for goodness sake!
Fortunately for us, the seasons still change. My winter’s tale will unfold with spring’s blooming, grow with the weeds in my summer garden, and come to ripeness in autumn. That’s the plan anyway – to emerge from the Zone when the snow begins to fall. Tomorrow, I dive into Chapter One. I can’t wait!
Myths of the Mirror 
An unending winter means the introverts will prevail. Hum? This could get interesting! Make it so! Hugs, C
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It’s an unending winter here, Cheryl. Still snowing as I type this. So weird. Yes, introverts can deal with the endless winter until the world dies! I haven’t been in the Zone as much as I’d planned, but hopefully this week. Happy Writing, my friend. 😀
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I know this one. I must have a particular look when the ideas start coming in because before I even say a word, I will get a ‘ can I get some coffee before you start writing, please?’
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Lol. Yes, we seem to enter another world. Best for family members to get their needs voiced before we disappear. Thanks so much for the visit, Lena. I hope you get some time in the Zone this weekend. ❤
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Thank you, Diana. I definitely will. Always a pleasure to visit.
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Great post about the creative process. I know the Zone well. It’s both exhilarating and exhausting–or rather exhausts every other part of your life, consuming like a fire burning through your ability to focus on anything else.
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Thanks for the visit, Tyler, and the wonderful comment. I’m glad the Zone is a place you know well. Though I agree that it can be all-consuming. Have a great day!
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I relate. Even with the ” oil change” part. Oh, thank you for sharing your world…
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Isabela. Lol. Your comment got a chuckle out of me. I hope you get some time in the Zone this week. ❤
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It’s most important to be in the zone for productive content….
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Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, Daniya. I agree with you, at least from my own experience. I hope you get some time in your Zone today. Happy Creating.
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Your ZONE sounds like my ZONE. But can’t say my guy/family understands it at all. I remember when I was a teenager and all I wanted to do was go up to my room and read a book. Noone understood that (“go out with your friends!!”) so every afternoon after school I’d declare “I have to go upstairs and do my homework.” (Homework took me 15 min – on a bad day.) Two hours later my parents would say, “This is why you get A’s, Pammy, all that homework.” 🙂 This long bit is just to say I can’t say I have homework anymore, but I can say “I have to prepare for my teaching class.” But really? I’m in the ZONE. ❤ Happy Zoning, Diana.
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Lol. That’s so funny, Pam. Our creative time is a treasure. I asked my husband if he has a Zone, And he doesn’t. It was interesting how this generated a discussion for us. I’m glad you still have “teaching prep” as an excuse to enter your Zone. Happy Writing!
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Pure poetic perfection.
“It’s creative gluttony, stuffing my face with words, gobbling down characters, disgorging pathos.”
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Angelo, and for the kind comment. Regretably, I haven’t visited the Zone in a couple of days, but back there tomorrow. Enjoy your Zone time and Happy Creating!
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[…] Entering The Zone […]
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Thanks for sharing the post. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
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How exciting for you, Diana! Love the zone!
I know a fab book will come out of it! Sending a whole bunch of hugs to help get you through!
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I imagine you enter the Zone all the time when immersed in your gowns or drawings, Resa. It’s a wonderfull creative, all-absorbing place. Thanks for visiting, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Have a fab rest of Saturday and Sunday, Diana. The zone is calling. I shall answer!
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We here in Southern California should also be mowing our lawns, but it’s raining again!
My husband has begun building models so he has something to do when I’m on a writing binge–which is most days.
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I keep bugging my husband to find a hobby, Pat. Lol. You’re so lucky! I suggested he start blogging, but he didn’t bite. California’s had crazy weather. It’s impossible to predict what the summer is going to bring us. I hope you’re getting some time in the Zone, my friend. Happy Writing.
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Perfect 💖
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Thank you. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the post. Have fun in the Zone. 🙂
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Beautiful blog
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. Have a beautiful day.
