The Science of Receiving

 by Suzanne Lieurance

Writers often talk about “flow,” that elusive state when words seem to write themselves. It feels magical, but it’s not just a mystical experience—it’s a measurable shift in your brain and body. Science now backs up what so many creatives already sense: when you relax, open up, and allow, your brain literally becomes more creative.

Let’s look at what’s really happening when you step into the energy of receiving.

Your Brain on Resistance

When you sit down to write and feel blocked, your brain’s amygdala—the part that processes fear—lights up. It interprets uncertainty (like a blank page) as danger. This triggers the fight-or-flight response, sending stress hormones like cortisol rushing through your body.

In this state, your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for problem-solving and imagination) goes quiet. That’s why it feels impossible to come up with fresh ideas when you’re anxious or forcing creativity.

You’re not lazy. You’re just in the wrong brain state for flow.

The Physiology of Allowing

When you shift into openness—through gratitude, meditation, or even a few deep breaths—you calm your nervous system. Cortisol levels drop. Your parasympathetic nervous system activates, signaling safety.

This switch allows your brain to access alpha waves—the frequency associated with creativity, daydreaming, and flow. Neuroscientists call this “the incubation phase,” when insights form below the surface of conscious thought.

In other words, when you stop trying to force the answer, your brain can finally deliver it.

The Role of Dopamine: Your Brain’s Reward Signal

Every time you anticipate something good—finishing a chapter, submitting a piece, or receiving praise—your brain releases dopamine. It’s the neurochemical of motivation and pleasure.

But here’s the catch: dopamine doesn’t just reward outcomes. It also rewards expectation.

That means you can trigger creative motivation before success even arrives, simply by imagining positive results.

When you visualize your writing career unfolding beautifully—readers loving your stories, your book launch going well—you’re not indulging in wishful thinking. You’re literally training your brain to associate writing with reward, not stress.

Gratitude as a Neural Shortcut

One of the fastest ways to move into a receptive state is gratitude.

Studies from UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center show that regular gratitude practice strengthens neural pathways linked to joy and reduces the activation of fear circuits. Gratitude rewires your brain to expect good things—and therefore notice them when they happen.

Try this quick practice: before you write, list three things you’re grateful for in your creative life. They can be small—like the smell of coffee, a favorite pen, or the fact that you have time to write at all.

You’ll feel a subtle shift almost immediately.

Why Writers Thrive in “The Flow State”

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term flow to describe a state of total absorption in a task. In this state, your inner critic quiets, time dissolves, and your writing feels effortless.

Research shows that flow occurs when:

·       You’re challenged but not overwhelmed.

·       You’re fully focused on one task.

·       You feel safe enough to lose self-consciousness.

That’s why receiving—trusting, allowing, softening—is essential. You can’t enter flow through tension. You enter through surrender.

Openness and the Creative Brain

In personality research, the trait most strongly linked to creativity is openness to experience.

Openness means curiosity, imagination, and the willingness to explore new ideas without judgment. It’s the mental version of receiving.

Writers who cultivate openness see connections others miss. They ask, “What if?” instead of “What’s the point?” They stay flexible, letting inspiration shape their process rather than clinging to control.

When you’re open, you become a conduit for creative energy—not its gatekeeper.

The Simple Science of Surrender

You don’t have to understand neuroscience to benefit from it. You just have to practice what science already knows works:

Breathe deeply before you write. Oxygen increases clarity and calm.

Visualize success. Dopamine rewards the expectation of good things.

Practice gratitude. It lowers stress and primes your brain for flow.

Trust timing. Creativity follows rhythm, not pressure.

The science of receiving is really the science of letting yourself feel safe enough to create.

Next time you feel stuck, remember—your brain isn’t the enemy. It’s waiting for you to relax.

So, take a deep breath, unclench your shoulders, and whisper to yourself: “I am open. I am receptive. I am ready to receive inspiration.”

Science agrees—you’ve just told your brain it’s time to create.

And now, for more information about how the Law of Attraction relates to writing, listen to The Law of Attraction Podcast for Writers. And don't forget to subscribe!

Suzanne Lieurance is an author and a Law of Attraction coach for writers at writebythesea.com

Embracing Change as Creative Fuel

 by Suzanne Lieurance

Writers love comfort. We crave routines, favorite pens, familiar desks, predictable mornings. But life doesn’t always cooperate. Change barges in—uninvited and often unwelcome. Suddenly, the ground shifts. The routines that once worked no longer fit.

