Today, I am detailing my pre-writing process. This seems explore-worthy, as each of us who writes (and - I like to think - each of us who reads) has some sort of routine we like to follow - whether this routine is simple or complicated, rigid or flexible.
My (admittedly stringent) Pre-Writing Routine:
1) Wake up at 6:45. (This is the most flexible aspect of all, as I'm often on a nighttime schedule, and my wake up time becomes something much more random, like maybe 7:38 P.M.)
2) Stretch, rinse face, make breakfast, "settle" (← which mostly means sitting and letting myself get centered), and decide whether I want coffee now or want to wait until later.
3) Turn off every light in my room besides the one on my desk, and either light a candle or set a candle on my candle warmer (candle of choice: anything from Yankee Candle that smells like fall or like Christmas).
4) Log into the account on my computer that I use for writing, plug my speakers into my computer, and play my "Pre-Writing" playlist (Across The Universe and A Day In The Life by The Beatles, always in that order).
5) Read over my writing from the previous day. If I wrote in my notebook the previous day (rather than doing my first-draft writing on my computer), this step also includes typing the previous day's writing, while I begin listening to my Writing Playlist.
Next Step: Fly (aka, Write). Stay in the air for at least two and a half hours, and don't come down for any emails, phone calls, text messages, or conversations. Stay absorbed in the story, and let it take me away.
Why all this elaborateness? Easy - By simple virtue of repetitive conditioning, this process tells my mind, body, and emotions: It's time to write. By using this routine, I ease into the proper mindset necessary for me to create beauty. Without the routine, the whole thing (for me) is hit or miss.
Dear Writers, what writing routines do you follow?
Dear Readers, what reading routines do you follow? (Does anyone other than me have reading routines? Or...am I just an odd one?)
Chime in down below - I'm interested to see how others of you approach your embarkation of literary adventures.
More to come (yet again) tomorrow. I think I'll use tomorrow afternoon's post to touch on the beauty of a writing playlist.
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Posts
Reminds me of your pre-football-game routine... part of which was to watch Gladiator.
ReplyDeleteHey man, thanks for the follow on Twitter. (@nervouswriter) I have my own blog as well (how surprising) and I'd like to add you to the blogroll. I hope you don't mind... you'll be listed under "Archenemies." (The blog is somewhat a satire... don't worry.)
ReplyDelete"What Not To Do As A Writer"
www.thumbtack4k.wordpress.com
Lisa Kilian
I'm currently writing my fifth book and it never once occurred to me to start by reading the previous day's writing. I usually stop at the end of a section and start with a new one, but maybe it would be useful.
ReplyDeleteAs for my rituals, they involve the room being tidy, the cats being settled, and sometimes a little inspirational music before I start.
Dad - I'm surprised you remember that! Good times...
ReplyDeleteThumbtack - Thanks for the add to the blogroll. Anything to spread the word!
Jay - It definitely helps me slide in an immediate groove with my writing. Let me know how it goes for you.
My pre-writing routine usually goes something like this:
ReplyDeleteGo to work.
Read emails.
Re-read email asking me to write a press release/editorial in a short amount of time.
Write.