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[…] Entering The Zone […]
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Thanks for sharing the post. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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[…] Entering The Zone […]
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Thanks for sharing the post. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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I love that you’ve given those zoned out moments a name, Diana. Hmm, too many doses of The Zone could be why I’m single now. Haha, not really. I know when I’m in it when I look up and realize it’s dark outside with the glow of my laptop screen lighting the apartment, and I’m not happy that my blinds are open. Love this post. ⛄
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Lol. That happens to me too! The husband gets home from work and the house is dark (except for my screen) and dinner… oops. I’m glad this is a place you go, Mary. It’s so interesting to me how we can completely step outside of space and time. Happy creating!
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[…] Entering The Zone […]
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Thanks for sharing the post! I hope you get some time in the creative Zone this week. 😀
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Loved your awesome post Diana. It is so nice to enter a zone and write what you like. Thanks a lot 😊
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Thanks for stopping by, Kamal. You’re always welcome and I appreciate the kind comment. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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You are always welcome dear Diana. You too have a wonderful week ahead 💘😊😊
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Haha. Looking forward to the results of your time in your zone. Hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m headed there this afternoon. I hope you’re getting some wonderful time in your own Zone as you create. Have a great day.
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My best to you in the zone!!! Your next one already sounds good….can’t wait!!
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Thanks, Kirt. It’s always slow to start as I get things organized in my head, but I’m hoping for some Zone-time this afternoon. My guess is that you make frequent trips to the zone as you work with your photos. Enjoy!
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You nailed it Diana…I travel to the same zone time when I work with my art.
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I love existing in the zone. My piles of things undone just grow and grow! Yes, I can easily relate to an unending winter right now…lol.
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Oh, your winter seems to be going on and on, Denise. Yikes! I hope you’re getting some Zone time in, although I imagine with a new book coming out and all that weather to contend with, your muse might be on vacation. Hang in there. And thanks for stopping by!
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I love this post, D. But I had a thought when you said “When I dive into the Zone, I’m not myself.” I’d argue from my own experience that when you ‘dive into the zone’ you are in a very important part of who you are. You go on to note, “inside I’m giddy as a new mom on a night out.” Such joy can’t be bad. 🙂 –Curt
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Interesting point, Curt. I guess as I dive into the Zone to write, I become my characters, and in that way “I’m not myself.” Become them I do, from language to experience to emotions. I’ve been known to sit in my writing chair and sob. Lol. And even those moments are pure creative joy. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to read, my friend. ❤
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Getting lost in your own story so we can get lost in it too, D. The mark of a good writer…
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Thanks, you’re so kind. 😀
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Great post about the creative process. I know the Zone well. It’s both exhilarating and exhausting–or rather exhausts every other part of your life, consuming like a fire burning through your ability to focus on anything else.
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What a great description of the Zone, Justin. I love the “exhilarating and exhausting” description as I can relate to both. It’s an interesting phenomena, that complete concentration and ability to step outside the “real” world. Wishing you some productive Zone time. Happy Writing.
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Thanks! It is very interesting. I’ve been interested in studying the creative process for a long time. If that interests you, you may enjoy a book titled daily rituals by Mason Currey that contains the daily habits and some of the creation methods by lots of famous artists, writers, inventors, etc. Happy writing to you too. Take care.
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I was just talking with another blogger who’s entranced by the creative process. In our fast paced world, I wonder if we (in general) aren’t slowing down enough to enter that creative space. I hope you get there today. That’s my plan for the afternoon. 🙂
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[…] of the Mirror https://mythsofthemirror.com/2023/03/11/the-zone-2/ I don’t know about you, but for me, the creative process requires a lengthy visit to “The […]
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Thanks for linking, Traci. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. You’re the best. ❤ ❤
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Thanks for sharing this idea. I love this topic because of Thw Zone .
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I don’t think The Zone is related just to writing, or really to any kind of art. It’s that wonderful focus where we become completely aligned with whatever we’re doing. I hope you enjoy that feeling at times too. Thanks for the visit and have a great day!
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Awww…your husband’s reaction makes me kind of sad but I know being in the Zone is a wonderful time for you and what comes out of it is a wonderful read for all of us.
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My husband is a happy fellow to be honest, and he gets plenty of attention. Don’t fret about that. Lol. Yesterday, while I was in the Zone, he watched basketball (his zone). Thanks for stopping by and Happy Writing!
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