Tips for getting started with automatic writing?

I’ve recently become interested in automatic writing, but I’m not really sure how to get started. I’ve read a few things here and there, but I’d love to hear some personal experiences or practical advice from people who actually practice it. • How did you begin? • Are there any specific preparations (rituals, mindset, time of day, etc.)? • Do you set an intention or ask a question first, or do you just let things flow? • How can you tell if what you’re writing is coming from “somewhere else” and not just your own mind? • Have you had any powerful experiences or tips for getting past the initial block?