My Must-Haves When I Write
In one of my previous posts I talked about the Inspiration and how, rather waiting for the inspiration to write, you should write first and the inspiration will surely follow.
However, there is that subject of actually writing. How do you make yourself get into that writing chair daily and stick to it? And once you are in the chair, how do you actually start?
I know everyone has their own place, routine, a ritual if you please, to start writing, to get into the routine and stay there. Here are 5 things that I need to get my writing going and keep me through it:
- A pair of Apple fitted headphones. Nothing is more annoying and distracting as a pair of headphones that doesn’t fit right, hurt the insides of your ears, falls out every time you move your head, crackle, the list goes on. The headphone I use stay put, don’t squeeze my skull, and allow very little of an outside noise so I can slip into my writing world
- A music player. Naturally, with the headphones come the music player you attach them to. I don’t discriminate between makers, as long as I can put my music on random, repeat or play an album in an order. I use my Samsung phone, Apple iPod, CreativeLabs Zen or simply plug into my laptop and find a good mix on 8tracks.com that I discovered thanks to Courtney Carver (Thank you!)
- A good music mix. I use a different type of music for different projects that I write, but universally I lean towards slower Indie music or movie soundtracks/scores for my writing. My favorite soundtracks are from “Twilight” movies (especially first three movies), “Titanic”, “Tron”, “Jerry McGuire” and “Fifth Element”
- My laptop. I used to be very unproductive when faced with an electronic screen and used paper to get my juices going, but the more I write, the more comfortable I become with writing digitally. My laptop has to be small since I drag it everywhere I go
- A blanket. Ok, I admit, I am a wimp when it comes to being cold and I can’t concentrate when my legs are freezing, so a blanket is a must to get cozy and submerge into the world of my book. My writing place has to be comfortable, so a pillow and a comfy sitting are my best friends
What are you secret tools for getting into the groove of writing? I would like to know, maybe I will include them on my personal list of must-haves!
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About Lillith Black
Computer geek by day, paranormal and urban fantasy writer by night, Lillith Black hails from Southern California where the weather is great and the ocean is just 30 min away.
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I think I’ll have to write my own list of things I need.
I was wondering if I could include this in a book I’m working on: ‘I used to be very unproductive when faced with an electronic screen and used paper to get my juices going, but the more I write, the more comfortable I become with writing digitally. My laptop has to be small since I drag it everywhere I go.’
It’s a book where real people who write share about writing. One section is on writing tools and I’m collecting responses to what writing tools people use. I’d love to include you in the book. Your name, age and location would be included and all credit goes to you for your words.
All good if you want to decline, just thought I’d check.
JD
Thank you for reading my blog and your offer. I would love to be a part of your book if it helps even one person out there to find courage and write. You can find my email on my Contact page. Looking forward working with you!
I wrote a post last night on my blog with a similar theme – how important music is in helping me write. Personally, I don’t use headphones. I use my laptop and either use my collection on iTunes or listen to whole albums on YouTube. I’m the opposite of you with regards to the blanket. I don’t like to be hot, I prefer to be cool. I like to have bare feet and depending on the weather, I’ll have windows open to let fresh air in.
I have to have music to write, it sets a certain state of being and also serves as a white noise of sorts. I have to use headphone cause I’m either constantly distracted at home or I would be distracting someone when I right outside my house 😀
Fresh air is a big YES! and also rain or fog! I love writing when it’s cold and rainy outside, the sounds are muffled and I can finally hear myself.
Thank you for reading my post, Diane!
No problem 🙂 I found a musician called Tycho on YouTube last night – proper chill-out music, ideal for writing to. If you haven’t heard him, you might want to check him out.
Thank you! Listening to “Dive” album right now, great find!