Two basic physical qualities keep us active in life – strength and flexibility. But, what are the sub-qualities of these two. True strength requires more than big muscles. Somebody may be able to lift the rear end of a car, but can s/he run a marathon? That requires stamina. What is stamina? Having been a distance runner in my time, I suggest that it’s the ability to focus your mind beyond the sensations of your body for the period of time required to reach the finish line. Lifting the car requires strength; holding it there requires mental stamina, or focus on the task until it’s complete.

Then there’s flexibility. When one stretches, it is usually an effort to extend oneself farther than normal. In order to make that extension a permanent part of one’s functioning, the stretch must be held for a period of time until the resistance in the elongated muscles can be released. This also requires stamina, and as I suggested above, stamina requires mental focus beyond the uncomfortable sensations. Then, we find that the resistance was perhaps more mental than physical.

So, perhaps we can reduce these two qualities of strength and flexibility down to mental focus. I have found that putting my attention on completing a taxing mission requires me to become laser-like with my mental focus. This allows me to alter my state of mind, transcend, or at least bear, the physical and emotional discomfort that may come in the execution of the task. Often, when my mind releases the resistance to the task, my body feel like a bird sailing on an updraft.

So, when I sit and stare at a blank page wondering what comes next in my story, I find the strength and stamina needed by focusing laser-like on the objectives of the story, and the flexibility to consider alternate possibilities by listening to my characters and their needs. Often they will tell me where they want to go and what they want to do. Once I can hear my characters, they take over the story and I feel I have all the strength and flexibility in the world. I’m in the zone and I become a willing flowing instrument of the story because I’m no longer carrying the burden of being its creator.

The above presupposes that you have analyzed and developed your characters in great detail and know the theme of your story.