As writers we need to fine-tune our senses to both our inner and our outer worlds. Whether we are observing people, objects, locations or situations, an important part of the process is paying close attention to what is happening within ourselves as we do so. Our inner experience of the world is what we communicate to others in our writing, so it is extremely important to be aware of ourselves and our feelings in relation to any aspect of the environment we wish to explore.

TO YOURSELF

The following exercises will help you to develop this vital skill. To gain the maximum benefit, they should be done in a completely relaxed state, with your eyes closed. As with all the visualisation exercises in this book, the instructions should be read onto a tape with sufficient pauses where necessary to allow the experience to unfold. Settle yourself somewhere comfortable where you will not be disturbed, before you play back the tape.