My Writing Process
Many times, I am asked about my writing process. I usually skirt around the question, because my process changes almost weekly. I just keep trying new things. Today, I discovered something. I do have a writing process and it is working! So here it is:
Music
I listen to piano music on the Kindle Fire. My favorite is a CD entitled “A Thousand Years” by the Piano Guys. I downloaded the music for free from Amazon. When the music stops, I take five minutes for a restroom/coffee-tea break. Unless, my dog has decided to it is time for me to take him for a walk. And yes, he is listening for the music to stop.
A Plan
Roses by Lynda Pflueger
This is probably the most effective thing I do. Before I stop writing, I decide what I am going to next. I admit it, I don’t write every day – just most days. I try to have at least a three hour stretch dedicated to my writing and my writing sessions are actually sitting down and writing not researching, reading, using social media, etc. That means I have everything organized for the next session. This usually takes about ten minutes.
My Writer’s Cove
I am also an artist, which means there is a constant war going on in my office between my writing and my art projects. (I have accepted the fact it will never end). So, I developed my writer’s cove. In a corner of my office, I have my computer, printer, and a place where I can turn my chair and access a flat writing surface. I have good light and one of my file cabinets is right beside my writing surface. I cannot see my art stuff from my writer’s cove. This keeps me from being frustrated.
April 7th, 2016 at 4:58 pm
I use a music playlist that “feeds” my current work-in-progress. Sometimes I get distracted and write my own songs about my characters or “by” my characters! I’m trying to get up periodically and do some leg lifts or lift some light weights to keep my body from going numb while my brain is hyperactive. I also try to walk before sitting down for blocks of time to write.
April 7th, 2016 at 7:36 pm
I don’t write with music playing. I find it a distraction. My words need to have their own rhythm and not be influenced by something else. I do try to prepare for the way I will begin the next day, but usually I do it with few simple notes. I try to write every day and at the same time each day. I consider it my “work time,” and like a job, I need to be there on time. But not every day is typical. I do school visits and book signings that eat into my time. Having a successful book or two can make actual writing time more scarce.
April 9th, 2016 at 10:12 am
Linda, lovely post!
Susan, I love the idea of having your character write music — or, let’s say, the lyrics. Could be worked into the story…
Kathy, I too don’t write with music playing. Actually, I am a musician! Thus I agree with your well-expressed thought: “My words need to have their own rhythm…”
Thanks all, for the conversation!
April 13th, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Well, well…one learns something new every day, Linda! Having known you for over 10 years, I had no idea you were also a visual artist, and quite good, too, judging from your lovely rose in a vase..
As a life-long musician, I, too, would be swinging from the rafters if I listened to music, or at least tapping my fingers which could make for a sloppy draft.
PS: I am looking forward to Mme. Butterfly in San Diego this week (4/14/16 oved the post!
April 13th, 2016 at 3:14 pm
Sorry for the misspelled name…I thought it was Lynda with a Y, but I copied from another comment That’s what I get for copying!
Jane P.