Set up Your SurroundingsA Lesson by Inkjinx Sometimes it's making sure that you're in the right place that gets you set for writing. I'm not talking Feng Shui, but mentality. I'm sure you catch my drift. Every writer is different, and that's something that you have to keep in mind. Some things work for other people, whereas other things may not. For example: I write best in the evening when my room is a little cooler. I typically need something to snack on and a drink at hand, and it's easier if I'm completely alone. If I'm talking to someone on IM, I can get distracted beyond what words can describe--but we're all writers here. I'm sure you can imagine it. It helps if I have my monster hat and reading glasses(that I don't even need) with me, and it's a nice touch to have one of my cats around. My writing will, however, suck if I don't have Amy, my rubber duck, with me. I'm sure you can pick up little bits of how to help yourself along with just that. Let me break it down for you, though. There are a few different components there. 1. Location Some people have desk tops, like me, and don't have the ability to change their location. Still, there are various ways that you can change your writing room to make it writer friendly. Most people have to clear their desk. A cluttered desk usually means a cluttered mind, and it's tougher to write that way. If you clear things off, though, most people will feel refreshed and able to write with a more relaxed mind. It might mean rearranging the furniture, even. Maybe your bed needs to be out of sight instead of right next to you, but maybe you have to be sitting on your bed. I've heard of people even cluttering their bed so that they can make sleep and relaxation unappealing, because it would mean removing everything on top of it. Other people might be able to move a laptop, though, and carry it wherever they want. I like taking a pad of paper and a pen to go to the park sometimes. Sitting on a bench, on the bridge, in a tree, or on the swings will sometimes really inspire me. It's good to have a nice fresh breath of air to keep you relaxed while you write furiously about something less than relaxing. 2. Temperature Whether you think about it or not, temperature control could really be throwing off your writing. Most of the time guys need it cooler and girls will like it warmer. It's alright to go against the grain, though--I do. If you have it too warm, though, you might start falling asleep. Too hot will make you antsy and unable to think well. If it's too cool, you might get distracted, and being frozen won't let you think well. 3. Time of Day It's always when I have nothing better to do that I can write best. That means I can't have pressing obligations, people that want to talk to me, or homework to do. That usually leaves me with late at night(unless my night owl friends are online). Some people might like to wake up a couple of hours early to get some writing done then. I've heard about someone who wakes up at six in the morning on weekends so that people and things aren't competing for their attention. Sounds like a plan! 4. Edibles I like to have something to munch on, and a drink to sip at while I write. It's usually motivating to write a couple of paragraphs, then take a bite of something tasty. Other people might not have things around, lest they spend their entire time eating. Warning, though; this could create bad eating habits. Use this at your own risk. 5. Muse Every writer needs a muse, in my opinion. Call it what you will--a totem, a mascot, an avatar, an icon, a stuffed buddy... everyone needs one. In a writing group I had, everyone brought theirs, and we had everything! Someone had a special pencil, another was a lego dinosaur... there was even a stuffed Kthulu! I like my dear Amy, though, my rubber duck. We've gone through so much together, and I'll keep her to the day that I die. Or, if my hands get chopped off, I'd like to have Amy buried with them. That will be the point that I can't write anymore. Keep your muse close and don't ever let them go. Homework: 1. Try out some of the different ways to change your writing environment to see how things work for you. 2. Find out your writing environment and comment on the lesson with them. 3. Find yourself a writing muse. Post that as well. I'd love to hear back from you about what you think about the lesson. May words flow freely from your fingertips, and happy writing! Comments
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