WHAT'S YOUR WRITING ROUTINE?

[slytherincesss.livejournal.com]

I was about to sit down and do some writing, and I went through all my little rituals that I do before I start writing, and I realized that there are things I have to do in order to be in the mood to write! I wondered am I the only one with an established routine? Surely not. How do you get set up to write? What do you need to have surrounding you in order to get into your writing groove?

My routine is pretty established. First, I have to make sure I don't have anything outstanding that will weigh on my mind while I write, like unpaid bills or unreturned phone calls. I have this one pillow that I have to prop behind my back when I write, so I make sure I have that. I sit on my couch when I write; I don't have a proper computer desk -- just a little tray-style cart that I keep my laptop on. I have to make sure it's clean. I have to have my beverage (Diet Mountain Dew or milk for me; I know it's unwriterly to not consume coffee like whoa . . . ) and my external hard drive hooked up, so I can save as I go. I do my best writing between 7 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. typically, so that's when I try and hit it. Sometimes I get a song stuck in my head about the fic so I have to put that on repeat on iTunes while I write. I'm big for needing background noise, so if I'm writing and not listening to music, I might put on one of the HP movies (or, lately, it's been the Lord of the Rings trilogy) for background buzz. And then, finally, I have to have on some kind of aromatherapy. Usually it's Aura Cacia's Heart Song essential oil in a diffuser. I also have to be wearing comfy clothes.

Also, do you write in Word or HTML, or something else?

I myself write in straight HTML, including manual tags. Then, later, I make a Word copy. This if for fan fic. For original fiction, I write in Word.

What about you all? What are your writing habits or routines, if you have any? I'm always interested in whether other writers have quirks too!

Comments

[magicallioness.livejournal.com]

Hhhmm, I don't really have a routine like that, I can basically write anywhere, anytime when the mood hits me, but there are some things that help.
I usually have a 'soundtrack' for my fics: one or several songs that I feel represent the atmosphere of the fic well, and I will try to play those while I write.
I can do little snippets at a time, but I prefer longer stretches. Sometimes, that means I start after dinner and write deep into the night. At these times I wish I didn't have a day job *lol*.
I cannot write when I have other things I need to finish, my mind needs to be calm and clear. Since I usually have a long list of things to do, that means the thing I need most to be able to write is free time and unfortunately that's on short supply during a normal workweek.
Also, the less interruptions, the better.

[jakuako.livejournal.com]

the thing I need most to be able to write is free time and unfortunately that's on short supply during a normal workweek

Hear, hear! *headdesk*

[magicallioness.livejournal.com]

Can I just *lol* at that comment? 'Cause *LOL*

[dysonrules.livejournal.com]

I open the Word doc or a notebook and start writing.

That's my ritual. XD

[jakuako.livejournal.com]

I like this method!

[dysonrules.livejournal.com]

It's cuts down on excuses.

:D

[jakuako.livejournal.com]

I share quite a few of the same routines as you. For starters, there can't be any unanswered e-mails in my inbox. I must have my Camelbak water bottle at my side. Music for me is Pandora on an unfamiliar station so that I won't be tempted to stop and sing along. For background noise I prefer the buzz of real life conversation without being at the heart of it, so I tend to situate myself in a semi-isolated comfortable chair just off a well-populated room.

Locations for me are tricky. I can't write in the same place over and over, but each time I've discovered a new place it becomes my inspiration for the next week or so. So it's like a never-ending cycle. One place becomes dull and I switch it up and am suddenly a writing machine. Then before I know it, I need to relocate again. But as long as it's comfortable and semi-isolated I'm good to go.

One thing I've discovered recently is that I write best on my laptop, because my desktop is too big and my iPad is too small. But I plan best in a notebook. So I've taken to carrying one around with me that I always have laying open when I want to jot down ideas, character sketches, a sticky piece of dialogue, etc.

And even when I'm set up in the perfect spot, in the most comfortable clothes, full bottle of icy water, just the right amount of noise...I'm still more than able to get distracted. Just like now. :D

ETA: OH! My external harddrive! *snuggles it protectively* A must have.