Nov 30, 2011

Blog Chain: What Gets Me Going

Tere Kirkland kicked off this round of the chain, despite having major computer issues. Good work getting it together, Tere! Yesterday, Margie posted. Tomorrow, head to Ali!

Here is her topic: What conditions do you need to get your best writing done? Closed door, crowded coffee house? Computer or notebook? Can you just sit down to write, or do you need to wait for the time to be right?

As always, my answer is not a simple one. 

I have yet to figure out what the best writing conditions are for me. Whatever that condition that is is elusive. I have written for hours at a coffee shop with complete success only to return a week later without the ability to write. I have written in complete silence and I have written with "Time to Pretend" by MGMT blaring on repeat. I have written indoors, outdoors, and behind closed doors. BUT I can never repeat the success I have with one atmosphere. That is unless I don't try so hard.

When I don't try so hard to get in words and pages, they tend to flow on their own. It's kind of magical. And by magical, the process is *POOF* gone before I can analyze what worked about it. Like I said, it's elusive. I may be searching for this perfect writing environment, but I know it'll appear to me soon. Until then, I am content with short stints of writing as I work on my craft.

6 comments:

  1. It is elusive, isn't it?

    It's crazy, but my best work almost always happens when I'm drafting a scene in the bathtub. Something about the water must really help me tap into my creativity.

    Now I just need a lakehouse with a pool. ;)

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  2. You are great! :) I write best at my desk, but I hardly ever write there. Self-sabotage/carpal tunnel dreams. We're both nuts.

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  3. You could turn it around and say that you can work under a variety of conditions. Being flexible about where you work can allow you to be more productive than having to get exactly the right conditions in place.

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  4. I liked Sandra's take on it. A positive spin. I find I write best when I'm know I must write. So I have to set up accountability systems for myself.

    Don't put too much pressure on yourself. When you can create, it's a gift. When you can't, it just means your sub-conscious is gearing up for the next creating session. :)

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  5. I'm pretty similar. Inspiration comes where and when it wants to, and not because I tell it to.

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  6. I don't think environment can trump just getting the words out in the way you want them to when inspiration strikes.

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:D