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Tip of the Week
Last week we discussed some behaviors to help you press on when you just don't feel like writing.
This week we'll focus on behaviors that will help you keep your writing mojo once you sit your tush down and start writing.
1. Make your workspace comfortable. Many writers observe certain "rituals" when they start to write--they write in the same place or use the same tools. They observe the details that other people just don't get. For instance, I have to write in colored ink--any color except normal blue, black, and sometimes red ink. My imagination just doesn't flow if I use normal colors. Make sure you find a location and tools that make you comfortable so that you look forward to your writing time.
2. Have a plan before you sit down. Knowing where you want to go with your story will help you achieve a sense of accomplishment as you progress toward your goal. Remember, writing is a slow business, and it helps if you know how close you are to the end so that you can see your progress.
3. "Turn the radio[/TV] off." I find that when I write in front of the TV, I take forever to reach my daily goal, and, more often than not, what I have produced is crap. Let's be honest, the radio and TV is distracting--escpecially if a favorite song or show comes on. Instead of silent words on a white screen or blank paper, you see colors and pictures and sounds! If you have to catch your favorite show, then just schedule your writing time around it or record it. That's what TiVo is for
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4. Do not write your first draft on the computer. I hesitate to put this tip in, but I think it is valid--especially for beginning writers. To quote my favorite author, C.S. Lewis, "The noise will destroy your sense of rhythm, which still needs years of training" (he was speaking of a typewriter, but typewriters are obsolete, and I think the same issue rings true with keyboard clicks). Rhythm is so important to mood in writing--particularly in poetry, but also important in prose. So, if you are a beginning writer, it's probably best to stick with writing on paper first.
*Tips 1 and 2 adapted from "How Effective Writer's Behave" by Maxine Haixston who said her "conclusions are based on research about the habits of practicing writers, both professional and amateur."
Tips 3 and 4 taken/adapted from a webpage that no longer exists. It contained excerpts of C.S. Lewis Letters to Children New York: MacMillian, 1985.
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Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you don't agree with a tip or if you have something to add, feel free to comment. We're all learning here.
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Tip #2: *sheepish grin* You're talking specifically to me, aren't you?!
Tip #3: YYeeeessss... agh... painful as it is to admit, writing and music do not work well together except in very rare situations.
Tip #4: Interesting! I've never thought of that. By this point, I love writing on the computer - the clicking of the keys as I type actually gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivates me to type (write) faster! I like writing with pencil and paper if I'm just brainstorming, though; for some reason, the thoughts just seem to flow better onto paper than they do onto the computer. With regular writing, I think I'll always stick with the computer simply because I can type 80-90 words per minute, whereas my handwriting isn't half as fast.
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Sanity is the graveyard of creativity.
As for #4, that's why I hesitated to include that tip. Writers have to know themselves and their limitations. However, remember that what's easier isn't always better. On the other hand, what works for one writer may not work for another.
In either case, everything has to be tailored to fit the kind of writer you are. Find what works best for you and stick to it.
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To become a skillful writer is our goal!
Sometimes the called distraction may be a source of inspiration. On my latest work, for example, I could only write it listenning to a set of 4 songs that would "set the mood" for something I was honestly not enjoying writing.
As for #4, maybe this happens because I've been writing for so long, but I only write on paper when I don't have a computer on a 10 meter perimeter (which is basically when I'm on class
And also a note for #1... One thing that must be learned is that it is possible to write anywhere. Personally, when I'm inspired a whole new ecosystem is created around me. If I'm stuck and I *need* to write, #1 is a /must/
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"Yes Inu, this is a Gymnopedie"
On the other hand, though, I've written 20 pages in the past 2 weeks, despite that schoolwork is still claiming the vast majority of my time and I had the flu for a few days, so I suppose I'm improving at least a little...
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Sanity is the graveyard of creativity.
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To become a skillful writer is our goal!
I considered putting a disclaimer for #3, siting the very reason you stated, but felt I couldn't explain myself well. You, however, explained it very well. Thank you.
As for #4, I figured that most people would disagree. That's part of the reason that tip is geared for beginning writers.
In my own writing, I see a vast difference from when I write in a notebook and when I type straight to the computer. I find that writing on paper first helps me slow down and think.
However, I glad you disagreed with me.
Any one else have an opinion?
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To become a skillful writer is our goal!
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