Tags
I’ve heard it said that when people write, they each do a certain set of things that helps. There’s been many people say they prefer to write at certain times or at certain points of the day. Or there are those who write while in bed. I’m very curious to know what things people do to get the creativity going when writing for your blog. For me, I like to write in the morning most of the time. Occasionally I will write in the nude as it is liberating. Whatever your ritual, feel free to share.
vinnieh 
No matter what I’m writing, I always have music playing. I also enjoy changing my scenery like working outdoors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sometimes use music to in order to establish a mind set. Hadn’t thought about writing outdoors.
LikeLike
I have to write when the mood takes me. If I sit down at a set time, I find sometimes the words just refuse to come, I struggle to write two sentences and then they are dull and boring, whereas I’ll be going to bed, or in the garden and suddenly I will have paragraphs whirling round in my head of excellent phrases and sentences and I have to find a pen and paper or hurry into my computer! It’s most inconvenient but that’s the way it is
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your sense of spontaneity, very refreshing.
LikeLike
I know what you mean, sometimes I’ll really struggle to write something (say, a film review) and then I’ll go back to it when ‘inspiration strikes’ and the words just pour out of me. Wish I could do it all the time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi sister. I have loved reading the response to this post. Everyone has their own quirks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always listen to music while writing. I also tend to have something to drink on the table next to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good cup of tea helps me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tea can help in a lot of situations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes it definitely can. Hope you don’t think I’m strange for writing in the nude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vin, I’ve followed you for quite some time now… So I’m not surprised to learn that you do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Why are you not surprised?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you seen your blog?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, you have a very good point there. I’ve heard quite a lot of writers do their in the nude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whatever floats their boats, man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s my attitude with most things man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If everyone was the same, the world would be boring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And being naked is one of the most natural things in the world, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. I don’t go naked whenever I feel like though. But that’s just me. You do you, man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only do it sometimes when I’m home alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How many times do you let it go cold? 🙂 I do that all the time!! I know it’s there, but I think “just one more sentence…” then forget again. Cold tea – bah!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It has happened a few times. But then again, sometimes I drink something that’s meant to be cold.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too! Haha.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My rituals are that I take photos for my next day’s blog without deciding what the blog topic will be, sleep on it, and then blog first thing when I wake up in the morning. Thanks for the great question!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a good schedule and set up there. I may take a leaf out of your book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought this question would be interesting. And people have responded favourably to me writing in the nude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like writing in the morning, especially when I’m completely alone. On weekdays, I usually get to my office about an hour to 90 minutes before the rest of my co-workers, so I usually have my YouTube or Podcasts app playing on my phone while I free-write or wrap up a post that’s scheduled to publish. It’s wonderful!
On weekends, I like to write on the living room couch, with a blanket on my lap, with YouTube playing in the background.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kinda have the same ritual here Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
I prefer writing when it’s quiet too.
LikeLike
I too prefer quiet when I write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So long as I got a cup of coffee next to me I don’t care where I am. 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Coffee is a very good stimulant.
LikeLike
Always. Oki my coffee intake might be overkill (about 6 and over a day) but it does help me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not a big coffee drinker, I prefer tea.
LikeLike
I love writing when listening to vocal trance music. I just enjoy the songs. And mostly I write in the morning. When at work, i feel peaceful when am in my office that morning, and not so much work then. But the music plays a big part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music puts me in the mood to write. It’s a key instigator.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If chaos is a ritual then that is mine. I scribble in notebooks, on post it notes, type on phone, iPad and computer. Eventually it all gets put together! Nude, huh? 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to make notes when I can on most of my posts. It helps me with order. Yes I often write in the nude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find being naked quite liberating if I’m honest. I obviously do wear clothes, but I like to be nude sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to have a notebook handy with me at all times and write as the mood struck me. I guess that could be called my routine though it doesn’t follow any patterns for time and place. That’s not completely true, either, as I often found I write best when I am in a public setting, but alone. In other words, I might sit in the food court at the mall and start having great ideas that I have to get on paper immediately. A very recent change in jobs has made writing a challenge, or at least writing whenever I feel the urge. I’m trying to find a new comfort zone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all need a comfort zone.
LikeLike
No surprises about you writing in the nude, V. I now have a vision of your hairy bum perched on your chair though…
I like to write in the peace and quiet. I tend to think up all my posts when out walking with Ollie, then come home and get down the idea, or write a draft. I then write at the opposite ends of the day. Either as soon as I get up, or later at night. Of course, I do generally prefer to be wearing a dressing gown as I write, as I once mentioned.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/my-new-fluffy-gown/
My own naked body is not a thing for public gaze, not even my own!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not always naked, just sometimes. I will take your advice and get some ideas while out walking. Can’t beat a nice dressing gown.
