Friday, September 30, 2011

Getting In The Mood

Hmmm... I hope your mind isn't in the gutter right now ;).

No, I'm talking about getting in the mood to write.

I know some people have their own special routines... making tea, putting the kids to bed, watching a few episodes of their favorite shows... others just hop onto their computer or flip open their notebooks and let the words flow.

I don't have a special routine--I just try to write any spare moment I can find.

And while there is absolutely nothing specific that I do, sometimes when I'm stuck, it helps to clear the area around me. Paper somehow manages to pile up in skyscraper-like stacks in choice spots along my desk. Goodness knows where it comes from.

An uncluttered work area usually steers me back on track when I find myself not in the mood sometimes. Clearing the clutter clears my mind so to speak, and reveals the window when the ideas get trapped (we'll delve more into this on Monday).

It may be purely psychological, but I think it helps. Sometimes we all need a little nudge, a little motivation. Even when it comes to things we love.

Even if the nudge is served warm with a nice helping of procrastination on the side ;).

What sorts of things do you to get into the mood to write? Do you need to do anything at all? Do you follow a specific routine? Do you find having a routine helpful?

Have a good weekend everyone!

24 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

I take my notebook everywhere, and when the mood strikes, I write. Have a good weekend, too.

Jon Paul said...

It takes a heady concoction of reading fiction, black coffee and shiny new ideas bubbling up from the guys down below to keep me on track.

If I'm really not in the mood to write, I may step back and summarize for awhile--but I find the trick is to keep going. Then the mood often finds me, instead of me having to go find my mood. :D

Have a great weekend!

Joanne said...

I do have a routine, and settle in to write at pretty much the same time each day. With coffee! A to-do list for the different writing projects I have going on helps, too :)

Ryan Sullivan said...

I'm in a rut. I wish I could get in the mood.

The main thing for me is to jump in and just start writing. Once the words start to flow I get into it.

Starting's always the hardest part.

Claudia Zurc said...

Oh, I empathize and agree 100%. I've gone through this myself. In fact, I'm going through it now. My life as we speak is chaotic therefore, I don't have a writing routine (I wish I had, sigh!). My work schedule at the moment is crazy (is not your typical 8 to 5 job). So to get in the writing mood, I have to see or hear something that'll prompt me to write about it. Sometimes meeting with another writer or talking to my mentors, who usually give me a push and a boost of confidence. That definitely helps ;)
You know what works for me? Deadlines! I have one on November 15th so I have no choice but to write and edit :(
Don't worry about writing routines though. They're not for everyone. You do what works best for you.
Cheers!

Gail Shepherd said...

My "routine" could certainly be more routinized than it is. I tend to warm up mornings with a bit of websurfing and then write in the afternoons. Reading poetry always inspires me.

Shari said...

I have to clean my office first too. A cluttered desk means a cluttered page for me!

Melissa Hurst said...

I don't really have a set routine. I just write when I can find the time. But it does help to look at some of my "inspiration" pictures or listen to music from my WiP playlist.

Laila Knight said...

I yanked my head out of the gutter just for you. I don't have a way I prepare to write, just a set time to hop into the office/dog room and hop to it. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Playing my guitar puts me in the mood because it clears my head.

Stina said...

I'm always in the mood to write. I'm especially in the mood to write when I can't because I have to do something else. ;)

Janet Johnson said...

When I don't want to and actually have the time, my best solution is to grab pen and paper, and then crack the whip. Put words down on paper and keep reminding myself that it doesn't matter if they stink.

That said, I've been a lazy bum lately. ;)

J.B. Chicoine said...

NO distractions! ...and a half-glass of pinot noir helps. I also need preliminary quiet time to formulate ideas and get focused. Sometimes that actually happens, but it doesn't come easily...

Unknown said...

I totally agree with you regarding a clutter-free environment. I think my work area is a reflection of the inner workings of my brain. Other than that, I usually need a hot cup of tea and bright light, preferable natural light. And chocolate on special occasions. Hope your weekend is great, as well!

Talli Roland said...

I like an uncluttered workspace, too. I can't write with clutter! I have a cup of coffee in the morning, then sit down.

Maeve Frazier said...

I am always in the mood to write. It's finding the time that is hard. I manage an hour a day and that seems to be about it, right now. I am pushing for more time. I like an uncluttered work area. I have a filing cabinet with folders to separate everything; that helps a lot. Since learning how to make a Hot Cinnamon/Caramel Latte - that is a must for my writing. I am hooked. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I tend to grab those minutes when I can - there's usually no time for a routine. If I'm feeling stuck, I just reread the last little bit and on I go :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

To get in the mood I have to have a stern talk with myself. I have to say, "Stop doing everything else in the world, sit down and write."

And if I don't listen? I get grounded. :)

Teresa

vanyelmoon said...

Going outside and sitting in my garden sometimes helps get me in the mood to write. Other times it is an article that come through my feed inspiring me to want to expound and share.

Lydia Kang said...

I totally need a nudge. Right now I need a deadline, and that might help me get through the end of this WIP!

Mina Burrows said...

Getting in the right mood can be challenging,especially when we have everyday road blocks. I guess my only routine would be to write when I can. :)

Theresa Milstein said...

When I was subbing and had a day off, I'd write from 10-1 or so. But otherwise, it was just where I could squeeze it in. I'm a panster in all ways.

I agree, an uncluttered space helps.

I'm going to try to be better about making specific time. Good luck finding ways that work for you.

Jessica Ruud said...

I take a notebook everywhere, and listen to my writing playlist for inspiration.

I hope to be a published author one day - so looking towards that goal helps me get in the mood.

Great blog!

high school essay writing said...

That's great work!I did the same thing with my planner. I made up several pages on my computer and hole punched them to get what I needed that didn't come with the average planner. Works for me!