We writers live
inside our own heads a good portion of the time. That’s how we create the
stories we write and the characters who live those stories. To a non-writer, we
may appear to be “present” but often we’re off in another world.
I’m a morning
writer. That’s when my mind is fresh, free from all the thoughts and tasks the
day will undoubtedly bring. When I’m in the midst of working on a book,
especially when I’m close to finishing one as I am now, all I want to do every
morning is focus on that.
Throughout the
morning, I take an occasional break. In good weather, I enjoy sitting on my
front porch with a cup of coffee, leaning back and letting the creative side of
my brain do its thing. I’m basically living inside my head and I’m pretty much
oblivious to what’s going on around me. I know cars are driving by and life is
going on but I don’t really “see” any of it. I always take a legal pad and pen
outside with me because I find that I come up with some of my best ideas at
those times.
Unless
someone interrupts me and brings me crashing back into the real world.
I’m fortunate to
have some really nice neighbors and they all know I’m a writer. I enjoy talking
with them from time to time but, sometimes (not every day), one of them stops by when I’m taking one of my morning “breaks.”
When that happens,
I smile but what I’m thinking is please
go away! I don’t want to be rude or to hurt their feelings so I listen to
what they have to say, nod my head and make a brief comment or two. But I end
the conversation as quickly as possible, explaining that I have to get back to my writing. It’s frustrating because
it takes me awhile to get back into the world of my characters.
Those are the
times I daydream of having a writer’s retreat, a place I could go to get away
from everyone and everything until I
finish my book.
The other day, I
was thinking along those lines and two of my favorite movies came to mind. Most
of you have probably seen Seems Like Old
Times and Misery. Although one is
a comedy and the other is far from it, the main character in both movies is a
writer. A writer who takes refuge in a secluded mountain cabin/lodge to finish his
novel.
Ah! That sounds
like Heaven to me. I imagine myself at my computer all day long with only the sounds of the
birds chirping outside my window. No responsibilities! No interruptions! No people!
And
then I remember what happened to the writers in those movies.
Well, maybe I’ll
think twice the next time I feel the urge to escape to a writer’s retreat. Or I’ll
start drinking my morning coffee at the kitchen table.
Until next week, happy reading and writing!
I "write" during my morning walk. then hit the computer. But not every morning. And sometimes in the evenngs..
ReplyDeleteDac,
DeleteHow do you remember everything you've "written" while you walk? I would have to stop every few minutes to jot down a note. :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Morning is my best time, too, Pat. If I have an appointment or have to go grocery shopping, I can write the day off. By afternoon I've got too many other things on my mind. Like you, I keep paper and pen close by. Wonderful post, and thanks for letting us know others feel the same way we (your readers) do.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marja, for letting me know I'm not the only writer who feels this way. Sometimes, I'm concerned that, if you look up "anti-social" in the dictionary, you might see my picture. LOL
DeleteLike Dac, I "write" during my morning walk. That's when my best ideas occur to me. Many writers find inspiration on their walks.
ReplyDeleteAs for retreats---I'd love to go on one. I have a friend who goes on a lot of them---she says she can't write at home.
Thanks for commenting, Maggie!
DeleteI'll ask you the same question I asked Dac. How on earth do you remember what you've "written" on your walk. If I have an idea and don't jot it down immediately, it's usually gone with the wind. :)
I'm a morning writer also. When I lived in Florida, I had a beautiful place for walking--I called it my "swamp walk" although it was a raised bridge through a tropical, shady area and very beautiful. I did a lot of creative thinking during those early morning walks. In Atlanta my walks are usually interrupted and not as pleasant. My creative thinking has to wait until I'm seated at my computer. And somehow it's just not the same anymore.
ReplyDeletePat,
DeleteIt seems you're in good company when it comes to writing while you walk. I'll say it again - I'd have to carry a notebook and pen in my pocket or, by the time I got home, all would be lost. :)
Having been a journalist, I had to learn to write at any time. I still can but, like the rest of you, I prefer the morning. You're right, Pat--we all occasionally need a place where we can regroup.
ReplyDelete"A place where we can regroup." That's a good way to phrase it, John. Ever since I was a little girl, I seemed to need more alone time than anyone else I knew. I guess that's carried through to adulthood with me - especially when I'm writing.
Delete