LikeLike
Coffee is a big one for me. I have a French Press and I use Starbucks ground coffee beans. It helps when I’m in the middle of something to take a break after the first few paragraphs and walk around. The brain is an organ after all, needs blood flow sometimes. Music is probably my favorite inspiration for life period but I have to say living in a family of 5, I ant really play my music when I sit down to blog. When I put headphones on I feel like I’m shutting out my family so I save music for other places like the shower or the car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tea or coffee are guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing.
LikeLike
Music is always on.
Coffee is at hand.
Sometimes a nice red wine instead. 😉
The rest, like time of day, doesn’t matter. I tried writing a post on my phone twice: the first and the last time. Never again. I used to hand-write everything, but now it’s all just me sitting here at my Mac.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Red wine eh, I’ll give that a go. Do you ever write in the nude?
LikeLike
As far as reviews of movies, books, I’ll often jot down notes during viewing/reading, some initial impressions and ideas (not even full sentences). Then I’ll look at it later or the next day and decide the angle or perspective of the narrative (how to get across my feeling about the film/book), and rewrite. For reviews I’ll sometimes listen to rock music but for writing fiction I need to have something with no beat, like a film score or new age music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me and you share similarities there. I tend to jot notes just after watching a movie, then go back to it later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
First impression are important to get down while they’re fresh. I haven’t written in the nude though, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I finish watching something, I make notes of things, they help me with pointers for my reviewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hah of course you write naked 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only sometimes when I’m feeling more inspired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always in the morning. First thing. I get my inspiration/ideas before coffee, breakfast, etc. I don’t always publish in the a.m., but always do the writing then. Morning person…all my life. ☺ I use a lap top, naked might be dangerous ??
LikeLiked by 1 person
I use my proper computer when writing nude, can’t harm my Crown Jewels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I usually write in the morning in my comfy robe with my favorite slippers on (bunnies). I also must have my favorite flavored coffee and some music on in the background.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need a comfy dressing gown now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And fuzzy bunny slippers!🐰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I don’t know if they’d suit me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What is your talk on writing while naked?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely not my thing Vinnie! LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To each their own. I don’t know why I like writing naked. It’s a mystery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can seesee why it would be liberating.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has the feeling of freedom and less restriction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That should have said take in the last comment. Damn spell check.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grr.😣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spell check gets on my nerves sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re not alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to know I’m in good company.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙋🏻🙋🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
For me, if it’s something I’m going to watch and review. I usually write an opening paragraph and a few notes in case I see that film or have another project in the works in case I do something else. Once I start writing, it takes a while where I need to think things out through and it can take a while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I seem to do the same thing with the opening paragraph. I like to set up what I’m going to write the work from there.
LikeLike
I find myself usually writing in the afternoon, not exactly by choice, but because it’s when I have the most down time. I usually do a lot of editing in the afternoon, too. I like to use the Notes feature on my phone to keep a constant flow of writing during the day, though. Sometimes I’ll just get a random sentence or two that I have to write down. And I almost always have a cup of hot coffee at my side while doing any sort of writing, for fun or for class 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a stickler for making sure everything’s good before I hit publish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have any rituals as such except that I can’t write about just anything – I really need to have read or watched something that grabs me, inspires me, makes me feel good so I can transfer that energy into my writing. So, can’t get myself to write negative reviews. Oh, I do need a good cup of tea handy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A cup of tea is imperative to my writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think a cup of tea is imperative not only for writing but for the day in general.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My motto exactly.
LikeLike
And what do you think of writing in the nude?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh no….I would feel so uncomfortable…I have to be fully dressed for the day. Besides, I have this irrational fear that somehow the universe out these can “see” me. Can’t even write in PJs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally understand. I’ve heard quite a few people say that they like writing in the buff. But everyone is different.
LikeLike
I never really thought about this before… But, after pondering over if I had any I noticed that I really don’t except for when I’m busy writing a novel. Then I need earplugs for the creative me to escape onto the page or the screen as it is now with all of this technology that engulfs us fully. I do miss the noise of the keys on my electric typewriter and the muted hum it would make. I don’t however miss the spelling mistakes and using white-out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your idea of escape while writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanking you kindly… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And what do you think of me writing in the nude on occasion?
LikeLike
I’m not sure why my opinion would matter on nude writing, but if I did that I may forget and answer the door bell .. That would get rid of the door sales people really quickly.. wink.. Just being silly here and as far as your writing without restrictions I say, “More Power To Ya…” Take care, Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I think if someone knocked on the door, I’d cover up. But thanks for the positive attitude.
LikeLike
🙂 Well around here when the doorbell dingle a lings, my pup barks like she’s a German Shepard and I’d probably get side tracked.. lol giggling here just thinking about that, so I’ll air on clothing while writing here..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, nude writing isn’t for everyone. I don’t do it all the time, just on occasion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL… would your mother want me to know this much information about her son? giggling almost off the chair.. you’re funny ,.,..have a wonderful day…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, that made me laugh. You too have a wonderful day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, vinnieh I shall .. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to write when I can pry the computer away from my wife and/or daughter. Or just wait until they both go to bed. No other rituals for me really.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers for commenting.
LikeLike
You are one nude dude! I like to just have peace and quiet and a cosy spot in bed or on the sofa, maybe a glass of wine or something. No disruptions, no one talking to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being nude makes me feel free. I too can not abide distractions when writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have nominated you for the Sunshine award take a look at my latest post, Alan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alan.
LikeLike
I take notes on the things i’m reviewing as I play them. Things that bother me, or things I enjoyed. Helps me construct a better argument.
I’ll then sit and listen to random playlists, or the game music (if it was good) while I write the review. The game music is good for trigering anything you may have forgotten. Or help identify good tracks/ones you didn’t really notice in the game.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that idea of the music triggering what you may have forgotten. I must try that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is especially useful when the track is slightly obscured by story moments. Helps recall those moments, or lets you hear a great track that was slightly lower in the audio mix.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the advice man.
LikeLike
Listening to music always helps me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music is a good mood setter for my mind set when writing. Have you ever wrote in the nude?
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I can’t say I have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should try it.
LikeLike
A few things I do:
Watch David Bowie videos – because if a being like that can be mortal, I should probably get on with it.
Watch interviews with my favourite writers – it’s not that I can’t, it’s just that anything worth doing requires motivation, because otherwise there’s no creative stake.
And then there’s that episode of Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe, where he interviews different writers. My favourite extract is this motivational piece by Hustle’s Tony Jordan:
“A writer writes, that’s what you do. The clue’s in the title, yeah? Writer? Fuckin’ write!”
So there we have it. Most of my rituals tend to be motivational stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are some very good techniques there Alex. Motivation is the key to success. Or at least that’s what I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no need of ritual. Words are always falling out of my fingertips.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your superb writing is proof of that.
LikeLike
I find music really helps. Even if it isn’t when I’m writing, I find it sets the mood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music is good for the soul and the mind. It can bring out a whole array of emotions. You can’t underestimate the power of music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent question. I find that putting on some sort of repetitive music, usually some sort of heavy metal, drowns out the noise in my head and helps me focus. I am very much an early morning person too, I like getting up early and writing before I have to head to study or whatever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We appear quite similar in various ways.
LikeLike
As I spent many years writing for a living about all kinds of mundane subjects I have to be interested and actually want to write about something before I can ‘put pen to paper’
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear exactly what you mean. I prefer to write when I know I can do whatever it is justice and give my full attention to.
LikeLike
Sorry dont think that answered your question, I do not have a ritual as such, but my first statement points out the requirements I have before I can sit down and write. When I do write, I no longer think about what I write, no one is paying me, so I just write what I am thinking, I do not prepare for 90% of the stuff i publish as it is just my thoughts and opinions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your way of thinking. Sometimes it’s best to just write rather than overthink something.
LikeLike
music and something to sip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an ideal ritual.
LikeLike
I bar myself from the world and let all my demons creep out of me in a safe zone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that sounds like a very personal way to do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My writing is silly most of the time, but it’s crucial to my sanity. I get distracted easily, but I hide away mostly because it’s easier for me to channel that fire to write when I’m alone. So yeah, I suppose it is quite personal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just looked at your blog, excellent work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much. That’s a wonderful thing to read first thing in the morning. I enjoy your site, as well.
I didn’t know William Hurt died. That makes me sad. I haven’t seen him in a movie in a long time, but Hollywood actors often seem immortal. It’s always a bit shock when one passes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was John Hurt who died, I still can’t believe it.
LikeLike
I thought John and typed William. Interesting. I’m hurt either way. Or they are. Terrible thing, death.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand, death indeed is a sad thing.
LikeLike
I don’t know about rituals, but I try to identify things that help me actually get things done, and then force myself to do them until they become habits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your method.
LikeLike