May 6 question - Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?
The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!
I write everyday when I'm not taking an intential break. The more often I sit down to hash out those outlines, the more I get into the zone. It's not a magical spell. I don't even count the number of words. I write by scenes or chapters.
I do have one trick up my sleeve. When I'm stumped or when I struggle with plot or characters, I go running, walking, or hiking. It always jogs the creative juices. (See what I did there?) The puzzle pieces start to fit.
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| Train Bridge on the Mississippi River (notice the crane!) |
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How is everyone doing? Our state reopened on Monday. I'm super excited to get back into the world. Actually, my routine for the last two months has consisted of daily hikes in the great outdoors. I'm so grateful I live next to the beautiful Mississippi River where I find inspiration around every corner.
What have you guys been up to? Writing? Taking a break? Reading books? Getting inspired? Cleaning? Organizing every room, drawer, and closet in your entire house?
Guilty.
Hi Jennifer, even the lockdown in my city eased on Monday. I love the idea of writing everyday, I do that a lot when I'm on a deadline, but not always. Will do that from now onwards. Hope you all are safe?
ReplyDeleteEveryone here is good! Glad to see your city on the up side!
DeleteI'm not much into cleaning, but reorganizing my writing office is something I can do when the words aren't coming.
ReplyDelete"I'm not much into cleaning" :-) Love it. I wish I didn't have to have that as a hobby, but here we are. LOL
DeleteThat's so great you write every day, and I love how the breaks you take are intentional. Sounds like your system is working for you! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I did take a few weeks off to get my house organized when all this mess hit the world. Everything is organized and cleaned and I'm writing again. Can it just stay this way for awhile?? (The clean house)
DeleteWe go walking every night although it's just around the neighborhood. But our state should be easing restrictions by this weekend. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I love getting outside.
DeleteI'm from the UK, and our lockdown is to be reviewed at the weekend. I'm not holding out much hope, now that we are the worst-hit in Europe!
ReplyDeleteA good walk can help me too, so I relate to that. I find myself wandering down a pathway talking to myself about how to scene the next chapter!
That sounds amazing. Taking a walk in the UK. It's on my bucket list: England, Scotland, Ireland, even Wales! Hope they ease up soon.
DeleteOh yes, a walk is a great way to unlock the mind for me too. Like C.D above said, we are waiting for news on any relaxation on our lockdown measures.
ReplyDeleteIt really lets the mind work while, er, not working. Ha!
DeleteThat's my main exercise, too - simply sitting down and writing. Glad to hear you're doing well and that your state is opening up. We're getting there, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get inside a restaurant! Exciting times lol
DeleteRunning, walking, hiking...getting out in nature and moving really does do miracles.
ReplyDeleteIt's a plot saver, for sure.
DeleteI've been walking almost everyday and doing some cleaning. I still work at my contract writing job so that keeps me busy too. We're still closed in Michigan, and I expect it won't be safe to go out much for a long time. Glad you're writing so much.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're still working! Sorry to hear such strict measures going on in MI. IL is the same way and we are right next door, but we're open!
DeleteI've been doing a lot of walking as well, especially since the gym is closed. Glad you can get out more now!
ReplyDeleteI've come to realize I love staying at home! My elliptical is in the basement. My playground for hiking is right in my neighborhood.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI used to love going jogging. I don't jog anymore but after the Pandemic maybe I will get back into it
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Even walking is good for your body and soul!
DeleteGetting out for a walk is a great way to get the juices flowing. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the "essential" job, so my world hasn't changed all that much, just yet. I am coming home more drained than usual, and not getting as much exercise. If this pandemic continues, I'll have to get a treadmill or something!
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Day!
I bought an elliptical a few years back. Best decision ever!
DeleteWalking is a great way to clear the mind and see things from a different perspective. We're still basically in full lock-down. But we have food, shelter, and close friends and family, so it's all good.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to be able to head out and go for a walk! I've been doing the same - and will go for a walk shortly. Hope all goes well with you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAnne from annehiga.com
THanks! The scenery here never gets old.
DeleteI'm still working, albeit from home. It's actually more hectic for me, trying to work from home with the kids underfoot all the time. I have no idea how people are bored or finding free time to clean their homes.
ReplyDeleteBored is a bad word. I tell my kids that all the time. If they say it, I suggest doing the dishes or cleaning the bathroom:-)
DeleteHope you're doing well. And I hope you know what you can and can't do. Further to the UK comments above, the lockdown has eased but only in England and caused a lot of confusion - in Scotland we're still staying at home and I'm fine with that! Keeping busy with writing, which offers a window of sanity I think is more needed than ever. Those do look inspiring views.
ReplyDelete