The instinct is to resist. We tighten up. We cling to what used to be. But resistance doesn’t stop change; it only stops us from moving with it.

What if, instead, you saw change not as an enemy but as fuel?

Resistance Drains Energy

Think about the last time you resisted change. Maybe a project deadline shifted, or a family routine disrupted your writing hours. How much energy did you spend fighting against it? Probably more than it would have taken to adapt.

 Resistance drains us because it tries to hold back the tide. Flow happens when we step into the current and let it carry us forward.

Change Brings New Raw Material

Every disruption carries new story seeds. A move to a new town brings details of place you’d never have noticed otherwise. A job change brings new characters into your life. Even the loss of something familiar sharpens your perspective.

Writers who embrace change don’t run out of material—they multiply it.

Flow Lives in Flexibility

Flow isn’t rigid. It’s not about controlling the environment so you can write in one perfect way. It’s about showing up with openness, trusting that words will come even if the scene looks different today than it did yesterday.

You don’t need the same ritual every day to write well. You need the ability to bend without breaking.

Turning Change into Power

Here are a few ways to transform resistance into flow:

Shift the Frame: Instead of saying, “I can’t write because everything is different,” say, “Because everything is different, I have new ways to write.”

Shrink the Task: If change steals your time, don’t give up—write one paragraph. Write one sentence. Momentum grows from the smallest spark.

Ask, “What is this teaching me?” Every disruption carries a lesson. Look for it, and your writing will deepen.

A Short Practice

The next time you feel resistance rising, pause. Write a single page beginning with the words: “Change is giving me…”

Let the words flow without editing. You may be surprised by what new energy shows up.

A Writer’s Manifesto

You are not powerless in the face of change. You are a writer. You know how to turn chaos into story, how to transform uncertainty into meaning.

Change is not here to stop you. It’s here to sharpen you. To challenge you. To remind you that creativity is not fragile—it’s resilient.

Every time you resist, you lose momentum. Every time you embrace, you step deeper into your own power.

Closing Affirmation

Repeat this to yourself when life feels unsettled:

I welcome change. I turn resistance into flow. Every shift fuels my creativity. Nothing can silence my words when I choose to move with life, not against it.

And now, before you go, don't forget to get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge for more writing tips and resources delivered to your e-mailbox every weekday morning.

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers. Learn more about her coaching services at writebythesea.com.

Thinking of Writing an Early Reader?

 

 

 

Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

 

 Early readers are short books designed for children just beginning to read independently. 

These books should have 32 pages and usually 300-500 words. They can go up to 1200 words and 48 pages, depending on the child’s reading level. And as they build a bridge between picture books and chapter books, early readers should be divided into chapters. The book size should also be more in line with chapter books, usually 6X9.

Early readers play a vital role in bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books, typically catering to readers aged 4–8. 

While creating early readers can be rewarding, it presents unique challenges for authors. This article delves into the pros and cons of writing early readers, highlighting examples to illustrate their impact on young audiences.

BENEFITS OF WRITING EARLY READERS

-Fostering a Love for Reading
Early readers are an important tool in fostering a love for reading in young children. By crafting engaging, age-appropriate stories with simple vocabulary and repetitive sentence structures, authors provide children with a sense of accomplishment. Completing a book builds confidence and  encourages an exploration of literature.

Example: Dr. Seuss’s "Green Eggs and Ham" is a mere 50 words yet captivates readers with its rhythmic text and humorous plot. Its simplicity makes it approachable for beginners, while its whimsy ensures lasting appeal.

-Contributing to Literacy Development
Early readers help children develop fundamental literacy skills, including decoding, fluency, and comprehension. By balancing familiar words with new vocabulary, authors can gently challenge young readers without overwhelming them.

Example: The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems features short sentences and relatable scenarios, making it an excellent tool for practicing expressive reading and understanding story structure.

-Lifelong Learning
Books for early readers often introduce themes of problem-solving, friendship, and resilience, laying a foundation for character development. Authors have the opportunity to influence young minds.

Example: In Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series, the protagonists navigate everyday challenges, teaching lessons about patience, kindness, and teamwork.

