Easter's Lilly

Monday, July 18, 2011

Writing Rituals



With almost every author interview I have done, I have been asked the same question: Do you have any writing rituals? I think we all have certain routines that we go through when we write. For example, I was just talking with an author who reads while she exercises and that’s the way she gets her reading done. I couldn’t believe that I do exactly the same thing. I recently discovered the Kindle and though I admit that I prefer the book in my hand, I have since had a change of heart. I can place the Kindle on my elliptical machine and simply push a button when I’m ready to turn a page. No more trying to hold the book and turn the pages without dropping it onto the floor. The Kindle makes it incredibly simple for me to catch up on my reading while I’m burning calories.  Since I take about an hour to work out, this is an incredible time saver.

I also check my social media first thing in the morning before I get started.  I check my email and make sure there is nothing that needs my immediate attention. If it does I take care of it before I get into the zone so to speak.

If I’m writing in the evening, I enjoy a glass of Chardonnay while I’m writing but if it’s daytime I enjoy a glass of unsweetened, green tea.  I read over the last chapter that I have written, just to make sure I am up to speed on the details and haven’t forgotten anything. Once I’m writing if anyone is talking to me while I’m working I appear to be paying attention but I assure you that I hear nothing. It’s kind of funny how I have been able to pull that off but I’m sure as time goes on, it will become more and more apparent that I am not paying any attention at all.

After I finish writing I back up my files twice and close up shop. I re-check my social media and power down my MacBook. The next day, it all begins again. I do take two days a week and devote a large part of those days to marketing. I hope that some day I will be able to pay someone else to do that part of the job for me but until that time… it’s up to me.

What are your writing rituals? I would love to hear what gets you motivated.

5 comments:

  1. I check my media first thing too--that's one of my problems, I pore over it--and then I take care of any personal business immediately after that. Then I just think about what story needs what in terms of plot, etc., and try to decide which one is urgent over the others. I usually drink coffee or Coke. I really don't have too many other rituals. Wish I did to kick me off for the morning!

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  2. I to do the email, Facebook and blogger rounds first. Then when it is time to write, I look to see where I am at and depending on the theme of the chapter I load up the corresponding play list.

    Drinks are usually unsweetened black tea, Diet Rockstar, or a Bud Light.

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  3. Funny, P.I. and SB, I think maybe checking the social media first might be a mistake. Maybe we should check it last so we don't get too absorbed. Thank you both so much for your comments. The first time I was asked that question I said, "No, no rituals." Then my husband rattled off all the things he sees me do before I write. I found that amusing that it had to be pointed out to me.

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  4. My ritual is check email and a few blogs first thing. Then I hit the treadmill with whatever book I'm reading. I can't use my Kindle on the treadmill though. There's too much bouncing. I have to have a print book for that. My writing time is everyday between 1-3pm. And then I sneak extra time whenever I can throughout my day.

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  5. Kelly, thank you so much for your comments. I love that you have a set time that you write each day. That is very clever. I think I may implement something like that.

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