Today is October 1st, which means it’s exactly one month until the beginning of NaNoWriMo. Which means it’s time to start thinking about plots and outlines, and compiling galleries of inspiration images, and filling out character questionnaires, and putting together writing playlists. (If preparation is your thing, of course–I have great admiration for the pantsers, though I’ll never be one of them.)
I’ve never actually used a writing playlist, myself–that is, actually listened to music as I’m writing. I have certain songs that I’d hope would make the soundtrack were there ever to be a feature film version of my novel, of course–usually tracks from Hans Zimmer soundtracks, to be honest. But I can’t listen to music while I write. I find it distracting.
I do have other writing idiosyncrasies, though. I like to have a hot drink close by–though usually it sits there and gets cold while I type away, so maybe I just like the idea of having a hot drink close by. I like to be sitting in my overstuffed armchair while I write. Usually if I go to a public place–a library, a coffeeshop–I don’t end up getting much writing done at all. And I like to write when it’s overcast or raining outside.
What are some of your writing tics and routines?
I'm a student, amateur historian, coffee connoisseur, movie buff, hockey fan, cat lady, and all-around nerd. I'm currently pursuing a degree in history and political science at the University of West Georgia. In my spare time, I write historical fiction and fantasy. My debut YA historical fantasy novel His Own Good Sword was released on 7 May 2013.
I prefer to type in silence too…..music when I’m thinking through scenes/ideas, but silence while I type. If, on the rare occasion I *do* have anything playing, it’s classical music. Usually violins. Bach style.
My biggest idiosyncrasy is that to check myself, I often go back to the beginning of whatever arc I’m working on and read it out loud to myself. Then interrupt myself. Make a couple corrections. Read it aloud again. More interruptions and corrections. Repeat ad nauseum.
Then go back to the beginning of the arc and start reading aloud again….
I’ve heard that reading aloud works wonders for figuring out rhythm and wording, but I haven’t quite mustered the courage to do it. I read quietly to myself instead.
I’m so with you! I write my best on dreary, rainy days (especially when a storm is rolling in) which spark my creativity.
And I also do not write well in coffeshops (much to my dismay). Movie soundtracks in the background help me if I’m trying to develop a story or simply capture my writing muse, but I find silence the best when actually writing.
Recently, I’ve loved listening to soundtracks by Dario Marionelli (the 2008 Pride and Prejudice) and Michael Giacchino (Star Trek, Batman Begins). Pandora is awesome!
I’ve listened to some of Michael Giacchino’s soundtracks, but none of Dario Marionelli’s. I’ll have to check him out. I’m a sucker for soundtracks.
I didn’t really have a routine until about two years ago! I just tried to write whenever I could. But then I decided that, if writing was a value for me, I had to give it some priority. So – I roll out of bed, turn on the computer, and write between alarms. No music, no distractions – and I’m still sleepy enough that I can usually ignore the inner censor and just let the words flow. I’ve been doing this almost every weekday morning for 2 and a half years now, and I’m really happy with this routine. It’s how I managed to finish my first novel; I’m now about half way through the draft of a second book.
I find that writing in the morning works best for me, too. Too many distractions later in the day, I guess.