Last week I was at a book talk where the familiar question came up ~ do I have any writing rituals? The first time I was asked that question (years ago) I answered, no, I can write just about anywhere. That is true, but since then I've discovered I do have a few writing rituals.
I prefer to write longhand with my first drafts, probably out of necessity from the old days using a typewriter - a mechanical device that didn't fix your grammar or spelling. Very old school! A few other discoveries have cropped up. I must have my tri-sided cushy pencils with their dark lead and wonderful erasers. I prefer to have six, nicely sharpened, and I don't take a break until all six need resharpening.
I desire tablet paper, not notebook lose leaf. Stacking the paper irritates me and using one sheet at a time doesn't offer the surface a tablet does. So attached sheets, yellow please, is what makes me ready to put words to paper. Yet I don't like binder type notebook paper and won't write with them. Quirky, I know.
The last need I cater to is my choice of drink ~ tea, hot or cold, doesn't matter. Tea is the perfect drink; if it starts out hot, it still tastes wonderful once it has grown cold. If it starts out cold with lots of ice and warms to room temperature after awhile, it's still refreshing. It is an aid to my thinking, not a distraction and is an important part of my writing needs.
Do you have a writing ritual? Do you prefer one thing over another when writing? Share with us.
Til next time ~
DL Larson
2 comments:
Let's see... Old fashioned composition books. (I write everywhere and don't lose anything this way.) Pencils with dark lead and great erasers. A scowl so no one bothers me in public places like waiting rooms. My sun room if I'm at home and my dictionary/thesaurus. Tea for me also--hot or cold.
Mary
Giggles and Guns
Sounds as if we have similar habits, er traits!! My sun porch is one of my fav places to write too.
Thanks for sharing.
DL Larson
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