-Creative Challenges for Writers Lead to Creativity
The constraints of early reader writing—limited vocabulary, short sentence structures, and concise storytelling—force authors to think creatively. These restrictions often result in clever, tightly woven stories that are fun to read and write.

Example: Laura Numeroff’s "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" uses a cause-and-effect structure to create an engaging and memorable story, demonstrating the power of simplicity.

DISADVANTAGES OF WRITING EARLY READERS

-Strict Structural Constraints
The rigid rules of early readers can be daunting for authors. Limited word counts, simplified language, monosyllable words, short sentences (averaging 5-10 words), use of sight-words, and an emphasis on phonics and repetition leave little room for elaborate storytelling or linguistic flair.

For instance, an author who thrives on complex narratives or poetic prose might struggle to adapt their style to the requirements of this format. Striking a balance between simplicity and storytelling depth can be a significant challenge.

For a list of Dolch sight-words, visit: https://dolchword.net/by-grade-alphabetical/

You might also get a copy of "The Children’s Writer’s Word Book" by Alijandra Mogilner. It gives the grade level for a large number of words. I use this book often.

-Limited Target Audience
Early readers have a short shelf life for individual readers, as children quickly outgrow them. This makes it harder for authors to build lasting relationship compared to writing for broader age groups.

Example: While books like Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie are beloved by young readers, their audience typically moves on to chapter books within a year or two.

-Risk of Oversimplification
In striving for simplicity, authors may inadvertently create books that feel monotonous or uninspiring. Stories that are too repetitive or lack emotional depth may fail to engage readers fully, undermining their potential impact.

For example, while phonics-driven books can improve decoding skills, some titles sacrifice storytelling in favor of adhering to word patterns, leading to less engaging stories.

-Market Saturation and Competition
The market for early readers is highly competitive, with many established authors and publishers vying for attention. Breaking into this space can be challenging for new writers, particularly when competing against known brands and franchises.

Example: Renowned series like The Berenstain Bears and Clifford the Big Red Dog dominate bookshelves, making it difficult for new titles to stand out.

-Illustration Dependency
Early readers rely heavily on illustrations to support the text and provide visual context. While this enhances the reading experience, it also means authors must collaborate with illustrators or publishers to effectively convey their message.

-Striking a Balance
Despite the challenges, writing early readers is a fulfilling endeavor for authors committed to nurturing young readers. By focusing on storytelling elements that resonate universally—humor, relatable characters, and engaging plots—authors can create memorable books that meet the developmental needs of their audience.

CONCLUSION

Writing early readers shapes the foundational experiences of young readers, influencing their relationship with literature and learning. 

While there are challenges writing in this genre, the benefits far outweigh them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, working ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach (picture and chapter books). If you need help with your story, visit Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi. 

You can check out Karen’s books HERE.

You can connect with Karen at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karencioffikidlitghostwriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenCV

The Value of Warming Up Before Each Writing Session

by Suzanne Lieurance

You wouldn’t see an athlete sprint onto the track without stretching first, right?

The same goes for writers.

Jumping straight into a writing session without a warm-up can feel like trying to run with stiff muscles—slow, clunky, and frustrating.

A good warm-up gets the creative gears turning, clears mental clutter, and makes writing feel effortless.

A writing warm-up is a game changer.

It helps shift you from the distractions of daily life into creative mode.

It quiets self-doubt, silences perfectionism, and makes the words flow with less resistance.

When you take a few minutes to warm up, you’re not just getting ready to write—you’re telling your brain, This is what we’re doing now. Let’s go.

The Science Behind It 

Writing isn’t just about stringing words together; it’s both a cognitive and emotional process. 

 

Your brain needs a signal that it’s time to shift gears. 

 

Low-pressure, short exercises stimulate neural pathways, improving focus and flow. 

 

Studies have shown that freewriting and other warm-ups activate the brain’s creative center, making it easier to get into the zone. 

 

In short, warming up makes writing smoother and more productive.  

 

How to Warm Up  

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are a few tried-and-true methods.  

 

Freewriting: Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and write nonstop. No editing, no second-guessing—just let the words spill onto the page.  

 

Writing Prompts: A simple prompt can spark ideas and bypass overthinking.  

 

Morning Pages: Julia Cameron swears by this method—three pages of unfiltered, stream-of-consciousness writing.  

 

Sensory Descriptions: Describe an object, place, or moment using all five senses.  

