Question and Answer Friday
As I contemplate Gustav and, yes, check the tropical updates every couple hours, I know I need to focus on the writing, not on the deja vu I'm experiencing as I wait for my parents to make the decision to evacuate. Wasn't I doing this three years ago, another Labor Day weekend?
I think of my friend Jill, who thanks to Road Home, after almost three years, moved out of a FEMA trailer and into her rebuilt house last month. I think of Kitty, another friend who also lost everything in Katrina, who moved into a new house this spring. I've written two superheroine articles about Kitty http://wetnoodleposse.com/archives/sept_2006/superheroines.html and http://wetnoodleposse.com/archives/nov_07/superheroines.html .
Friends are starting to e-mail their evacuation plans to me--where they, their pets and their children will be as we all wait. But I have to write, and I will.
Some writers have rituals that help put them into the zone. Some posse members use music or candles. I've even heard about a writer who would wear a goofy hat. So my question for today is what cues do you use to put your mind in the writing zone even when you don't feel like writing?
Labels: writing cues
posted by Mo H @ 6:45 AM
13 Comments:
Mo, yuck on this weather! I'm already worried about dear Louisa, although she's not directly on the coast. But those storms have such a big reach!
I use music to help distract me, although when I'm deeply in a story, it's got to go back off.
Gillian,
I think Pris and Mary use music, too. I use coffee and read over what I wrote the day before. That usually does the trick for me!
Take care, Louisa. We're thinking of you.
Prayers for your parents, Jill, Kitty, and all those threatened by yet another hurricane headed toward the LA-MS coast.
When I really don't want to write but know I should, I remove as many distractions as possible and simply start typing. Eventually I'll hit my groove. Getting close to nature -- a park, a beach, etc.--helps.
Patricia,
Good to hear from you! I was wondering where you'd been. Thanks for the prayers and for sharing your trick to getting away from the distractions.
My best wishes for everyone in the hurricane zone.
Getting on my treadmill/computer system usually makes me write. There's nothing else to do.
I'm worried about Gustav, too. Those poor people in the hurricane's path. How scary it must be to think it could all happen again.
I used to use Aromatherapy but my work habits have deteriorated badly. Now I just fear my deadlines.
Esri,
What is your treadmill/computer system? Do you write while exercising?
Diane,
LOL on the fear of deadlines driving you to produce, but I'm curious about aromatherapy. What scents did you use? Which made you most productive?
I'm checking the weather in the Gulf every few hours too, although I'm a very long ways away. RWA did that to me. It introduced me to a whole heck of a lot of Southern women.
Lately I've been writing simply by telling myself to do it. And it works best if I don't take a long break. I often re-read the writing of the day before, but when I'm stuck I go back and read the extensive outline for the story. Sometimes I lie down and cover my eyes and imagine the scene, then I try to think of words that would express it. This works, unless I fall asleep...
Delle
LOL on the "fall asleep," Delle! Sometimes it just happens, doesn't it?
Thanks for all the concern and prayers. We're keeping an eye on old Gustav. I don't like it when I don't know where they're going to land. I do have to airline kennels all lined up and ready to go should I have to head North to Mom's. Try taking nine dogs and 4 cats on an 80 mile trip! But they're my American Express. I won't leave home without them.
I usually have to have music playing to write. Candles and aromatherapy are helpful too. Funny, but for Lost in Love it was lavender and sandalwood. For The Raven's Heart it is lily of the valley and bergamot. I have certain selections that are better for love scenes and others that are better for every day or action scenes.
I am still reworking my writing studio. Most of the decor is framed cover flats (most autographed) of my favorite authors and photos of myself with my favorite authors.
I am busy making it look more Regency, but I have to work the decorating around my writing and my DDJ!
Louisa,
Glad you're getting ready in case you need to leave. I think it's cool that you use different aromas for different books. I love how you've decorated your writing space with cover flats and photos of you with other authors, too.
Delle,
LOL about falling asleep! I may try that closing the eyes and imagining the scene idea.
I'll usually 'get in the groove' by reading the prior chapter or scene and playing a few games of solitaire. Seems to clear the brain pathways. Music can help; I have a mix of songs that served as inspiration for my first books and they trigger the writing instinct.
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