CASSY’S CORNER- WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
First, before posting my thoughts for the day, I want to apologize to everyone who checks into our blog. I have been missing this last week or more and today’s post is late. I am just getting back up to speed. My computer was hacked by LulzSec. That’s the same group who broke into the CIA and the US Senate. Maybe I should be honored to be in such a group, though it has wrecked days out of my life. They have now arrested a 19 year-old man in Great Britain who is one of the ring-leaders. What a waste of incredible brain power.
But, hopefully, I am now back! So, on with our topic of the day- What Does It Take?
We all have our crutches. I have a writer friend who can’t even think of sitting at her computer until she has a cup of coffee in a particular mug- only that mug. I have another colleague who listens to music, changing it for the type of scene she is writing. I know of someone else who has a small bowl of chocolates right at hand, never letting the supply run out. I know another who gets up, showers, puts on make-up, hair perfect and then works alone all day. My list is so small—nothing.
What does? What helps getting the words flowing on the page?
For me it’s quiet. It’s the time I set aside to write and not let the rest of world slip in. No music, no interruptions, just writing. But, I work at home. What does that mean? It means the electrician, the yard man, the….well, you know what I am saying. There is the impression that I’m not really working.
So, my question is this, and many of you have answered this before so bear with me, how do you manage it? Kari, you are great at having a schedule and sticking to it- but do you answer the phone? Liz, you are incredible at setting aside the right amount of time to get the next chapter written. Anita and Barbie Jo- I could list how you pull it off.
So, what works for you? How do you write and what gets you going?
9 comments:
What works for me? Background noise. If home then the TV on listening to country music videos with maybe a glance to see which one it is. At work, people talking even though I sometimes have to ask them to repeat what they said. The desire to finish the story or stories I'm working on.
What gets me going is coffee. Plenty of coffee. Then, only when I've achieved my goal for the day, which can vary, a glass of wine.
Chocolate-not. It makes me hyper and that's the last thing I want.
And finally, that gets me going is the desire to write, not the next great American novel, the best most compelling and interesting story I can, with just the right amount of murder, humor and maybe romance mixed in.
Unlike when I read, I can write through pretty much anything. I will not, however, hear a word you tell me. As long as I've had a cup of tea, I'm good to go :)
Lindsay: I hear you. But again, the background noise is a problem for me. Maybe my head is just too noisy all by itself.
Sarah! Great to have you here. I love that you can drive your writing through anything. I envy you. I become distracted so too easily. Give us lessons!
Hi Cassy. I'm so happy you got your computer troubles sorted out. I agree, what a waste of brain power for someone to use their intelligence for such destructive purposes. Imagine if they put their minds to helping. I can't stand people who don't care how their actions effect others. It's a pet peeve of mine.
Anyway, I'm totally a work by motivation writer. I wish I wasn't, but I have to be motivated. It doesn't have to be good motivation. If I have a deadline and I'm not really feeling the story, that's still motivation. But lots of things motivate me. Watching a movie, reading a book, dreaming, brainstorming. Brainstorming is one of the best. I call my CP, who's the best brainstormer for me, and within minutes of discussing the story, or discussing her story, I'll find myself getting so excited about writing. And it also helps if I think of a new angle to the story, that can really get me going. Sometimes just reading a page in a book with really strong writing will motivate me. Today, the cooler temp and less humitity motivated me. I've ignored email and been sitting on my deck for hours writing.
Cassy,I am still laughing at, "Liz, you are incredible at setting aside the right amount of time to get the next chapter written."
That is so far from the truth,it is unreal. I am so undisciplined and once shared how I think I do better when I'm in crisis mode. To get there, I procratiate until I make myself crazy. For book 2, I was so far in the hole, I had to write 25 pages a week..something that is really hard for me. I did it and even liked what I had written.
But no, I am not organized or disciplined. I try to set a goal one chapter a week,but like I said, I jack around.
I do belong to a loop where we publish weekly goal, and that keeps me accountable most of the time.
Sorry about your computer troubles. I think sometimes the antivirus peolple do that just so we buy their software.
Liz: I still think you always get it done. As do the rest of the M&M ladies. Boy oh Boyl am I loving having my machine appearing to act normally. Each time I log on I hold my breath.
Yay, Cassy's back!
I also get ready for the day first, and then sit down to write until the kiddies are home. There are times when I am not under deadline that I too need to be motivated or I get distracted. And like Liz I end up behind and have to write 25 pages....a day, not a week...ugh. That's a killer and I keep vowing never to do that gain.
Maybe this time I will succeed in staying on track with book 3, which actually I can't wait to get started on.
Gladd everything is back to normal Cass! I'm chiming in late because..well...life got in the way yesterday BIG TIME!
2 firedrills at our building yesterday! (almost 3 because someone on our 3rd floor found the stupid toaster oven ON but with nothing in it! really people???) then soccer practice, a parent/player meeting and home at 9PM. Made for a very long day.
LOVE your topic, though. I am totally a crisis writer. You'd think I'd learn by now, but I don't. If I know I have "time", then I procrastinate, LET myself get distracted and basically take my time instead of sticking to a flexible schedule and being disciplined. But when the heat is on, I tend to shine and get it done!
At least that is what used to work. Lately the day job and children have been extremely demanding and I'm finding for the first time NO time for my writing. The space is few and far between, and the little times I do get - I'm constantly reminded of other areas of my life that need the attention too. I'm trying to work through all of this frustration as fellow writers around me make deadlines, create awesome ebooks etc... while I'm feeling like the hamster on the wheel, working my @$$ off but going nowhere. Ugh.
But I guess when all is said and done, it's family, day-job and writing. I can write anywhere as long as I have no distractions. I've written in the car before, but it's hard becasue of the radio and occasional commentary by the man. But I do it. I love being out on my deck best of all with the sounds of nature around me and a glass or 2 or wine and some snacks. THAT works wonders (but doesn't always happen). It's usually my little desk in the evening with no snacks and maybe a beverage.
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