We’re all creatures of habits, and writing a novel is no different. Whether you prefer to write on your journey home from work, late at night or early in the morning, there are a few quirks that we writers all share in common.
The elusive word hunt.
It’s either sat staring at a blank page, while our brains conjure up a magic sentence that will steal the hearts of our readers, or it’s trying to remember that word… you know the one… it’s on the tip of your tongue but you just can’t find it. Until, ten minutes later, Eureka! That simple, completely obvious word decides to grace your presence and the writing flow can resume.
White Noise.
Let it be silence while a pink ribbon of sunrise streaks the sky. Or music to fire your muse and set your toes tapping. Maybe it’s the chatter on a busy train or in a coffee shop – but there’s always a preference and without that setting it’s impossible to connect with your characters.
What’s your poison?
My preference is hot tea, keep me supplied in strong PG tips and watch my word count fly. If there’s a chocolate bar around – all the better. You have your own preference, and writing just doesn’t seem the same without it.
Faithful Companion.
Writer’s are solitary creatures: However with our faithful character companions we need never be alone. And yes, I can be found chatting to myself. But in case we require something more substantial, a fluffy pet or two will usually suffices: The writers familiar. In fact, in many ways I’m like my cats, requiring company and affection when desired, but if I’m interrupted during writing, daydreaming, planning, plotting, reading or browsing Pinterest – watch out or the claws may come out.
Name in starlight.
Let’s be honest, who amongst us hasn’t envisioned our novels as a movie. Who amongst us hasn’t daydreamt about being the next J.K. Rowling, I know my WIP would make an epic ride in Orlando. While I joke about such things, there’s still a secret hope that one day I’ll steal just a fraction of that limelight for the worlds I’ve created. So the next time a bout of self-doubt claws through your MS, remember; dreams can come true if we work too, and re-emerge as a humble, hardworking artist and set your goals high.
Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock.
We all know procrastination is a constant companion, like that well-meaning friend who insists that one more coffee, chapter, or Netflix series won’t really matter because everything will be waiting for us afterwards. I’ll offer some advice that none of us will take; don’t indulge her and crack on. Because on the flip-side of time wasted is the fantastic sensation of getting lost in our own worlds, writing sometimes feels like wading through thick water, other times it’s like flying. Regardless of the process one thing is for sure, time always disappears in the blink of an eye and it’s time to put the pen down and slip back to the normal world. And reality is what all writers dread.
I hope you enjoyed this weeks fun post. Can you see yourself in any of these quirks? If so, why not tell me about it in the comments.
Until next week, Much Love Xx
What a pleasurable way for a writer to start his Monday, reading this post. You had me smiling. Yes, that elusive word hunt…..what is the right word……..Ugh.
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Oh wonderful, I’m glad I got your Monday off to a good start. 😊
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My poison is coffee!
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If I’m out and a bout, a cappuccino is a wonderful treat.
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I agree with the elusive word hunt. It’s right up there with Big Foot. Captured on film but has yet to be caught.
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Haha, my friends laugh at me because I do it when talking too. 🤫
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Couldn’t agree more with all of these points, Rainy! Great post ❤
I am such a tea drinker, always, but my consumption has soared during NaNo…my writer's fuel, for sure! 😀
xxx
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Thanks Meelie, I think we should have tea and cake for NaNo. Keep up the good work hun.
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Sounds like a great plan!
You too ❤
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You forgot the seventh, number one with me, procrastination.
I have a blog written about that on my page.
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Well,you know us all well, Lorraine. My weakness/ problem/time waster is social media. Determined to get it out of the way I decide I’ll spend ten minutes catching up.An hour… two hours later I’m still there. And my muse has fled in desperation…
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Thanks for your wonderful comments Judith. 💕 There’s not one among us that doesn’t get trapped in the social media net.
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Yes, definitely the elusive word! 😀 Maybe it’s because English is my 2nd language, but I do need a thesaurus always nearby. Always. Just looking at synonyms triggers the mind 🙂
Happy Writing!
Yari
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I’ve got to keep a thesaurus page open while I write, it’s all part of the process. 😊
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I found this post so relatable! And right now I’m doing the last one. I’m supposed to be writing, but instead here I am reading blog posts…
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😂😂 you’re not alone, that’s what I’m doing now too.
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Definitely there with you on the tea and procrastination, Rainy 😊. I really need to get a furry familiar to complete my list of quirks.
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My weakness is reading and commenting on too many blog posts, but then I often get ideas from them for future blog posts, so I suppose it has its advantages.
Tea and chocolate is a lovely temptation, but even better when they come in the form of a well-deserved treat after writing the day’s word count target.
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That’s not a weakness, that shows support and gratitude to your fellow writer. A quality I admire.
Ooh, treats after writing… perfect.
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Loved this post! I also really have a craving for chocolate now! I love how writers all have such different ideas and creative processes, but being a writer and the feelings that come with our passion are something we all share.
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Thanks Madeline, it can be a lonely business, but we can take support from our community knowing what we share in common.
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Coffee and word hunting… I have created cheat sheets and created more cheat sheets and then categorically create a cheat sheet of words I want to use… Thanks this was a fun read… your energy is wonderful and can be felt
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I created word phrase sheet, jotting down anything that inspired me. So yes, that is a great writers quirk. 😄
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