“GOOD VIBRATIONS”

                                How to Know When You’re Onto Something Great as a Writer

 

As writers, we’ve all experienced that moment of uncertainty. You’re deep into a project, eyes locked on the screen, fingers dancing over the keyboard—and then the doubt creeps in. Is this any good? Am I wasting my time? But every once in a while, something shifts. The words flow effortlessly, the ideas align, and you can’t help but feel that what you’re working on might just be... great. That’s when you feel what I like to call “good vibrations”—that inner signal from your creative instinct telling you that you’re onto something special.

 

But what are these “good vibrations,” and how do we know we’re truly onto something great? Let’s break down some signs writers can rely on to gauge when they’ve struck artistic gold.

 

1. The Flow State

Have you ever been so deep in writing that you lost track of time? That is often called “in the zone,” but I like to think of it as riding a creative wave. Everything comes naturally when you’re in the flow state—dialogue feels sharp, descriptions are vivid, and the plot pieces fall perfectly into place. When this happens, it’s a strong indicator that your idea has substance. Good vibrations are strongest when the writing process feels seamless, almost like you’re just a conduit for the story.

 

 2. Emotional Resonance

Writing that evokes strong emotions in you as the author will likely do the same for your readers. Whether it’s excitement, sadness, joy, or fear, feeling deeply connected to your story is a sign that you’ve tapped into something powerful. If you find yourself laughing out loud, tearing up, or getting goosebumps as you write, those are good vibrations telling you your words have the potential to resonate with others.

 

3. A Persistent Idea

Sometimes, an idea won’t leave you alone. It keeps coming back, knocking on the door of your mind, begging to be written. This persistence is often a good sign. The best stories demand you tell them; if your idea has that kind of staying power, it means you’re likely onto something with deeper significance. Trust that feeling. When a concept or character lingers with you long after you’ve stepped away from your desk, it’s a sign you’ve found something worth pursuing.

 

4. Positive Feedback from Trusted Sources

Sometimes, good vibrations don’t just come from within; they come from external validation. Your peers, mentors, or writing groups can be an invaluable resource when recognizing your work’s potential. When you share an excerpt or a draft, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive or constructive, it strongly indicates that you’re on the right track. Don’t underestimate the value of fresh eyes—others can often see greatness in your work before you fully realize it.

 

5. The Writer’s Institution Intuition

Every writer has an internal institution of wisdom and experience that grows with every page they write. It’s like an invisible radar, finely tuned over time to detect when a project has potential. The more you write, the more you’ll learn to trust this intuition. It’s that gut feeling you get when something clicks. Listen to it. Your internal writer’s institution often knows you’re onto something great before you consciously do.

 

6. Inspiration Breeds More Inspiration

Good vibrations have a ripple effect. When you’re working on a story that has real potential, it often sparks new ideas, leading you to exciting new places. Maybe you start with a basic plot, but as you write, subplots emerge, characters take on lives of their own, or new twists and turns surprise even you. If your story keeps evolving and growing unexpectedly, it’s a sign you’ve tapped into something creative and expansive.

 

7. You Can’t Stop Thinking About It

Have you ever walked, sat down for a meal, or tried to fall asleep, only to find your mind wandering back to your story? That’s a sign of good vibrations when you can’t stop thinking about your project, even when you’re not actively working on it. It means your subconscious is still engaged, working out the details and refining ideas even when you’re away from the page. This obsession with your work often points to something powerful brewing beneath the surface.

 

Conclusion: Trust the Good Vibrations

Writing is an art, and art is subjective. But those moments when you feel a surge of excitement, when the words flow effortlessly, and when the story resonates deeply with both you and your readers are the moments you should trust. Good vibrations are your writing institution’s way of telling you that you’re onto something special.

 

So, don’t second-guess yourself the next time you feel that unmistakable hum of creative energy. Embrace the flow, trust your intuition, and keep writing. Chances are, you’re onto something great.