Seeding

Have you ever heard of the term ‘seeding’ in reference to writing? It’s a technique I have used a few times, with varying degrees of success.

Seeding allows you to ‘seed’ your thoughts to bring about some ideas for a story you may be working on. It’s harder to explain than I thought. So, I will use an example.

Several years ago, when I was studying creative writing, my lecturer led us through a guided meditation. The primary premise was to clear our minds and see what story ideas appeared. However, I chose to ‘seed’ my meditation with the nub of an idea from one of my novels. As we were guided through the steps to rest, I slowly infused my thoughts with that nub of an idea. By the end of the meditation session, I had a significant scene, which we then spent time writing down. Whilst the scene hasn’t appeared in its story yet, it was good to do that.

I believe the same seeding can be done with dreams. Recently, I woke part way through the night, still able to recall the remnants of the dream I just envisioned. before I went back to sleep, I told myself to remember the events, scenarios, and characters of that dream so that I could write it down when I woke.

I have remembered the basics of the dream, but I didn’t write it down as soon as I woke. Partly since I wear contact lenses to be able to see as clearly as possible. The lenses also prevent (most of the time) me from writing down ideas during the night. I have done it, but I need to close the better of my two eyes and move my face closer to the tablet screen and try and type.

Excuses and reasons aside, I find seeding worthwhile. You don’t have to make your seeding major, unless you require some significant inspiration. You can do a self-guided meditation, have a nap, or create a process to seed your thoughts prior to falling asleep at night. However, you want to record your thoughts, it is beneficial having some type of medium to record those thoughts.

I must away to further make notes from last night’s remembered dream.

Until next time,

Tap, tap, tap on that keyboard.