What I call ‘Stream of Consciousness’, also known as ‘Automatic Writing’, is when you write non-stop for a given period of time.

The idea is to literally write each idea as it comes into your head, not stopping to alter or control anything that comes onto the page.

For me, the results are often extraordinary. By switching off my normal analytical, critical mind, I open up a channel through which the creative mind can express itself.

I may end up with a jumble of nonsense or a coherent stream of ideas but there are almost always a few gems – words falling together in beautiful ways – to hold on to.

I sometimes go on to use these nuggets of poetry to spark off another stream of consciousness or edit them to create a more polished piece of writing.