I can't write without a cup of coffee in front of me. Well, sometimes I will settle for tea but it's not quite the same.
I can write with the tv right behind me. My office is an open sunroom adjacent to the family room, where my boys watch their videos and play.
I can do background noise. No problem.
I heard Deb Raney say that she liked to put music in as she writes. Kind of put her in the mood. But, it couldn't have words or she might start typing the lyrics.
I thought I'd give it a try. I bought some classical and some jazz and let it play as I wrote. Or, I should say, as I didn't write.
I LOVE music. So much so that I can't write when it's on. I must hum, sing and dance. (I just ordered Jonny Lang's CD and it should be here today! Not that you care, but I'm excited. That kid's got soul). Anway, what works for Deb, doesn't work for me.
I'm curious about other's writing practices. I'm sure there's probably some weird rituals some of you have. I wonder if anyone would care to share what they do to prepare to write.
I know my coffee isn't terribly interesting. I'm not too eccentric. It'd be way cooler if I had to have my pet halibut's tank resting across my lap before I could type a word, but what I am is what I am.
I do, however, write much more productively if my coffee is warm, not hot, and in my favorite coral Fiesta mug. That's kinda quirky, no? Alright, no.
I'd love to hear your quirks or rituals if anyone cares to share.
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Weird Writing Practices?
Well, I don't think I have that many quirky habits either. But I can write with music ... sometimes. It depends on the scene. Sometimes a really intense song is just the ticket to write an intense scene. I've even been inspired on the direction a scene should take by listening to an instrumental intense song that was screaming to be a chase scene soundtrack. You know what would be interesting? Taking an album you like and writing a short story to go with each song. Would work really well for an instrumental album, I think. Haven't done it yet myself though.
ReplyDeleteThere are other times where it has to be quiet so I can really concentrate. Usually I find I need silence when I read my chapter outloud as well.
And coffee ... or tea. Just the ticket. Of course, if I'm really trying to put off my work, I'll take forever to make that one cup. And when I'm done drinking, "Oh, just one more cup would be really great."
Ahhh...Procrastination, enemy number one. I can judge how taxing a scene is to write by the number of times I visit the fridge.
ReplyDeleteI like to write on the bus or subway. I find inspiration looking at the people or scenery around me. I am almost pretty much blocked in front of a computer.
ReplyDeleteNow, that's impressive. I ought to try that someday. Writing as I people watch I mean. No subways around here but plenty of interesting folks to observe. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete