During week 1 1 of the MFRW Blog challenge, our job is to discuss our writing process. Learn from other amazing romance writers about their processes here.
I’m one of those people who thinks things to death. Head and logic driven, I’ve been accused of being the more male persona by some of the men with whom I’ve been in relationships. My friends always yell at me to shut my brain down sometimes and just feel. What does this have to do with writing, you ask? It shapes my creative process in particular ways—by adding some structure and habits to prod and capture unexpected jolts of creative energy.
Training the Muse
To begin with, the logical mind (mine included) relies on data and research to inform (not
make) decisions. A lot of research suggests that creativity is best stimulated by some degree of structure. Coming to the page with a pretty set routine—be it daily, triweekly, biweekly, whatever—is proven to enhance creative productivity. Counterintuitive maybe, but as someone who has to sneak their writing in between full-time work, sole parenthood and other community, family and social obligations, establishing a writing routine is the only way I can get something done. And the fact it’s backed by research calms my android-type mind.
I think of it as training the muse. A bit Pavlovian? Maybe, but it seems creativity gets used to a routine. I write every morning. The alarm goes off at 5:00, I pull my butt out of bed by 6:00 and write for half an hour to an hour before breakfast, guaranteed. I may do some at night if I can, and on the weekends, but the morning is my writing time. So my muse knows that it’s her time to come out to play. I don’t wait for her, rather I create the conditions that invite her.
Given the density of my life, things like daily or even weekly word counts don’t work for me. While deadlines ignite a fire under my derriere like most people, writing often has no real deadlines outside the ones we set for ourselves. For me, habit works to move my writing forward.
Grappling with those recalcitrant plot points
Another strategy I use is to write down my plot, world and character building questions. Writing them down helps clarify the problem and shows both the logical and creative sides where to spend their energies. The problem is those answers come when they do, not neatly during my structured writing periods. So, I always have a notebook in my purse, pens and journals in top drawer of my bedside table, and have learned to use the voice notes on my phone for those odd times in the car. There’s even a pen in the bathroom. Just in case.
Those some of key strategies I use. What do you do to keep your creativity fresh and available?
Very interesting approach. I seriously commend you on being able to write that early in the morning. I’m barely functioning enough to get my kiddos off to school by 7:30. I do think having a routine helps. I started one a few months ago and it went good for a little while. I’ve started to slack off as of late (hangs head in shame) but I’m determined to get back to it.
Its really easy to get out of routine. But once in place, and you’ve done it, its easier to get it back, then getting it started from scratch. Wisdom from way too much experience. Its my routine. I fall off several times a year, and then get back on.
I write early in the morning, too. I have to squeeze it in where I can! I like your idea of keeping notepaper around for when inspiration hits. Sometimes, I have a great idea and forget half of it by the time I can get around to writing it down. 🙂
Another morning person. Yay!. Its funny. I didn’t start out that. I realized it was the only place I could carve out time, so I trained myself to do it, and now I am one.
I write when I finally pull my butt out of bed when my brain is fresh. I save the other busywork for after a good splat of words to the page. I no longer have to rise and shine though, so the hour could be and has been 1:30 pm on occasion. I have fibromyalgia, so I sleep as long as my body says it needs it.
You are awesome. Do what you have to do to get words on the page and nurture yourself. Thanks for dropping by, Cailin and for starting the links on the yahoo group. Great idea.
I’m a morning writer also. And word count only counts when I’m getting down a first draft, the part I find horrendously difficult. Great post, Shari!
Thanks, Alina. First drafts are hard, I edit as I go, another reason word count does not work so well for me. Thanks for dropping by.