 

Dialogue Snippets: Write a quick, spontaneous conversation between two characters.  

 

Find what works for you. 

 

A warm-up doesn’t need to take more than 5–15 minutes, but it should be consistent. 

 

Make it a habit before every writing session, and over time, you’ll notice how much easier it is to slip into deep work.  

 

Overcome the Resistance 

 

Maybe you’re thinking, I don’t have time for this.

 

But a quick warm-up actually saves time because it makes writing smoother. 

 

Or maybe you feel like you don’t need it.

 

Well, even seasoned writers like Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, and Julia Cameron rely on warm-ups. 

 

And if it feels silly? 

 

Good. 

 

That means you’re letting go of judgment, which is exactly the mindset you need to write freely.  

 

Try It Yourself  

 

Pick one of the warm-up techniques and try it for five minutes. 

 

Notice how it feels. 

 

Did your mind loosen up? 

 

Did the words flow more easily? 

 

The only way to know if a warm-up works for you is to test it out.  

 

Warming up is one of the simplest ways to boost creativity, confidence, and focus. 

 

Experiment with different methods, find one that fits your style, and make it part of your routine. 

 

Writing doesn’t have to feel like a struggle—it can be effortless, joyful, and fun.

 

And it all starts with a little warm-up. 

Now, for more free writing tips and resources, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge. 

And, if you've always wanted to write a novel, visit writebythesea.com and accept our July Writing Challenge.

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books, CEO and founder of Write by the Sea® and a Law of Attraction coach for writers.

5 Ways Writing a Book Will Help You to Unlock Your Hidden Creative Genius

 

How often have you thought to yourself, “I’m not creative?” Have you marveled at the creativity of young children playing, wondering where on earth they come up with these crazy ideas? Creativity doesn’t disappear completely as we get older; we simply don’t exercise it quite as much as we did as youngsters. Traditional classroom schooling also doesn’t place a priority on creativity because teachers are so focused on teaching the curriculum and scoring tests. If you want to spur your creative juices once again, write a book.

Here are just a few ways you can unlock your hidden creative genius by writing a book:

1. Use the brain dump method to empty your mind of too many ideas. Experts have proven that multitasking actually diminishes productivity, so instead of trying to write your book while all these other ideas are swimming around, take a journal and just start writing everything down. And I mean EVERYTHING, including calling the dog groomer for an appointment to calling the pharmacy for a refill. Whatever is taking up space in your brain should be on that paper. Now that you’ve released these thoughts onto paper, focus solely on writing your book. You’ll discover the writing process is easier when you’re able to focus on just one task instead of one hundred.

2. Banish writer’s block. Before you start writing your best-selling book create an outline. One might think that this kind of detail will cause writer’s block. But in fact, the exact opposite happens. Because you have a roadmap to follow – and you can decide how detailed to make your outline - your brain will feel safe and allow you to write.

3. Writing itself is a creative problem-solving process. When was the last time you made a pros/cons list to help you make a decision? Or a to-do list to track your daily tasks? Or mind mapping to illustrate solving a problem? Writing out the details of our problem allows us to clarify exactly what has to happen when and it’s then easier to see connections and solutions to these problems our brain relaxes and our creativity flows.

4. Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re not aiming for perfection, this old saying holds true. The more you write, the easier the process becomes. If you’re an expert in a particular field, it makes sense to write about your expertise.  Writing content for your audience will become easier because you have the practice and you’ve done the research to know what your audience is seeking.

 5. Embrace the idea of doing something new or different every day. Our daily lives can become routine and boring but they feel safe and less effort is required on our part. But what if you tried new things, mixed up your daily routines just to be different. Take some time to explore new surroundings, take the long way home from the gym, or skip the gym and go for a walk in nature, turn off social media for a day and let your brain come back to awareness. Your brain will thank you for making it work differently, simply because you mixed things up.

Creativity is hidden inside each of us. Embrace your inner child, and use it to write a book you’ll love. In the end it will be worth it and bring great rewards. 

About Rebecca 

Rebecca Camarena is a Book Coach and author who helps women write, publish and market their impactful books about their heartfelt story of the challenges they’ve overcome so they can be an inspiration to others by sharing their words, their voice, their journey.

As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got out of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Are you’re ready to turn your heartfelt story into your dream book and become the author you were meant to be? Connect with me here, www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact