By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Creative people are . . . quirky. We can also be labeled as eccentric, bizarre, and probably-should- be-on-meds. But I don’t want to go there. 🙂 We are simply creative. Let’s explore some of my friends’ unusual writing habits as well as my own.
Lynette Eason
She gave me 3, but I’m tossing in a 4th.
I eat M&Ms while writing. When I reach the end of a paragraph, I treat myself.
I clean house when I’m working on a plot line.
I write action scenes standing up because I have to pace.
My birthday is the same as DiAnn’s – now that’s bizarre.
Julie Garmon
I have a hard time writing when I’m not surrounded by peace and quiet.
Bethany Jett
I binge-watch Netflix in the background.
I color or surf through Pinterest and Facebook to get me in the mood.
Edie Melson
I choose the music playlist to write to by the type of writing I’m doing – epic music scores for fiction, classical for blogging, inspirational for writing nonfiction Christian Living.
I also write sitting down for nonfiction and standing up for fiction!
I walk around, speak dialogue out loud, and act out scenes for fiction.
DiAnn Mills
I write on the treadmill. I prop my laptop on the metal book holder and away I go.
I cook or bake when I’m plotting.
Alycia Morales
I write with 5 kids and attempt to block out noise with headphones and music. Do I need to say more?
Beth Vogt
I use a “tread-desk,” which my husband constructed for me. We also mounted a large screen TV on the wall behind the treadmill so I can hook my laptop up to it. This makes it easier to read whatever document I’m writing or editing, even the emails in my inbox.
Friends, if you’ve been wondering if you’re a writer, these responses might have given you the answer.
What is your quirky habit?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Librarian – “Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open.” Laura Bush
Comments 35
I do most of my plotting on the commute to work. When things are really coming together it is almost like a mental movie at 5:30AM. The radio has to be off and the iPhone unplugged. Then when I actually get to do the writing a lot of what was imagined comes back, but in the process of writing it down, new ideas suddenly emerge, that I had not foreseen. That is where the real magic of writing for me exists, the unexpected plot twist that come in the writing moment. Each new day you find yourself wondering what is going to happen next! So far I have not managed to paint myself into a corner too difficult to get back out of. Thanks for wonderful posts that encourages the rest of us!
Ha ha ha. Gotta love writers. I write/type on my elliptical. The MacBook pro fits perfectly wedged against the stationary handlebars. I can easily pass 2 hours writing and….’lipticaling. Yes, I was inspired by none other than DiAnn Mills. 🙂
Hi, Julie, oh, I love it! We should start a blog about exercising tips while writing. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I would love to write on a treadmill if I had one. (I heard Ann Voskamp writes from the treadmill too, Diann!). I do my best writing in a coffee shop, but I only get that luxury once a week. I have NEVER been able to listen to music while writing or studying, but I wish I could. Munching is a very important component of any successful writing day, and a mug of joe is almost as vital as my laptop!
Hi, Yolanda, I assure you that once you combine exercise with writing, the creativity flows! Plus coffee helps between the gulps of water. 🙂
I look out my window at Beautiful Boot Pond with the sound of whatever game has a ball or talking heads in the background. But being able to work and be close to wonderhubby at the same time makes my work hours perfect! And raw nuts to chomp on. Chocolate would be snarfed up in an instant, but oh, I love dark chocolate sea salt caramels!
Thanks, Deb, we may have to express our quirky habits at the Blue Ridge Conference in the coffee shop. I know they have sea salt caramel flavoring – and you could add a dash of dark chocolate.
Despite the fact I’ve read countless articles which state the only two things which should be done in a bedroom are sleep and marital relations, I write sitting up in bed with the laptop perched on two pillows, a wood trivet beneath the laptop so it doesn’t get hot. (I had a lapboard but the stuffing came out. Need to get another one.)
I have a few furry children who assist me when I’m writing. One of their favorite ways is to walk across the keyboard or to flop down atop my hands while I’m typing. Or to sit beside me and yowl at the top of their lungs. (Thanks, kids.)
There is no way I could listen to anything remotely water-like. Ocean? No. River? No. Rainfall? No. Waterfall? No. Dripping faucet? No. I’d be going to the bathroom every fifteen minutes.
I usually prefer it to be quiet while I’m writing. My back yard ends at the freeway access road so I have enough constant noise without adding anything to the traffic, sirens, horns, screech of brakes that come through the bedroom window. Occasionally I’ll listen to music: Praise & Worship; absolutely classical and instrumental are favorites.
I so wish I could eat chocolate all day–I can’t stop at a nibble here, a nibble there, oh, no. Can you say “frequent handful?” #1: I’d weigh more than my car. #2: the caffeine would have me so wired I’d be bouncing off the wall and I wouldn’t sleep at night.
Now I know why your novels are so face-paced! You’re on the treadmill while you’re writing! You are The Woman!!
