How to use this Page

by Amy M. O’Quinn

Like most other Americans, I did some major goal setting at the beginning of the year for the next twelve months. I have some good intentions, and perhaps this will be the year I have the satisfaction of completing them by December 31st.

I have often heard that writing down the things you want to accomplish is the first key to success. I recently read a book called Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser, and while I don’t necessarily endorse or plan to do everything she recommends, I do think it’s a good resource for anyone who is interested in goal setting. It is a book that really helps the reader “focus” on what he/she wants to achieve, and how to take the necessary steps to move forward.

However, another important key is visualizing or having a clear picture in our minds of exactly what it is that we want to do or be. It is a driving factor to keep us motivated through the whole process. We can “see” the prize or outcome, and that picture keeps us going.

Is Visualization Effective?

I recently heard of two stories that illustrate how effective visualization can be. The first was about an experiment done where two groups of basketball players were shooting free throws. The first group of players actually practiced shooting free throws for at least an hour a day for several days that week. The other group of players was not allowed to actually shoot the ball at all. However, they were required to picture themselves shooting free throws for the same amount of time as the first group—but only in their minds. They had to ‘incorporate’ all five senses as they visualized themselves shooting the perfect free throw. At the end of the experiment, when both groups actually got on the court to shoot, the ‘visualizers’ outperformed the other group!

Another story involved a POW during the Vietnam War. Before capture, this young man had been an avid golfer, so to pass the time in his small cell, he ‘played’ the game of golf in his mind every day. He’d go through every course he ever played, and visualize each and every detail. After his release some ten years later, he played his best golf game ever! As one writer commented, his body carried out what his mind already knew how to do!

Visualization for Writers

So what does visualization have to do with writing success? It’s the same principle as if we wanted to lose weight, redecorate a room, or eliminate debt—we “see” the outcome in our mind’s eye. We are able to recognize the benefits, advantages, and rewards that will be ours if we reach the goal. In addition, that vision spurs us on to action to get the job done.

Do you picture yourself holding a book with your name on the cover, or perhaps simply reading a story to your children that you wrote with them in mind? Do you see yourself doing an author visit or presentation at a school or library, or maybe even passing out copies of the family history you compiled to your loved ones? What will it take to make those images into reality? One thing is for sure—you’ll already be motivated!

Story or Scene Visualization

There is also another type of visualization, called story or scene visualization. When I am writing a manuscript, I must first “see” the different segments of my story played out, much like a movie, in my mind. I need to picture the characters—what they look like, how they sound, how they move, etc. I also need to smell, touch, and perhaps even ‘taste’ these parts of my story as much as possible.

When we as writers immerse