Last week I read a draft of my newest feature screenplay that I foolishly thought was ready to share with producers.
It was not.
I shouldn’t have been surprised because it was only the second full draft which is several drafts less than what’s realistic when you’re trying to sell the thing.But hopeful delusions are part of the writing process.
After accepting how much work was still in front of me, I spent the day a little distracted (ie depressed). I smiled and nodded at the bus stop, and I faked my way through a conversation with my seven year old about Dog Man and Flippy. Apparently, when Flippy was little, he was bullied by other fish who called him "Fatty Fish Lips" which might explain why he’s an antagonist in the Dog Man Universe (DMU). But I disgress…
I eventually found my way into the shower and everything got better. The problems in the script loosened with the hot water and solutions began to surface. I was tempted to bring my laptop in with me.
This sort of thing happens a lot. Writing breakthroughs seem to come when our minds can wander freely, giving us space to process ideas in new - and sometimes wet - ways. Most writers know this but seem surprised anew when it happens, like we need to be reminded of the value of taking breaks. As an internet scientist and amateur sleuth (or amateur scientist, internet sleuth), I did some (minimal) research and found that creative insights are in fact more likely to be triggered when our brains are in a more relaxed, less focused state.
In the shower, for example, the warm water and calming environment activate the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a region associated with daydreaming and creative thinking and a region I will forget the name of after posting this. When we're not actively trying to solve a problem or focus on a task, the DMN kicks in, allowing different areas of the brain to communicate more freely. This process is known as “divergent thinking,” which is essential for coming up with new ideas and making unexpected connections. A real live study from Drexel University completed by people much smarter than me found that this relaxed mental state can significantly enhance creative problem-solving, which is why so many people report having "aha" moments in the shower. It’s a real thing because …science.
So whether you’re stuck on a sticky plot point or searching for dialogue that doesn’t suck, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away, take a walk, or best of all, get naked and hop in the shower. These basic, enjoyable activities might be the key to a creative breakthrough.
I’ve even talked to my tax guy about this, and he said my shampoo and conditioner can now be itemized deductions. The benefits keep coming.
If a walk or a shower doesn’t bring you clarity on your story, drop me a line and I’ll see if I can help you. To learn more about me and my work, read testimonials from people who’ve worked with me.
This time and Next time…