XOXO
Hi, Jann, I’ve tried writing in bed when it’s late at night, but I always fall asleep. Noise, no problem. No furry creatures in this household unless the grandkids are here, and they aren’t furry, just cuddly.
gotta have silence when i’m writing. I “nest” settled on the love seat with all my accoutrements in reach. I have to have all other mental tasks cleared for the day or they mumble in my head til I take care of them – THEN i can focus on writing. Gotta have my “mug” (read “jug”) of tea and notes next to me. Door preferably open so I can look outside at the trees when I get stuck.
and oddly enough, if there is a distraction, I stop and tend to it, so I can give full attention back to my story
Robin, you are definitely a writer! Keep writing!
you know it!!! 😉
I’ve found that I work best at night, when it’s quiet. No phones are ringing, no TV in the background, and no grandchild needing my attention. Dog is asleep–guarding me. By then I’ve fulfilled all my daily duties, like calling my mother and fixing supper. My husband gets up real early … so goes to bed early. I like to have my bag of chocolate chips nearby. 🙂 And I do sometimes listen to music, mostly the type that has birds in the background or a flowing creek–muted sounds. Right now, it’s late afternoon, but it’s just the dog and I, so I should be writing instead of checking social media and seeing what other authors are doing! 🙂 Ahhh, but it’s fun!
Karen, speaking of quirky – why did my comment to you hit in the wrong place?
I have a few, but three stand out. I must have music in the background.I make sure my thermal mug of tea is really hot,(I usually wait till it is comfortable enough to sip, but somehow, it has to be hot) I make sure my bed spread hangs lower than the other sheets. I check on my budget, to see how much I have spent on groceries. If I’m at the library, I double check the bus schedule, and I create sugar substitute desserts.
Hi Karen, love your quirky habits! If I listened to birds and rippling water, I’d be asleep.
Hi Frances, love your quirks – as lovable as you!
These were fun to read. First and foremost, I need my cup of coffee to be in reach. When I’m plotting, I can’t be distracted. But if I know where I’m going, I can allow myself to be social (near the television and hubby) without it interfering. Productivity is much better without distraction. Rewards? Oh yes…food for thought and food for celebration (a few mixed nuts or no-bake cookies)!
Rebecca, I can’t even think unless I first have my coffee!
What a fun article to read. It seems we are more alike than different. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Kathleen, glad you enjoyed it! There’s a little quirkiness in all of us!
Great. 🙁 Now I have an obsession for a treadmill desk. Thanks, Beth Vogt. 😉
Love the topic.
Hi Sandra, I’m telling you for real that I can walk for 2 hours and write a ton of words.
Loved reading these!
I will confess I’m a coffee-holic (MUST have my coffee when I’m writing…or doing most anything, actually) and sadly I’ve also become “dependant” on M&Ms. 😉
I also need to have my favorite scented candle burning nearby – – something about that particular scent inspires me. (A side note—Yankee Candle has discontinued my very favorite scent, Sparkling Pine, but I am persistent in BEGGING them to bring it back someday- – however, my sweet children have been able to locate a few for me on ebay and in outlet stores!). 🙂
I will also add that I have feline assistants – – usually at least one or two of my kitties are curled up by my feet as I write. They are purr-fect inspiration!
Thanks for sharing this today, DiAnn – – I always enjoy your posts – – even when I don’t leave a comment. 🙂
Hi Patti Jo, we could share a pot of coffee and get lots written. Maybe throw in a few M&Ms!
I’m a reader and reviewer but I enjoy reading while riding my stationary bike. I have to have relative quiet while reading or I read a sentence over and over. My mind easily wanders and that’s why I cannot do audio books. If it’s a really great read that I’m absorbed in though, nothing but nothing distracts me!
Hi Gail, my husband needs quiet when he reads – I’m fine either way. Thanks for posting!
DiAnn, When I started writing, I didn’t know it was a requirement that authors like chocolate–but I soon learned. However, unlike Lynette, who likes M&Ms, I prefer my milk chocolate unmixed with anything, which is why I like Hershey’s kisses. The only time I use my headphones and music (Pandora) while writing is when there’s noise in the house. And unlike many writers, I don’t have a scheduled amount to turn out each day (although I’ve never missed a deadline).
Thanks, Richard, I’d be curious to see how you plot.
I love these!! xoxo Forget to tell you, I also light three candels on my desk. Always three.
Hi ,Julie, I’ve seen those candles on your desk in pictures. Now I know why!
Hi Diann – On You Tube, there is a 9-hour video of ocean waves. I plug in my headphones and listen to it when my house is loud and I’m trying to write. That way I can still be in the same room with my family but zoned into my writing. However, my husband has to throw things at me (soft things, of course) to get my attention. 🙂
Thanks for the fun topic!
Hi, Shannon, I’d be asleep with ocean waves. I don’t listen to music – except when a scene is intense, then I listen to Jaws. 🙂
I’ve read so many times of authors who listen to music. Could NOT do that. As a musician, my mind would naturally wander to the notes, rhythms, lyrics, bassoon line (I have a son who is a professional bassoonist). I need a bit of quiet. But like Lynette, I do enjoy my chocolate. I think I’ll take a cue from her and start doing what she does. I LOVE the treadmill idea. I may look into that. Thanks, DiAnn. Fun to read about authors we’ve read and known for a while.
Hi, Debbie, M&Ms and the treadmill isn’t a bad combination. 🙂