How I Write or Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

Writing Date Night

Write it right. Is that what I said. Bah haa haa. This is the part of the book where I should terminate all proceedings and tell you what books you actually should read. Can't make myself do it though. It's either write or go take a shower. You wanna hear about my writing date night?

Hmm...date night. There's music, fabulous food aromas, and--nope. This is about writing. My writing Date Night takes place during the day. On Thursdays from 10 am to almost 3 pm I write. Have you heard all the advice about setting up to write? A lot of it holds true for me. It goes something like this.

Set aside a place and time to write every day. If possible make this the only activity you do in that space. Eliminate distractions. Arrange the space with items that inspire. Make the seat comfortable and the atmosphere one of work and/or creativity.

Huh. Don't see how that's going to work at my house. Normally I sit in bed with my laptop plunking away ala Mindy Kaling style. Heard she does the same thing even though she now has a nice desk. Paperwork to remind me of to-dos is on the floor beside the bed. Clothes that need to be put away are on the bureau. And the true nature of my organization style (piles) is evidenced all around. Let's write!

The wild thing is that this space often works. I was born with an talent little regarded and less appreciated by my parents and anyone else who has ever lived with me - tune out the mess talent. This is where I truly excel. Could have been one of the greats. (It's important to note that this talent only applies to my own messes. Sorry kids. Mommy's writing. Go clean your room.)

There is a place no longer only in my imagination. It is The Cottage. On Thursdays mid-morning I ride my bike to The Cottage. This wonderworld for writing follows the rules; it gives me a place and a time. (Only one day a week though.) The only activity I do there is write (and drink tea, and talk a short bit about writing--but only in 5 minute intervals). The space has only the couch, the throw rug, and  a blanket (and a chair, an automan, a small desk where another writer joins me off and on and keeps me accountable, and a dog). A large picture window looks out on nothing-I-have-to-do. I face a white wall with one tiny window set very high affording a view of green leaves on a tree. My window on the world. My writing.

So basically, I totally follow the rules--NOT. However, when I do follow them my word count for the day soars. The words run over into the next day and the next. An amazing synergy produces story. You gotta try it.  Know the rules and then break them in whatever way works for you.

Me? I went from Night Writer to Date Night at Day Writer. That might not sound as witty--but it works!