After reading this advice from Dean Wesley Smith for writers to use this time to escape the real world into writing, I’m struck by its true simplicity.

Writing is just one conduit that can carry a person into another realm, albeit a powerful one. It sparks the imagination, discipline and creativity of a person into one giant thought bubble release.

When a writer gets into the “zone,” (or flow, or whatever else you want to call it), they live in their new world. The environment around them melts away as their focus is drawn to the landscape of the words in front of them.

Rather, their imagination being told through the medium of words. The skill of the writer will determine how well those words can sing and resonate with a reader.

However, there are many other escapes during this time and we would all be served by losing ourselves in one. Just be careful as there’s a difference between escape and numbing.

Binge watching shows, excessive video game playing, addiction to social media–these aren’t escapes. They’re numbing effects.

They provide temporary entertainment, and some may stay with you for a bit, but they pale in comparison to your own creative endeavours.

Escape into something that involves creation.

It’s more satisfying and there’s something to show for it in the end.