Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Where And When Do You Create?

DO YOU USE CREATIVE RITUALS?
If not, invent some.

Rituals can spark our creative process. For some of us, a ritual can be a simple routine that readies us for inspiration.

One writer begins her writing day at her dining room table with a fountain pen and a yellow legal pad because she loves the color of the ink. When she finally gets to her computer, she is surrounded by pictures she has gathered that fit her story.

You could read before you start working... go for long walks on the beach or in the park.

In my case to the nearest bench... just across the street. Then I have to get my strength back to go back home. Luckily the new hospital is on the other side of the parking lot.

Ah-hem... It's not that bad, really.

A lot of writers start their day with a cup of coffee and a gander at the rising sun. I don't drink coffee, but I like to watch the sun come up.

I try to start work early, before the world comes alive.

But when I'm having a difficult time, I put the timer on for twenty minutes (I have one on my computer) and I say to myself, "Okay, you're not inspired, fine, but you're going to do this for twenty minutes. Write something, even if its a list of things you're NOT going to write about..."

... werewolves, bungee jumping, the history of the south pole, a study of Frankenfish--I don't know why.

Usually by the end of twenty minutes, I've found my inspiration.

Lately I've been reading what I've written that day before going to bed. I'm hoping for that 'something' that inspired writers like J. K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. Maybe I'll get answers and clarity in MY dreams.

What rituals do you use that work for you? I'm always looking for other approaches I can try.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know that I have rituals but I've been trying to pray before I write. I might sound trite to some but I've found a lot of success with it.

Unknown said...

I haven't really thought about rituals, which is surprising for me. I think I'm going to have to make some.

Running = 8 miles
Spinning - 15 miles

Elizabeth Mueller said...

I really enjoy your posts, always so informative! You are so creative and always have fun pictures to go along with them.

I really don't have a ritual. Well, yes I do. I start the day first with scripture reading. When the actual time comes for me to write, I pray for inspiration, the ability to slip into the character's head, to feel everything they are feeling... ;)

Meditation and more prayer comes when I have writer's block.

Mel Chesley said...

I write, just to force myself to write. I find that just making a to do list and moving on from there will help. Not always. But I did make myself sit down one day and said, "I'm going to just write 100 words." I did, then did it again the next night. By the end of the third night I was going full steam.
Where did you find this group that's playing the music?!?! My daughter listened with me, we're dying to know. :D

Unknown said...

Why not write about the study of the frankenfish? sounds like fun to me...